The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is designed to offer students a comprehensive education that goes beyond traditional academic subjects. Unlike many other curricula, IB allows students to explore a diverse range of subjects, including everything from global politics and film to psychology, philosophy, and computer science. This broad range of offerings means that students are exposed to a wider variety of topics and can develop a more well-rounded understanding of the world around them.
IB curriculum is about more than just academics. Its primary goal is to develop socially conscious adults who are equipped to contribute to society in a meaningful way. To that end, the IB curriculum includes an outdoor activity component that encourages students to engage in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) projects. This helps students develop a more balanced approach to their studies that emphasizes social and emotional growth as well as academic achievement.
Top universities and institutions worldwide recognize and value the IB curriculum, making it an excellent choice for students looking to pursue further education. Of those in Vietnam, the European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS) is one of the leading IB Continuum Schools, offering a world-class education that prepares students for success in whatever they choose to do.
With a focus on providing a truly international education, EIS boasts a diverse community of over 40 nationalities and languages represented.
One of the standout features of EIS is its boutique, garden, and low-rise villa-style campus, providing a beautiful and serene learning environment. But it’s not just the campus that sets EIS apart – the school has a team of world-class teachers, experienced and qualified, with an average of 13 years of teaching experience.
EIS had an impressive 100 percent pass rate for the 2021- 2022 academic year, reflecting the quality of education provided at the school. Despite its high standards, EIS offers affordable tuition fees, making it accessible to families who value a high-quality education.
Moreover, EIS is a Council of International Schools (CIS) accredited school, demonstrating its commitment to providing an exceptional education that meets rigorous international standards.
Broadening the Perspective
EIS was authorized by the International Baccalaureate in 2014 and reauthorized in 2019. Since becoming an IB World School, EIS has continued to grow and develop in terms of numbers, facilities and rigour. It is a K-12 English Medium school which offers a truly international education giving its students many opportunities to broaden their perspectives and become global citizens.
It is an educational village where the school learns to make positive contributions to communities and the world beyond.
An Amalgamation of Knowledge and Experience
The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at EIS has a wealth of knowledge and experience teaching and leading in international schools across the globe. Both John Veitch, Head of School and Jo Roberts, Deputy Head of School are deeply committed to the mission and vision of the school and are fully involved in all aspects of school life.
An effective structure of distributed leadership means that the SLT is strongly supported by a variety of leaders across the school, ensuring that all learning programmes are clearly defined, rigorous and in accordance with the requirements of the International Baccalaureate.
Step-by-Step Growth
EIS is a relatively new school in the city, approximately 11 years old. This meant that a great deal of hard work, dedication and investment had been required throughout this time to enable the school to grow in size, quality and stature to ensure quality and sustainability. As a growing school, facilities and space were issues in the past but due to comprehensive and thoughtful planning and investment EIS has been able to maximize its potential by acquiring additional villas to convert into teaching spaces.
Allowing Students to Explore Interests
EIS provides a rich and diverse program of After-School Activities (ASAs) and ExtraCurricular Activities (ECAs) for all students from Early Years up to Grade 12. Students can explore their interests in a nurturing space and the education they need to develop their artistic talents, social competencies, physical endurance, and skills. While participating in some of the many activities the school offers – including sports, arts and crafts, robotics, coding, painting and community service – learners have fun in a supervised and supportive environment. ASAs are included in the annual tuition fees.
A range of Field Trips and activities are provided to students across all grades. EIS also offers an exciting Week Without Walls (WWW), an experiential learning opportunity for students in Grades 3 – 11. WWW opportunities provide students with time outside the confines of the classroom. During this learning period, EIS students are encouraged to look beyond their books or electronic devices and discover the world outside of their regular environments.
Ensuring Effective Learning
EIS joined ‘Inspired,’ a premier worldwide group of 80 top schools spread across 23 countries and five continents, in 2020.
The Group was founded in 2013 by Nadim M. Nsouli with the objective of providing students with a high-quality international education that included innovative and engaging programmes in schools equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Inspired continues to demonstrate excellence in private education ten years later, educating 70,000 students worldwide. To ensure effective learning across the Group, Inspired’s excellent educators utilize a deep understanding of best practices in modern education. International exchange programmes, foreign study experiences, collaborative research possibilities, and a progressive teaching approach benefit Inspired schools.
Developing Essential Life Skills
EIS is well-established as one of only a few IB Continuum Schools in Vietnam. Students receive a challenging worldclass learning experience with an emphasis on concepts and the development of essential life skills. Its learning environment provides students with the values, attitudes, and tools needed to grow into globally minded and independent citizens, well-prepared for further studies, and able to make positive contributions to the world.
Enhancing Linguistic Abilities
EIS offers three IB programmes for 3 – 18 years of age. The Diploma supports the study of home languages by offering Vietnamese and Korean bands. This means that many students who would not be eligible for the Diploma or a Bilingual Diploma have the option to study their strongest language independently with the support of a specialist language supervisor from EIS and an external tutor.
Students have a variety of additional languages to choose from, such as French, German and Spanish. Importantly, at EIS, there is a strong focus on differentiation and personalized learning.
Never-Ending Pursuit of Excellence
For its impeccable display, the school has received numerous recognitions. Some of them are
- IB Continuum School
- CIS Accredited
- EARCOS Member School
- 100 per cent pass rate in the IB Diploma for the 2020– 2021 & 2021 – 2022 academic years.
EIS will continue to strive for excellence and remain committed to its mission and vision of fostering, educating and empowering future generations of global citizens.