ISHCMC Annual Report 2010-2011 by ISHCMC

ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011 Fostering Individual Ability

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

School Philosophy School Philosophy ......................................................................................... 3

The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) provides a positive academic, and caring social environment which emphasizes the development of the whole child, fostering individual ability within an intercultural community.

IB Learner Profile ............................................................................................. 4

MISSION STATEMENT

ISHCMC Joins Cognita............................................................................ 5

Demographics .................................................................................................... 18

Headmaster’s Report ................................................................................ 6

English as an Additional Language ....................................... 19

Fostering individual ability

ACCREDITATION

Board of Management Report....................................................... 7

IB Primary Years Programme ........................................................ 20

ISHCMC holds accreditation status jointly with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Advisory Council Report ....................................................................... 8

International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) ....................... 22

CURRICULUM AUTHORIZATION

PTO Report ............................................................................................................. 9

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)/ IBMYP ........................... 24

ISHCMC is recognized as an IB World School and the curriculum is authorised for all three programmes of the International Baccalaureate – IB Primary Years, IB Middle Years and IB Diploma.

Faculty Qualifications and Degrees ................................... 10

IB Diploma ................................................................................................................ 25

Teaching Assistants Information ............................................ 12

University Acceptances Class of 2011 ............................. 26

Technology .......................................................................................................... 14

City College Campus ................................................................................ 28

Grade and Class Size ........................................................................... 16

School Activities ............................................................................................... 30 Extracurricular Activities ........................................................................ 31 Major Calendar Events ............................................................................ 32

ontents

ISHCMC’s City College Campus, primarily for Vietnamese high school students, provides a curriculum based on the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Level examinations through Cambridge International Examinations and also offer subjects of study from the Vietnamese national curriculum.

IBO MISSION STATEMENT The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

IB Learner Profile

ISHCMC Joins Cognita

IB programmes aim to develop internationally minded people who recognize our common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, and help to create a better, more peaceful world. IB Learners are:

In June 2011, ISHCMC joined Cognita, a leading international independent schools group. Cognita is committed to excellence in education, with a reputation built on strong national and local leadership, a determination to provide the highest-quality teaching, a broad curriculum and personal support for every child. The group currently encompasses over 50 schools across the UK, Europe and Asia employing some 3,800 teaching and support staff, in the care and education of over 17,500 students.

INQUIRERS. Students develop their natural

OPEN-MINDED. Students understand and

curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

KNOWLEDGEABLE. Students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

THINKERS. Students exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to pose and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

COMMUNICATORS. Students understand and

RISK-TAKERS. Students approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

BALANCED. Students understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

CARING. Students show empathy, compassion and

PRINCIPLED. Students act with integrity and

REFLECTIVE. Students give thoughtful

honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

‘Walk through the classroom door and you know the atmosphere is intense. Every child is involved, there is silent concentration and there is excitement and there is laughter. This is teaching as it should be. How is it done? The teachers are passionate about their subjects. They have the highest possible expectations of every child. They are experts in the craft of the classroom. Teaching excellence, Cognita’s goal. The most important thing we can offer our students.’ Sir Christopher Woodhead, Cognita Chairman. Sir Chris is one of the founders of Cognita and former Chief Inspector of Schools in the UK from 1994 until 2000. He had a vision of building a family of uniquely individual schools around the world with a focus on teaching excellence to ensure that each school retained an outstanding local reputation. With ISHCMC as part of the Cognita Schools Group we endeavour to promote and preserve the unique character of the school, engage and work with parents at every available opportunity and strive to challenge all ISHCMC students to realise their full potential in all fields. In order to do this, we always seek to recruit and develop dynamic, visionary school leadership capable of fostering secure, purposeful and disciplined learning environments in which children can thrive. We develop continued excellence in teaching by seeking to identify, recruit and develop teachers who care equally about the subjects they teach and the children in their care. We support and monitor teacher performance, investing in regular and appropriate staff training and development. We foster best practise in every aspect of our schools’ provision and by easing the administrative burden, we seek to empower the Headmaster to focus on the people that really matter - the students first and foremost, their parents and their teachers.

Cognita Asia Network Vietnam

Thailand Singapore

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Headmaster’s Report

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Board of Management Report In June 2011, Cognita was proud to add the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) into the group. The school has a long standing reputation for delivering high quality education to a diverse population of students. We regard ISHCMC as the most prestigious and best quality international school in Vietnam and both the Ministry of Education and Department of Education & Training agree with this assertion.

