Strange and interesting subjects in primary schools in Ho Chi Minh City

Primary school students in international, private and public schools in Ho Chi Minh City and many other provinces are taught some subjects that sound quite strange compared to the current general education program. What are those subjects?

What is the subject of global perspectives?

Many private, international schools, starting from primary level now teach students global perspectives (Cambridge Primary Global Perspectives). What is this subject?

Master Christopher Bradley, Deputy General Director of Professional Education at Victoria School, said the Cambridge Primary Global Perspectives program helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration skills and confident communication skills.

Through relevant topics and real-life contexts, students explore local and global issues, develop multi-dimensional perspectives and propose practical solutions. From there, the program helps students build a foundation of research, evaluation and teamwork skills, towards developing lifelong learning and global citizenship.

Students in many schools learn subjects such as wellbeing and global perspectives.

PHOTO: PHUONG HA

Well-being subject in primary school

Notably, elementary school students at many private and international schools in Ho Chi Minh City are learning the subject of wellbeing (health and happiness).

Master Christopher Bradley said the well-being course equips students with knowledge, understanding and practical strategies for self-care, while also fostering empathy, resilience and community responsibility. Students will explore topics such as friendship, family, community values ​​and social responsibility, thereby forming deep connections with themselves and those around them.

Through discussion activities and reflective practice (Reflective Practice, understood as evaluating and thinking about one's own experiences to find deeper understanding of oneself - reporter), students develop confidence in communication and the ability to adapt to changes in a safe and positive way.

Thus, the subject of wellbeing helps students to perceive and take care of their mental and physical health, thereby contributing to bringing happiness to the surrounding community.

Primary schools in Ho Chi Minh City are built and developed according to the criteria of happy schools.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

At present, public primary schools in Ho Chi Minh City are all developing according to the criteria of a happy school. Students do not have a separate lesson called "health and happiness", but educational activities to convey to students messages about mental health, physical health, and happiness are integrated throughout the student education activities at school.

Deploying subjects and educational activities on artificial intelligence (AI)

To prepare students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in the digital age, many schools have taught elementary school students subjects and educational activities related to computer science and AI.

In public elementary schools, these subjects are organized as after-school clubs - part of the school program so that parents can register to participate based on their needs, talents, and interests.

For example, Tran Hung Dao Primary School, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (HCMC), organizes Robotics Club; Digital Citizenship Skills Education Club... after 4 p.m. (after school hours) so that students can explore and learn while waiting for their parents to pick them up.

At private and international schools, these subjects are organized into lessons and educational activities during the time children participate in learning and experiencing at school.

For example, in the computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) course at Victoria School, students explore programming, data, digital systems, and AI concepts such as machine learning, technology ethics, and human-centered design through experiential activities. They learn how to solve logical problems, work effectively in teams, and apply technology to real-world situations.

Students chat with the teacher at the beginning of class before starting the lesson.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

Meanwhile, from the 2025 - 2026 school year, in addition to the basic subjects in the current general education program (General Education Program 2018), elementary school students at the Vietnam - America School system - VA Schools will be offered a number of additional subjects such as AI-Robotics; STEAM (integrating science, natural science, and art); 21st century skills...

With the subject "AI - Robotics", students study 1 period/week to help approach programming thinking, robotics principles, artificial intelligence and automation, thereby forming technological creativity capacity.

From elementary school, many students in many schools in Ho Chi Minh City learn subjects about AI, Robotics, 21st century skills...

PHOTO: THUY HANG

With the 21st century skills subject, students also study 1 period/week, focusing on developing personal qualities, social skills and adaptability, helping to form independent thinking, effective self-study, making the right decisions and positive communication. Through experiential learning models and community projects, students are trained in leadership skills, responsibility and global citizenship awareness...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mon-hoc-la-thu-vi-trong-cac-truong-tieu-hoc-o-tphcm-185251009185614867.htm