Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. 

Teachers are educators and mentors who guide and shape each student’s path, helping them make the right choices in life. Teachers shine as guiding beacons, illuminating the way for generations of students even in the darkest of nights. 

In celebration of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20th, the International Schools of North America (SNA) Saigon South Campus is organizing a special series of gratitude activities called “Teachers – A Beacon of Hope”. The event aims to honor and appreciate the remarkable contributions of teachers in the field of education and their dedication to guiding students with love and devotion. 

The highlights of the special event “Teacher – A Beacon of Hope” include: 

• Making Card Contest “Letter to Teacher”: Sending wishes and heartfelt messages to teachers and the school through creative greeting cards. 
• Podcast Making Contest “Hello Teacher!”: Students have the opportunity to express their unspoken thoughts and confessions for the first time through this competition. 
• “Teacher Hall of Fame”: Teachers’ great contributions are showcased through the display of educational quotes and philosophies. 
• Teacher Appreciation Ceremony: Engaging and touching performances by students during the Gratitude Ceremony. 

Event Details: 

• Date and Time: Monday, November 20th, 2023 | 08:30 AM – 09:50 AM. 
• Venue: The International Schools of North America (SNA) Saigon South Campus, Street 20, Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Chanh District. 

Register to participate in the event at: https://forms.office.com/r/PmzMWYHUHy   

The “Teachers – A Beacon of Hope” event provides an opportunity for parents and the school community to come together to honor and express gratitude to the teachers who serve as a source of light and hope for the future of the students. Join us on this special day to share joy and appreciation for our remarkable teachers! 

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Utilizing Authentic Reliable Resources  

To guide students towards reliable sources, SNA exclusively subscribed to academic and peer-reviewed journals and databases like CREDO, JSTOR, and BRITANNICA. These platforms provide peer-reviewed articles, factual content, and comprehensive resources that assist students in building robust research foundations. By steering them towards these databases, we minimize the chances of them relying on potentially misleading or inaccurate information available on general search engines.   

Real-World Scenarios and Academic Integrity  

A holistic approach to learning involves connecting classroom knowledge with real-world scenarios. During the sessions, we employed a range of real-life situations, both locally and globally, to demonstrate how academic integrity prevails in various contexts. By drawing parallels with real events, we enable students to comprehend the importance and implications of maintaining integrity not just in academia but also in daily life.   

IB Learner’s Profile  

The International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasizes attributes like being a thinker, principled, or inquirer. It’s a testament to the fact that while drawing inspiration from others is natural, it’s crucial to distinguish between adaptation and imitation. The IB’s attribute-driven approach nurtures the idea that one can take cues from another’s work and yet produce something uniquely their own and provide acknowledgement to the work of author. The schoolteacher librarian and MYP coordinator work closely to make this practice a standard practice in the whole curriculum.

Nurturing Learning Environment  

Ms. Archana (MYP Coordinator’s) adds,” Beyond curriculum and skills, the SNA-MYP program provides an atmosphere in which student learning is paramount. We foster a nurturing learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore. Such an environment not only helps students understand the importance of academic integrity but also inspires them to be lifelong learners.  

Promoting academic integrity is a continuous journey that requires collective efforts from educators, students, and parents. With the right tools, guidance, and environment, SNA ensures that our students understand and uphold the principles of authenticity throughout their academic and personal lives. The MYP curriculum, paired with our dedicated initiatives, lays a robust foundation for this purpose. 

By Ms. Ambika Kapur – Head of Library

The post UPHOLDING ACADEMIC HONESTY IN SNA’S MYP CURRICULUM: A PLEDGE TO EXCELLENCE appeared first on International Schools of North America (SNA).

1. Steps to participate in the contest: 

• Step 1: Parents and students are free to dress up as their favorite characters. 
• Step 2: After completing the dressing up, parents and students can pose together and capture interesting photos. 
• Step 3: Parents should fill in the registration information and upload the photos using the following link: https://forms.gle/DMnw67ScVNFf3X3B6  

2. Participants:

Students and parents within the North American International School (SNA) system. 