It is a pleasure to present to you the Annual Report for the International School Ho Chi Minh City 2011. The Annual Report is a means through which we convey some of the more significant aspects of our school. We have chosen to include information and those statistics and reports that we believe will be of most interest to a broad community and that provide an overview of the commitment of our school to continuous school improvement. Having a direction based on goals, expectations and standards that are understood by our community is extremely important and likewise is our ability to analyse comparative data to advance our instructional programmes and the teaching and learning that occurs each day in our classrooms and school in general. There has been an ongoing emphasis on data gathering and information related to the outcomes of assessment, testing and results with the intention to modifying our programmes to meet the needs of our students. The focus has continued to be on the quality of our curriculum and instructional programme, setting high academic expectations and providing challenging learning opportunities for our students. During the past year we have continued to attend to action planning to address the accreditation reports of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Additionally, we have attended to the requirements provided by the authorization reports by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Such external standards and benchmarks are vitally important. The outstanding achievements of our students in the IBDP and IBMYP are praiseworthy and the solid foundations provided by the IBPYP are noteworthy. A major aspect of school development has been our renovation and construction projects. We look forward to having exciting new facilities for swimming, physical education and play. Additional classrooms and science laboratories will be welcomed by our high school students and teachers. Another major aspect of school development, not as noticeable perhaps as the rising buildings, has been the rise of technology; our 1:1 tablet programmer, digital displays and emphasizes on greater use of the OLC and website. The integration of technology is a priority for our school, providing new tools and changing the way teachers teach, and more seriously, the way students learn in the 21st century. The engagement of individuals to a common core mission of fostering the individual has been a hallmark of our school. It is particularly pleasing to note the now consolidated role of the PTO, supporting many aspects of school events and happenings and, more importantly parents in our mobile international community. The dedication of our teachers is appreciated and exemplified by their increasing years of services and commitment to professional development to up-skill teaching strategies and best practices. And, of course our students who work together, play together and share personal and social life together each day. The information provided in this Report is particularly about them and their individual experiences. The successes in academic excellence, sporting prowess, creative and performing arts, student leadership and community service are indicative of their capacities and their abilities to work collectively for each other. Sean P. O’Maonaigh Headmaster 1999 - 2011

Facility improvements were completed over the summer break that started under the previous management including a new multi-use, all weather artificial grass surface and the new extension wing equipped with music studios, state of the art science laboratories and a multi-purpose gymnasium. We were also able to use the summer holiday to action upgrades at the front of school, through the canteen area and up to reception. The 2010/2011 school year also marked a change of leadership for ISHCMC, and the Board of Management would like to extend a very sincere thanks and appreciation for over a decade of tireless effort from Sean O’Maonaigh to create a high quality school. As we embark on a new school year under new ownership, we look to take ISHCMC to the next level and raise the standards of education to ensure you continue to feel proud of your school and its development. The 2011/2012 academic year will see the roll out of the current 1 to 1 tablet program in Senior School extend through Middle School, making ISHCMC the only school in Vietnam to offer such a programme. Cognita has a strategic focus on the use of technology in the classroom and we look forward to working with the community and staff to develop and implement technology solutions to improve the quality of teaching and learning for students. Finally I wanted to thank our parents, students and staff for choosing ISHCMC as a place to teach and learn. We look forward to delivering a long term strategic plan for the school which adds value to all stakeholders in the process and continue to have ISHCMC be the “school of choice” in Ho Chi Minh City. Brian Rogove Chief Executive Asia Pacific Cognita Schools Group

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Advisory Council Report

PTO Report

The Advisory Council had an active year in 2010-2011, continuing in its role as an advisory body to the School’s Board of Management on policy issues and strategic long term planning for the School. It was a year marked by greater transparency regarding the Council itself, healthy debate, and a general degree of increased activism, communication, input and involvement from all Council members.

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at ISHCMC is dedicated to supporting students, parents and teachers and enhancing the educational and social activities on campus. The events that have taken place in 2011 have relied on the support of a committed group of volunteers including committee members, individual cultural representatives, classroom parents and other involved parents.

