At BIS HCMC, as well as belonging to a Year and Form Group, each student is also assigned to one of four houses - Dalat, Hanoi, Hue or Saigon. These Houses form smaller communities within the school which include students from every year group from our youngest students to our oldest. This creates a sense of belonging and unity within each House and provides role models for our younger students. The Houses were chosen to represent four major cities in Vietnam to acknowledge our Host Nation. Every student is assigned their House when they join the school. There is also the opportunity to become Year Group House Captain in Years 6 and above, to represent the House and encourage students and teachers to participate in House Events, all whilst developing leadership skills.
In the Secondary Campus we also have teacher Heads of House who coordinate and drive the House system, developing the events calendar, providing support for student leaders, and responding to the co-curricular needs of the school. You can meet our Heads of House below. The House events calendar is determined at the end of our previous academic year, and over the last few years has been developed to go beyond competition and sports into a wide range of events that encourage creativity, activity, and service in our students. From the History House Quiz, to the International Day Fashion Show, Dodgeball Competition, Geography Photography Competition, and of course, our Inter-House Athletics Day, there really is something for everyone to get involved in.
In our opening House Assemblies of the year our Heads of House spoke about the importance of participation, and participation really is key to feeling part of a community and winning the overall House Trophy. There are points awarded for the winners of each event, and also, more importantly, for participation. Last year, for the first time ever, two of our Houses tied for second place on exactly the same number of points. Just one person participating in one more voluntary House Event would have made all of the difference.
So this year we are challenging all of our students to participate in at least one House event per term and really Be Involved in House life.
Our first event this year took place on Saturday 19th September for World CleanUp day, which saw an incredible turnout from Dalat House to be the most represented House on the day. This activity brings together our drive for sustainability and giving back to our community with our love of all things House related. We were really proud of everyone who came out and picked up rubbish in Thao Dien. September has also been ‘Read a New Book’ Month and our Year 7 students entered a House bookmark design competition. You can find out more from Ms Curley here.
Last week saw our first House Training Day of the year, with House Captains from all year groups coming together in the Secondary Auditorium to learn about leadership, communication, collaboration, and how to motivate others. Our Year 6 students joined their Secondary peers in discussing the purpose of the House System, new ideas for activities and events, and together they began planning for Epic House Week which will take place in December. There will be more information about this very exciting new event later in the term!
So how will you Be Involved this year?
Ms Lauren Binnington
Deputy Head Teacher - Whole School Enrichment
Head of Dalat House - Mr Angel Lozano
Having been at BIS for 2 years now, I believe that the House System is a fundamental part of who we are at BIS. The numerous events and competitions that we organise throughout the year give not only to our students but to our staff too and a sense of community and belonging to something greater. As Head of Dalat House, I feel honored to embrace this spirit and I am proud to see our students thrive in different aspects of their academic life.
Head of Hanoi House - Mr James Quarrington
This is my second year as Head of Hanoi House. I thoroughly believe that the House System epitomises what it means to be a student at BIS. We encourage students to develop crucial skills for life by working and competing alongside one another and stepping out of their comfort zones. I’m a very competitive person by nature, and really enjoy cheering on my House at the numerous events and competitions that we organise - especially Sports Day. Go Hanoi!!!
Head of Hue House - Ms Maddison Carter
As a PE teacher I have a very competitive spirit and am all about the fun! This is my second year as Head of Hue House and I feel the House System allows all of us; students and staff to experience different opportunities and push ourselves out of our comfort zone. The House System brings togetherness across all aspects of school life and the community allowing us to thrive in all areas whether that be sport, the arts or academically. My aim is to have every member of Hue House participate in as many house events as possible throughout the year. HUE TO GO!
Head of Saigon House - Mr Andrew Barry
I’m an English teacher who is as new to Vietnam as he is to the role of Head of House. As the alpha wolf of the Saigon house, I am fiercely competitive and determined to push success in every facet of the house system. I also believe that every Saigon member has a responsibility to look after their pack, and that it is only through team work that we will truly come out on top!
We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 class of 2024, for their impressive IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) results. This incredible cohort of 155 students, our largest IGCSE class in the history of the school, have significantly surpassed UK and international averages and were awarded 97% of all grades at A*-C. An incredible 62% of all grades awarded were at A*-A.