3. Prizes:

The Board of School will select impressive photos for awarding prizes. There will be 3 prizes, including 1 Helmet + 1 SNA Water Bottle. 

4. Duration:

From October 18th, 2023, until October 27th, 2023. 

5. Notes: 

• Parents’ participation in the program implies their consent for the International Schools of North America (SNA) to use parents and their children’s images for school communication activities, without limitations on channels or duration of use. 
• The contest aims to foster a loving connection between parents and children. If there are any concerns, please provide feedback to us. The decision of the board of the school will be final. 

  Exciting prizes await the whimsical transformations of the little ones and the participation of parents in “The Haunted Photo with SNA” contest! 

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Proactive participation and strong connections through school activities are distinctive features of the learning environment at SNA, where the administration emphasizes the teacher-student relationship as the foundation for developing social skills, acquiring knowledge, and honing skills. In this 19th year, the school is prepared for a new school year with active engagement from students and teachers in the highly anticipated School Opening Ceremony, details: 

• Live Music Performance 
• Flag Salutation  
• SNA Traditional Songs (Primary & Secondary Songs) 
• Introduce PTL 
• Speech of Head of School and Deputy of Head of School 
• Dancing performance from SNA students 
• SNA teacher flash mob  

Moreover, to warmly welcome the new school year and provide an opportunity for all students to integrate closely, the Eagle mascot will visit classrooms with exciting gifts to wish the students an interesting and unique new school year. 

School Opening Ceremony: 

• Time: 7:00 AM – 8:35 AM, Monday, August 14th, 2023. 
• Venue: International Schools of North America (SNA) Saigon South Campus – Street No. 20, Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Let’s look forward to a new school year filled with enriching and beautiful experiences. Welcome to the new school year, Eagles! 

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The IB DP is a comprehensive two-year programme for students aged 16-18, which is academically challenging. The programme was developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), established in Switzerland in 1968, which is a leading global organization in international education – developing young people who are eager to learn, knowledgeable, confident, and caring about the world around them.  

1. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP):

Since 2022, the International Baccalaureate DP programme has been officially authorized to be taught at International Schools of North America (SNA). The programme is a preparation process for the future, promoting students’ eagerness to learn and helping them excel in their careers and lives.

• DP students are encouraged to think independently and proactively in their learning.  
• DP students can connect with others in an increasingly globalized and ever-changing world. They have a strong academic foundation and good social-emotional skills, tending to achieve better academic results than students in other programmes.  
• Lastly, DP students tend to be selected for top universities.  

The IB DP programme consists of six subject groups and three core components. Students must choose one subject from each group, selecting a maximum of four subjects (at least three) at the higher level (240 hours over two years), while other subjects can be studied at the standard level (150 hours over two years). The subject groups include:  

• Mathematics  
• Language and Literature  
• Language Acquisition  
• Science  
• Individuals and Societies  
• Arts  

In addition, students must complete three core components:  

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Develops critical thinking skills about the nature of knowledge, as well as issues that are generally considered truth.  
• Extended Essay: A 4,000-word essay focusing on a topic within the programme.  
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Includes extracurricular projects and activities to maximize students’ soft skills.  

2. Extended Essay – Preparing for the Future  

The International Baccalaureate DP programme educates students who are ready for university environments in the future. The preparation is demonstrated in the 4,000-word essay based on a topic of the student’s interest within the programme.  

The essay is an opportunity for students to conduct independent research, demonstrating their knowledge and skills. This is the basis for future universities to better understand students’ research skills, writing ability, critical thinking, reasoning, and how they express their views. During the research process, students also learn time management, independent work, and how to identify issues through theory, research, and life experience.  

International Schools of North America (SNA) provides the best facilities for students to access issues, along with dedicated support from guidance teachers to help DP students at SNA complete their essays with practical contributions to achieve the highest results. With the International Baccalaureate diploma, students will be young leaders of the future, contributing to the development of communities and the world.  