Consisting of the Headmaster, Owners Representative Mr. Andy Ho, School Representatives Mr. Tony Shadwell and Ms. Chris Byrne, Faculty Member Doug Willard, Parent Members Mr. Canh Do, Ms. Lee Baker, Ms. Jakki Lydall, Ms. Chris Byrne, and Dr. Lam of the City College Campus (now ISHCMC American Academy), the Council met regularly and considered a number of important issues regarding the School. Recognizing ISHCMC’s accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), as well its authorization by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) for the IB Primary Years, IB Middle Years and IB Diploma Program as key to the School’s strength and reputation, the Council devoted the bulk of its time in 2010-2011 to a review of the various accreditation and authorization reports issued to the School in terms of both commendations and recommendations for improvement made by the various visiting accreditation bodies. The Council continued to discuss and review aspects of the School’s Admissions Policies, as well as Class Size Policies, Diversity and Class Make-up Issues, Student Support Services, and the matter of Facilities. The need for better communication was also noted by the Council, and a Communications Subcommittee formed to take steps toward a communications “audit” and an overall improvement in the way(s) the School communicates with the School community. The Council also continued to work together with the School’s Administration to develop a system of data gathering designed to yield up “performance indicators” in various areas where the School should be measuring its progress and determining how it stands up against other international schools, in both Vietnam and the region. The indicators relate not only to academic performance, but also to the implementation of the core values of the School’s mission, philosophy, learning objectives and the IB Learner Profile. It is hoped that once this system is fully developed, this body of data will be utilized to lead to improvements in School’s overall performance and an enhanced learning experiences for our children. In May, a newly-constituted Advisory Council attended a workshop on Governance and Management, together with Board of Management members. This annual interactive workshop, facilitated by an external consultant, was once again a wonderful setting for open discussion among Council members of their responsibilities, as well as the many issues surrounding management and operation of the School. It should be noted that an Advisory Council such as the one at ISHCMC - with real responsibilities and power (if only to recommend), and with parent and teacher members - is relatively, if not completely, unique among international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Parents and teachers are encouraged to get to know their Advisory Council members, and to work with them on any policy and/or strategic issues regarding the School that may arise. The current Advisory Council members are: Mr. Brian Rogove, Mr. Jakob Bergholdt and Ms. Thuy Phan (from Cognita), Ms. Lee Baker and Ms. Kelly Neumann (Parent Members), and Mr. William Schlei (Faculty Member). They will hold office until the end of school year 2012 - 2013.

PTO ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN 2011 PTO FAMILY NIGHT. A welcome back to ISHCMC with music, dancing, food, games and fun. CULTURAL REPRESENTATIVES. Cultural representatives welcome newcomers to the school, introducing them to their cultural communities and help to organize the various cultural events for the school. Besides making Vietnam feel a little bit more like home for our families, this program also further educates our students on the rich heritages of the many countries represented at ISHCMC. NEWCOMER REPRESENTATIVES. Two Newcomer Welcome Teas were held this year; one in January and one in August. CLASSROOM REPRESENTATIVES. Volunteers from each class assists our teachers with communication, coordinating events and recruiting volunteers for classroom assistance and special events at school. INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL. International Festival is an opportunity for our school community to come together and to share aspects of nationality and culture through exhibitions, games and food in a fun and educational manner. CELEBRATION OF CULTURES. One of our most spectacular events of the year, students, parents and teachers dress in national costume and each country represented gives a three minute cultural performance to the entire school. TEACHER’S DAY MORNING TEAS. A celebration of our wonderful teachers at ISHCMC and our chance to say thank you for all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

JUNIOR & ELEMENTARY MOVIE AFTERNOONS. Held after school, a fun event that the Junior & Elementary school students look forward to all year.

SATURDAY SPORTS PROGRAM. Now in its sixth year, this parent volunteer coaching program continues to thrive at ISHCMC. In September, the program grew to include Saigon Sports Academy which offers professional coaching to our students. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY. This group organises the Used Book Sale in April and the Schoolibook New Book Fair in November. These events provide parents, students and teachers an opportunity to purchase books and other learning materials that not generally available in Vietnam. A portion of the sales are donated to the Friends of the Library fund to continue to support the ISHCMC Library. CHRISTMAS TEA. ISHCMC parents gather together for holiday treats and to learn a little more about Christmas traditions all over the world. PTO also holds Executive, Committee and General Meetings throughout the year. The PTO Annual General Meeting was held in May and we welcomed Gail Griffis to speak to parents regarding “Transitions”. The October meeting invited Greg Vandeford from Saigon Sports Academy to speak to parents about “Sportsmanship in an International Setting”. December also showcased the publication of the first PTO Cookbook: ISHCMC Cooks! Ms. Kelly Neumann PTO President

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Faculty FACULTY TEACHING EXPERIENCE 68% of our teachers have more than 10 years of teaching experience and most of them have previous experience teaching in international schools. Our teachers understand the special value of a multicultural learning environment.

2.0%

1.0%

There are 100 professionally qualified expatriate teachers at ISHCMC. The standards of CIS and NEASC require ISHCMC to enhance teaching and learning through continual professional development.

