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1. Objectives for Qualities and Competencies of Students
The newly announced draft outlines the general education program, including a comprehensive curriculum, subject-specific programs, and educational activities. The comprehensive program aims to foster six qualities in students: love for the country, love for people, diligence in learning, diligence in work, honesty, and responsibility. Regarding competencies, the draft specifies essential skills for learners in the new program, including self-reliance and self-learning, communication and collaboration skills, problem-solving, and innovation skills. These are fundamental skills necessary for individuals to thrive in modern society.
2. High School Level to Provide Career Guidance
A significant change from the past is that the 12-year general education program will be divided into two phases:
- Basic Education (including 5 years of primary school and 4 years of lower secondary school): Equipping students with fundamental knowledge, integrating relevant content from various educational areas and existing subjects to create integrated subjects.
- Career-oriented Education: Aiming to provide students with proactive access to careers, clear orientation for effective preparation for the post-secondary period.
3. Schools Allowed to Arrange Study Times for Each Subject
One notable aspect of the new draft is the absence of a prescribed weekly schedule for each subject. Instead, it specifies the number of study sessions each subject should achieve in a year, leaving the schools the flexibility to arrange study times. The curriculum will no longer be confined to a single textbook as before but will adopt the approach of one program, multiple textbooks. The content remains stable but will be adjusted to better align with practicality.
4. Introduction of New Subjects
The revamped general education program includes new content categorized into compulsory subjects, differentiated compulsory subjects, elective subjects, and compulsory elective subjects. Specifically, for each educational level:
At the elementary level:
- Students must study 8 compulsory subjects: Vietnamese, Mathematics, Foreign Language 1, Lifestyle Education, Our Surroundings, Social Studies, Natural Studies, Technology Studies.
- Differentiated compulsory subjects include: World of Technology, Computer Science, Physical Education, Arts, Creative Experience Activities.
- Elective subject: Ethnic minority language.
- Additionally, students will have guided self-study activities.
- Compulsory subjects: Literature, Mathematics, Foreign Language 1, Citizenship Education, Natural Sciences, History, and Geography.
- Differentiated compulsory subjects include: Informatics, Technology and Career Orientation, Physical Education, Arts, Creative Experience Activities.
- Elective subject: Ethnic minority language, Foreign Language 2.
- Compulsory subjects: Grade 10 is designated as a vocational-oriented class. Compulsory subjects include: Literature, Mathematics, Foreign Language 1, Economic and Legal Education, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design and Technology, National Defense and Security Education.
- Differentiated compulsory subjects: Informatics, Physical Education, Art Activities, Creative Experience Activities.
- Elective subjects: Ethnic minority language, Foreign Language 2.
- Students must study 6 compulsory subjects: Literature, Mathematics, Foreign Language 1, Physical Education, National Defense and Security Education, Creative Experience Activities.
- Compulsory elective subjects: Students study 3 subjects and 1 study topic from the following subjects: Economic and Legal Education, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Applied Informatics, Design and Technology, Fine Arts, Music, Study Topic.
- Elective subjects: Ethnic minority language, Foreign Language 2.
From grade 1 onwards, foreign languages can now be taught. The chief editor, Professor Nguyen Minh Thuyet, states, 'Starting from grade 3, students will officially learn foreign languages. However, in regions with suitable conditions, it is allowed to commence teaching from grade 1, with a maximum of 70 sessions per year to prevent academic overload.' This means that students will familiarize themselves with this subject right from their early years in elementary school.
In a significant update, Professor Nguyen Minh Thuyet reveals, 'Foreign language education will now begin from grade 3. However, in areas with favorable conditions, it is permissible to initiate language teaching from grade 1, with the restriction of not exceeding 70 sessions per year to avoid burdening students excessively.' This early exposure ensures that students get acquainted with the subject as soon as they step into primary school.
Innovation in student assessment is a key highlight. According to the draft, schools will directly handle the graduation evaluation process, eliminating the need for traditional graduation exams. Instead, students will be assessed regularly through three main methods: continuous assessment (conducted by subject teachers), periodic assessment (organized by educational institutions), and comprehensive assessment (conducted by national or provincial quality assurance teams). Students who successfully complete their courses and meet the assessment criteria specified by the Ministry of Education and Training will be awarded high school diplomas.
A groundbreaking change in the proposal is the shift in student graduation evaluation responsibility to schools. No longer will students undergo traditional graduation exams; instead, their graduation will be based on periodic assessments. The three primary assessment methods include continuous assessment (managed by subject teachers), periodic assessment (organized by educational institutions), and comprehensive assessment (administered by national or provincial quality assurance teams). Upon completion of required courses and achieving the stipulated assessment results by the Ministry of Education and Training, students will be granted high school diplomas.
