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Key Stage 3 Curriculum

At the British International School Ho Chi Minh City, our broad and balanced Key Stage 3 curriculum challenges, engages, and inspires, nurturing every aspect of our student's academic, personal, and emotional development. Our students learn a broad range of subjects from the English National Curriculum, with our bespoke grading system, and personalised approach that provides the knowledge and skills for the next stage in their education including IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11.
English National Curriculum

What is Key Stage 3?

The English National curriculum is split into Key Stages. From Year 7 up to the end of Year 9 students are in Key Stage 3 (KS3), before moving to Key Stage 4 and taking the IGCSEs. 

In KS3 whilst following the basis of the English National Curriculum we personalise this to ensure that it is relevant, holistic and allows our students to flourish as learners.  For the first time in their education students will be taught in all lessons by our subject specialist teachers, who encourage students to take control of their learning, think analytically, and solve problems.

We also teach Vietnamese at three levels so that every child has a chance to immerse themselves in the culture of Vietnam.

Broad and Balanced Curriculum

Alongside the English national curriculum we also teach our bespoke wellbeing curriculum which helps our students to balance their mental and physical health with their studies, and give them the social and emotional skills they need to flourish.
  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • Vietnamese (three levels)
  • Mandarin, French or Spanish
  • ICT
  • Design Technology
  • History, Geography
  • Art, Drama, Music
  • Physical Education
  • Wellbeing
KS3 Handbook
co-curricular activities & expeditions

beyond the curriculum

In addition to their chosen subjects, students have access to over 100 co-curricular activities to further expand their skillset and experience.  Students will also have the opportunity to join life-changing residential expeditions within Vietnam building core values and skills along the way.

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Transitions

Year 6 to Year 7

Whilst our Junior and Secondary campus are just across the street, transitioning to a new campus can make students feel both excited and apprehensive. Throughout Year 6 your child will have the chance to visit the secondary campus, meet their teachers and collaborate and learn from Transition Ambassadors (current Year 7 students). We also have a dedicated Advice, Support and Counselling (ASC) team and student prefects to guide them after they transition.

Supporting the Options Process

 At the start of Year 9 students will begin to prepare for their IGCSEs and will receive extensive support and guidance in choosing their own elective subjects.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IGCSE
Options Assembly
At the start of Year 9 students will have an assembly explaining the IGCSE process in more detail. 
Options Assembly
IGCSE Options Evening
In September of Year 9, parents and students will be invited to an IGCSE Options Evening where they will be introduced to the choices on offer and have the opportunity to discuss the subjects in more detail with the Heads of department. 
IGCSE Options Evening
First Thoughts Forms
Students submit their first thoughts forms by October and the option blocks are formed from this. 
First Thoughts Forms
Final submission
Students submit an second form after receiving the option blocks, with their final confirmation of choices. 
Final submission

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING

Your child will flourish at BIS HCMC, where our all-encompassing approach to education balances academic excellence with personal growth and wellbeing, inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

More about OUR academic excellence