8.0% 9.0%

Mor e than 30 yrs

31.0%

21-30 yrs

5.0%

11-20 yrs 5-10 yrs 27.0%

1-4 yrs 51.0%

Doctor Maste r Bachelor Diploma 66.0%

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (JANUARY - DECEMBER 2011)

YEARS OF SERVICE AT ISHCMC

ISHCMC sends teachers to attend several professional development courses annually. The following analysis provides an overview of the Professional Development Programme in 2011.

There are 32 new teachers who joined ISHCMC in August 2011. The average length of stay is approximately 4.7 years, which is uncommon in the transient, international teaching profession.

Organizers

Courses

Number Attended

East Asian Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS)

Annual Conferences, Weekend Workshops for administrators and teachers

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)

Conferences and Workshops

7.0% 8.0% Mor e than 10 yrs

49.0%

Principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Training Centre (PTC)

Summer Workshops

Council of International Schools (CIS) & European Council of International Schools (ECIS)

Accreditation Visits, Workshops and Conferences

Individuals attending courses

Technology, Assessments, Digital Learning, Doctoral Degree, Leadership Training, Masters Degree, Counselling, Post Graduate TESOL

The teaching faculty is predominantly from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and North America. In total, there are 13 nationalities represented from the 100 international teachers employed at ISHCMC

6-10 yrs 3-5 yrs 1-2 yrs 36.0%

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Teaching Assistants Information We have 10 Vietnamese teachers and 34 Vietnamese teaching assistants at ISHCMC; all of whom are qualified teachers recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). The teaching assistants support teaching and learning in Junior and Elementary School classrooms as well as in Music, Art and Physical Education.

YEARS OF SERVICE AT ISHCMC ISHCMC teaching assistants have an average length of stay of approximately 5.5 years. Over 40% of teaching assistants have more than ten years teaching experience at ISHCMC.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE All teacher assistants at ISHCMC have a certified teaching degrees, most from the Pedagogy Universities in Vietnam, majoring in English and professional teaching subjects. In addition, four of our teacher assistants have earned the prestigious Cambridge International Teacher and Trainer Diploma. 12.9%

38.7% 3.2%

12.9%

6-10 yrs

29.0%

9.7%

Mor e than 10 yrs

3-5 yrs 1-2 yrs

Mor e than 30 yrs 21-30 yrs

19.4%

11-20 yr s 5-10 yrs 1-4 yr s 54.8%

WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING COURSES Teaching assistants are encouraged to improve teaching skills through various workshops and training courses annually. Courses organized in 2011:

As a requirement of employment, all of our teacher assistants have previous teaching experience prior to being employed by ISHCMC.

Updating and solving problems in the library system

Technology and teaching strategies

Identifying and addressing inconsistencies within cataloguing records

Emergency First Aid

MYP Language A workshop

Differentiation for our EAL students

PYP , IT, CPR, AED-American Red Cross workshop

Advanced Art class

Creative writing workshop

Master of Art, Applied Linguistics

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Technology ISHCMC provides advanced technology resources to assist students in their learning.

EQUIPMENT ISHCMC has over 500 tablet computers for students and teachers to support our 1:1 tablet programme. All students in Middle and High School are issued with a tablet to keep throughout the year to support the learning goals of the School. Elsewhere in the school there are 300 computers, including purpose-built computer labs used across all sections of ISHCMC. There is a minimum of one networked computer in every classroom. Junior School classrooms have four desktop computers each. In addition, the School also has: »» Laptops available for use throughout the Junior and Elementary Schools »» 50 Printers and scanners »» 30 Video/Digital Cameras All classrooms have either a digital projector or a 42’’ LCD screen which connects to a computer for presentation purposes.

NETWORK AND INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE ISHCMC has a strong wireless infrastructure allowing connectivity to network facilities at speeds of up to 108 Mbps. The campus connects to the network through a 1Gbps Ethernet based topology. Internet connectivity is provided through a dedicated 22Mbps leased line and six 8Mbps optical fiber lines. To protect students from inadvertently accessing inappropriate websites the school has implemented a content filtering device called Watchguard. ISHCMC operates a virtual learning environment known as the Online Learning Community (OLC). This learning portal allows teachers and students to post and receive assignments online, sign up for conferences/ afterschool activities and provide access to school email for students from Grade 3 and upwards. All students have a network account for file storage purposes.

SOFTWARE ISHCMC was the first school in Vietnam to sign a Microsoft Schools Agreement licensing our Windows operating systems and MS Office Professional. Our MS school wide license continues under a modified agreement under the umbrella of Cognita School Group. Site licenses have been purchase for a variety of other software applications including the Adobe CS5 Suite.

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Grade and Class Size SIZE OF JUNIOR AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADES 80 70

66 61

60 52 49

SIZE OF MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADES

23 20

11 10

0 EE2

EE3

EE4

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

70 60

58 53

50 40

TEACHER / TEACHING ASSISTANTS TO STUDENT RATIO IN JUNIOR AND ELEMENTARY

30 20

EE2 - EE3

1 to 6 10

EE4

1 to 8

KG - GRADE 1

1 to 10

GRADE 2 - GRADE 5

1 to 12

0 Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Demographics

English as an Additional Language

ENROLMENT TREND BY SECTION

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program at ISHCMC aims to meet the educational, social, emotional and linguistic needs of students from culturally and linguistically varied backgrounds who are learning English as a second language or as an additional language.

Enrolment since 2005 has been maintained at or near capacity. 1000

The 111 EAL students currently at ISHCMC collectively speak more than 14 languages, including German, Danish, Swiss, Belgian, Korean, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Malay, Japanese, French and Mandarin.

900 800

210

172

300 200

107

167

155

202

201

176

232

Highschool

189

214

117

107

Aug-00

Aug-01

Aug-02

205

211

Middle School

193

198 195

181

»» EAL support materials in hard-copy, on line, video and CD-ROM formats. »» EAL-specific teacher professional learning. »» Translated materials for parents. »» Age, grade and language level-appropriate reading materials from the ISHCMC Learning Media Center.

Elementary Junior

115

242

250

154

158

164

Aug-05

Aug-06

Aug-07

219

202

226

144

127

Aug-03

Aug-04

247

260 235

236

159

136

135

Aug-08

Aug-09

Aug-10

140

100 0

234

180

500

The EAL programme provides a combination of in class homeroom assistance and also more intensive small group language sessions in dedicated classrooms. In-school support includes:

247

255

222

187

600

400

249

240

700

EAL benchmark testing measures progress in second language acquisition. EAL student outcomes are tracked using ISA, MAC II and SLEP testing. Consequently, subject teachers use these comprehensive benchmark results to set learning objectives and identify activities and tasks specific to each EAL student, as well as determining appropriate entry and exit in the EAL program.

171

Aug-11

STUDENT NATIONALITIES The student body is comprised of students from 43 different nationalities. 1000 900 800 264

700 233

600 200

207 45

218

400

219 45

300

47 200

174

48 109

200 100

139

1993

24 24 11 53

1994

1995

37 27

66 103

1996

156

1997

36 30 34

37 29 41

55 10

101

1998

1999

135

2000

40 28

28 22

56 72

287

285

265

199

500

241

278

263 30 33 74 72

32 41 79 67

47 84

161

182

124

149

137

151

159

158

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

157

36 30 86

135

Others 17 24

55 174

270

130

16 30

109

94 62 64

162

201

Japanese British American Australian Vietnamese

208

214

202

184

164

171

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Korean

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

IBPYP 2010-2011 THE PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE THE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE JUNIOR AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL »» The fundamental principle of our school is that children develop at different rates. Readiness and receptiveness to learn varies within individuals and there are many factors that influence this. Teachers are prepared for this and operate a programme that caters to each child’s individual needs. It is for this reason that comparisons between children should be avoided at this stage.

»» The building of each child’s self-esteem and self worth is extremely important. If children believe in themselves and believe that they are valued and worthwhile individuals and group members, they will achieve great things. Children also live up to the expectations we have of them. The children are expected to set high standards for themselves and we expect that they will achieve great things.

»» Children learn in different ways – some learn best through listening, some through visual means, many learn best through doing – most learn through a variety of these. Teachers are aware of this and offer programmes that provide a variety of teaching methods and strategies, so that learning needs are met.

»» Our focus is on positives rather than negatives. This relates to academic achievement (we build on what the child knows, rather than focussing on what the child does not know). In our approach to managing the children’s behaviour we focus on rewarding and encouraging the children who are doing the right thing, as opposed to focussing on inappropriate behaviour.

»» Learning through doing is often a very effective means of learning for many children. Children are provided with many opportunities to investigate their environment and discover for themselves through manipulation of materials and concepts.

»» We focus on development of self-control rather than control that is imposed and based on fear. Often when negative external controls are removed, children do not understand why or know how to behave and react because they have not been given the responsibility to make decisions about their actions for themselves.

»» The process of learning is more important than the product. Going through a series of steps to come to a final outcome is very important so that solid understanding occurs. New tasks and problems can then be approached independently by the learner because they have had experience with similar materials or concepts. »» The best environment for learning is one that is safe, secure and one in which each child is valued, challenged and can take control of his/ her own learning. »» Children are given opportunities to solve problems, think creatively and divergently, make decisions and become independent as learners and thinkers. »» Learning is a life-long process. Teachers aim to instill a love of learning in each child so that learning is seen as a desirable, enjoyable activity that will continue naturally long after formal education is finished. We want children to view the kinds of things they do at school not just as “school work” but as rewarding, worthwhile activities they would want to do outside of school as well. Our reading and writing programmes reflect this philosophy very strongly.

»» Education is not just designed to improve future job prospects! Education is for enriching our children’s lives with a new and wide range of ideas, ways of thinking and feeling and for opening their minds to be receptive to these new ideas concepts and philosophies. »» Competition is encouraged within the child him/her-self and not between children. Competition between children at this beginning stage, as they develop a view of themselves as learners, can erode self-worth and self-esteem. We encourage children to look at what they could do before and see how far they have improved. We also encourage them to identify for themselves what they feel they need to do to improve. Children learn to deal with competition better as they become more confident and self assured in their own ability, more familiar with the school. »» Real-life and lifelike activities enhance learning. At this stage in their development children need experiences that begin with concepts they are familiar with. Learning is much more meaningful if it is based on experiences and concepts that really exist. Abstract thought is very difficult for developing learners to grasp. We move from the concrete and eventually aim for more abstract thinking.

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

International Schools Assessment (ISA)

READING »» Retrieving information

»» Interpreting

»» Reflecting and evaluating

700

The ISA is an assessment program that has been specifically developed to measure the skills of international students in Mathematical Literacy, Reading and Writing.

600 500

The ISA has been designed and developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and administered since 2001. Over 53,000 students from 289 schools in eight different countries around the world participated in the 2010-2011 ISA. The ISA is based on the internationally endorsed Mathematical Literacy and Reading Frameworks of OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

366 377

400 300

438

413 426

465

469

514

499

536

559

584

ISHCMC

311 316

Other Schools

245 244

200

THE ISA PROVIDES:

100

»» An assessment with a broad cultural base »» A combination of multiple-choice and open-ended questions and prompts »» Student-level information about what individuals know and can do »» Class- and school-level information that can inform instructional programs »» Information about sub-groups’ performance (for example, gender, language group) »» Relevant comparisons between like schools »» International normative information »» Information about growth over time.

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

WRITING A (NARRATIVE WRITING) »» Content

»» Structure

»» Language

»» Spelling

700 600

ABOUT THE ASSESSMENTS

500

The ISA is taken by students in Grades 3 to 10. Students complete a Reading test, two Mathematical Literacy tests and two Writing tests, each of which take between forty- five minutes and an hour. The tests include both multiple choice and open-ended tasks. ISHCMC’s ISA results are on par with other like schools around the world. The results show that, in general, our students are being very well prepared and are able to easily adapt and transfer to national or quality international schools providing ISA testing.

400

414 407

455 452

499 510

470 483

524 535

535

554

557

582

362 362

ISHCMC

300

Other Schools

200 100

MATHEMATICS

»» Quantity (related to number and measurement) »» Space and shape (related to geometry) »» Uncertainty (related to estimation, data and probability) »» Change and Relationships (related to algebra and functional relationships).

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

WRITING B (EXPOSITIVE WRITING) »» Content

»» Structure

»» Language

»» Spelling

700

700 603

600 492

500 363 360

400 300

406 422

464

507 501

528 522

546

600

591 581

500 400

ISHCMC

296 294

Other Schools

200

100

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

431 426

503 495

517 522

565 569

593 600

ISHCMC

300

200

394 388

473 469

533 549

Other Schools

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

IB Diploma THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME IS ADMINISTERED IN GRADE 11 AND GRADE 12

PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (PSAT)

70!

58!

60! 50!

Every year, students from around the world sit for standardized tests. The PSATs provide a valuable opportunity for students to apply for available scholarship programmes and to assess their own strengths and weaknesses so that students can better prepare for the SAT.

44!

48.9!

47.3!

45! 45.4!

40!

ISHCMC Grade 11!

30!

World!

20! 10! 0!

SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (SAT)

Reading !

Mathematics!

700!

593!

600!

467!

500!

SATs are taken by students in grades 10 to 12. They are a standardised test used for admission to US universities and colleges. The overall scores achieved by ISHCMC students exceed the worldwide average.

497!

514!

Writing!

512! 489!

400!

Group 2 -Second Language

French B, Spanish ab initio, English A2, English B

Group 3 - Individauls and Societies

History, Geography, Information Technology in a Global Society, Business and Management

Group 4 - Experimental Sciences

Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental System & Societies

Group 5 - Mathematics

Mathematical Studies, Mathematics Standard Level, Mathematics Higher Level

Group 6 - The Arts & Electives

Visual Arts, Music, Theatre

Leading the way with sustained excellence, one third of the ISHCMC class achieved 35+ points from a possible 45, 12% higher than the world average.

World !

200!

English, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin, other languages “self-taught”

ISHCMC Class of 2011 IB Diploma results again exceeded the world average. Across the entire IB class of 37 students, the average point score of 31.2 was almost 2.5 points higher than the global average.

ISHCMC Scores!

300!

Group 1 -Language A1

100!

Six outstanding students gained 40+ points, with one student gaining 44 points from a possible 45 points.

Reading !

Mathematics!

Writing!

IBMYP 2010-2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

ISHCMC

31.2

WORLD

29.6

29.5

29.55

28.8

THE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (IBMYP) IS ADMINISTERED FROM GRADE 6 TO GRADE 10 In Grade 10, students who meet all of the requirements receive an internationally recognized IBMYP Record of Achievement and the IBMYP Certificate. ISHCMC students are on par with other like school around the world.

IB DIPLOMA RESULTS

7.00!

6.30! 6.00!

5.72!

5.68!

5.19!

4.97!

5.00!

5.23!

5.14!

4.90!

5.74!

5.67!

5.48! 4.90!

4.42!

5.05!

5.23! 5.06!

4.60!

4.60! 4.40!

5.29!

5.14!

5.13! 4.70! 4.43!

4.66!

4.70!

4.81!

5.52!

5.33!

5.25! 5.05!

4.99!

4.84! 4.63!

4.36!

5.28! 5.11!

4.96!

4.79!

4.00!

3.00!

ISHCMC!

31.2

31 30 29.6

29.6

World!

30 29.5

ISHCMC

29.55

2.00!

WORLD 28.8

29 1.00!

28 C T!

PR A L

RS O

RT S

LO O N C H TE

IS U

U SI

PE !

! C

! M

A M RA D

AT IC

S! M

AT H

EM AT H M

ED D EN EX T

AT IC

S! YS IC PH

IS TR Y!

G H C

RY ! IS TO

BI O

AT I G

N U

B! D

EN B C H EN FR

A B

C H

D V. !

H LI S

LI SH

! A G EN

ES E

N V

IE TN

RE A O K

LI SH

0.00!

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES CLASS OF 2011 UNITED STATES

CANADA

Academy of Art University

Amherst College

Bentley University

Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology

Brock University

Carleton University

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Concordia University - Montreal

McGill University

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Brown University

Buffalo State College of SUNY

Columbia College

Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University

Simon Fraser University

Thompson Rivers University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Trent University

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia

De Anza College

DePaul University

Drexel University

University of Calgary

University of Ottawa

University of Toronto

Duke University

Elizabethtown College

Emory University

University of Victoria

York University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fashion Institute of Technology

Fordham University

ASIA

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia State University

Harvard University

Keio University

Yonsei University

Korea University

Hofstra University

Illinois State University

Indiana University at Bloomington

Kwansei Gakuin University

LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts

National Cheng Kung University

Iowa State University

James Madison University

Johns Hopkins University

National Taiwan University

National Tsing Hua University

Seoul National University

Lewis & Clark College

Linfield College

Manhattanville College

University of Hong Kong

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Michigan State University

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

National University

New York Film Academy

New York University

Northeastern University

Northern Virginia CC

Northwestern University

Australian National University

Curtin University of Technology

Monash University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Oregon State University

Otis College of Art and Design

Raffles Design Institute

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

The University of Queensland

Pace University, New York City

Parsons, New School for Design

Pasadena City College

University of Adelaide

University of Melbourne

Pennsylvania State University

Pima Community College

Pratt Institute

Purdue University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rhode Island School of Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers

San Francisco State University

San Jose State University

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of Visual Arts

Seattle University

Southern Methodist University

Stanford University

SUNY Albany

Stony Brook University

Suffolk University

Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University

Texas Tech University

The Ohio State University

The University of Iowa

UNC Chapel Hill

University at Buffalo SUNY

University for the Creative Arts at Rochester

UC Davis

UC Irvine

UC Riverside

UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Cruz

University of Cincinnati

University of Connecticut

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Kentucky

University of La Verne

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of Missouri

University of North Texas

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

University of Portland

University of San Francisco

University of Southern California

University of Toledo

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Wittenberg University

Cardiff University

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College London

London College of Fashion

Newcastle University

Nottingham Trent University

Queen Mary, University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

The Glasgow School of Art

University College London

University of Aberdeen

University of Birmingham

University of Bristol

University of Canterbury

University of Edinburgh

University of Glasgow

University of Kent

University of London

University of Manchester

University of Nottingham

University of Plymouth

University of Strathclyde

University of Warwick

University of Westminster

University of York

Delft University of Technology

Glion Hotel School

LES ROCHES, School of Hotel Management

Schiller International University

, 7%

ASIA

ali

str 5%

UNITED KINGDOM

EUROPEAN (NON-UK)

Yale University

AUSTRALIA

, 10

European (Non UK), 2%

, 14

USA

, 61

ISHCMC students continue to receive acceptances from high profile universities and colleges all over the world. ISHCMC IB Diploma graduates applying to North America, Europe and Asia generally received their acceptances in December, prior to taking final exams. In addition, they are often given university credit hours for high level subjects.

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

City College Campus

A2 LEVEL RESULTS JUNE 2011

The programme of study is based on the frameworks of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE): International Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Grades 9 and 10 and Advanced Levels in Grades 11 and 12.

A*-E passes at A2 Level were 100%, a repeat of the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect score. This is an average of 14.4% above the global average for these subjects.

120.0 100.0 100.0

100.0

88.7

86.8

100.0 89.5

100.0

87.2 76.0

80.0 60.0

IGCSE RESULTS (A*-C) JUNE 2011

40.0 20.0 0.0

100.0

93.4

100

95.3 100

99.7 100

99.0 100

90.0 80.0 70.0

At IGCSE Level the percentage of students achieving A*-G passes was 100%. This was above the global average in all subjects.

60.0

120.0 100.0

40.0

80.0

30.0 20.0

Chemistry

Physics % A*-E - Global

100.0

50.0

69.0 66.7

64.4

60.0

72.7

65.8 50.0

10.0 0.0

Mathematics

45.9

Biology

Business Studies

% A*-E - CCC

There is a marked improvement in overall A*-C passes from 66% in 2010 to 78% in 2011. CCC students out-performed global averages in Advanced Level Chemistry, Physics and Business Studies.

40.0

English (2nd Mathematics Language) (w/out cw) % A-G - Global

Double Science

ICT 20.0

% A-G - CCC

0.0

Mathematics

Chemistry

Physics % A*-C - Global

In advanced levels, students earning A*-C grades passes students. CCC students achieved above the global average in all core subjects. Mathematics students achieved the highest results at CCC earning 12.2% above the global average at 87.8%.

100.0

87.8

90.0 80.0

70.3

75.6

82.9 82.9

75.6

Biology

Business Studies

% A*-C - CCC

76.0 78.0

70.0

UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES CLASS OF 2011

60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0

English (2nd Mathematics Language) (w/out cw) % A-C - Global

Double Science % A-C - CCC

ICT

Boston University, US

Utica College, US

Raffles, SG

Umass Amherst, US

The University of Edinburgh, UK

RMIT, VN

Troy University, US

Lancaster University, UK

The University of New South Wales, AU

Academy of Art University, US

University of Surrey, UK

The University of Sydney, AU

Michigan University, US

University of Exeter, UK

University of Alberta, HU

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

School Activities

Extracurricular Activities

ISHCMC offers a wide variety of activities for students of all ages throughout the year. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities as they promote the intellectual, social, creative, cultural, aesthetic, and physical needs of our students.

SERVICE

ACTION

COMMUNITY

• Arts and Crafts • Strings Ensemble • Poetry Club • Choir • Dance • Drama • Band • Debate Club • Young Editors Club • Vietnamese Dance • Games • Book Club • Film Club • Computer Club • Jazz Band

• Rock Climbing • After School Sports • Chess Club • Athletic Teams • Math Club • Saigon Stingrays Swim Club • Games • House Sports • Martial Arts • Dance • Yoga Club • Model United Nations • Student Representative Council

• Wildlife At Risk Club • Global Issues Network (GIN) • Production Backstage Crew • Loreto Vietnam Australia Program • High School Herald • Vietnamese Schools & Orphanage Visits • Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for the Blind • SRC Initiatives • Peer Mentoring Programme

ISHCMC ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

Major Calendar Events

»» Celebration of Cultures

»» Celebration of Music

»» Gala Concert

»» Graduation Day

»» IBDP Art Exhibition

»» IBMYP Personal Project

»» IBPYP Exhibition

»» International Festival

»» Moon Festival

28 Vo Truong Toan Street, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: (84-8) 38989100 - Fax: (84-8) 3898 9382 Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn www.ishcmc.com

»» Presentation Day

»» PTO Family Fun Night

»» Visual Art Exhibition