Source: International education – International Baccalaureate®, Programme, https://www.ibo.org/programmes/ 

For detailed information of the IB programmes at SNA, please contact the hotline: 0964 466 014 or via this link https://sna.edu.vn//register-for-consultations/ 

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1. Introduction to the PYP programme 

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), established in Switzerland in 1968, is a leading global organization for international education, developing young people who are curious, knowledgeable, and caring about the world around them. The International Baccalaureate program provides a comprehensive educational program from Primary Years to Secondary School for students from 3 to 19 years old, with the IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) designed for children from ages 3 to 12 – marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of developing cultural awareness and active participation in their learning.

The PYP program creates opportunities and ignites the curiosity of students to explore the world around them, which plays a significant role in their learning. Students gradually learn how to connect what they learn with relevant situations. As a result, they become more interested in and responsible for their learning. Through this process, we aim to instill in students a sense of responsibility and the characteristics of a global citizen. 

At SNA, students will learn 9 subject groups within the PYP curriculum: Language (English, Vietnamese), Social Studies (History, Geography), Mathematics, Arts (Painting, Music), Science, Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE), and focus on developing students’ social, physical, emotional, and cultural growth alongside their academic development. 

2. Knowledge beyond textbooks

The IB PYP program is reinforced by six interdisciplinary transdisciplinary themes that integrate local and global issues into the curriculum. The six themes include:

• Who we are: A request for self-identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; the meaning of human beings. 
• Where we are in place and time: A request for orientation in space and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives. 
• How we express ourselves: A request for ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of aesthetics. 
• How the world works: A request for the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and the environment. 
• How we organize ourselves: A request for the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment. 
• Sharing the planet: A request for rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. 

Students learn all six themes throughout the school year. From Grade 1 to Grade 5, each theme lasts for 6 weeks. The IB PYP program proposes not to use any specific textbooks, but instead focuses on various sources of materials from which students develop knowledge, understanding, and learn through inquiry and authentic sources of information.  

These materials include technology skills, books, and real-life experiences that meet the needs and learning styles of students. Students who learn through this method will begin to experience their own responsibilities and become actively engaged in their learning. 

Throughout the learning process, the PYP program promotes multilingualism and a solid understanding of the culture of the host country. This is why at SNA, the Vietnamese curriculum is the foundation of our program. The PYP program emphasizes monitoring and documenting students’ learning progress, without requiring exams, instead showcasing the PYP Exhibition of the knowledge and skills that students have learned. 

Ms. Nguyen Van Anh, parent of student Do Anh Thu (Tracy) in Grade 5A1 studying at SNA, shared her emotional perception when attending her child’s exhibition: “We were truly surprised and touched when we saw our child confident and much more mature after the entire process of work, research, preparation, planning, … very diligent and serious under the guidance and support of the teachers for 9 weeks to be able to excellently complete the project that our group is responsible for.“ 

With the goal of the International Baccalaureate PYP program, the spirit of the teachers, staff, and school community, SNA helps elementary students to be inspired, creative, and able to develop themselves independently so that they can face future challenges. 

Source: International education – International Baccalaureate®, Programme, https://www.ibo.org/programmes/ 

For detailed information of the IB programmes at SNA, please contact the hotline: 0964 466 014 or via this link https://sna.edu.vn//register-for-consultations/  

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The IB programme is widely recognized around the world as a comprehensive education programme that equips students with a solid academic foundation and the ability to adapt to the learning environment at leading universities around the world. The IB programme focuses on developing self-discovery, questioning, and information-seeking skills in local and global contexts. The self-learning process poses many challenges that help students think, improve, and effectively enhance their English language skills. 

Daily Practice 

The International Schools of North America (SNA) is a multilingual environment, providing all students with the opportunity to interact and practice languages on a daily basis. The teaching methods of the IB programme in SNA also create favorable conditions for students to understand more about the culture and country of the language they are studying in real-life situations. Na Ji Seong, a 12A1 student, shared their experience of improving their English language skills while studying the IB DP programme at SNA: “When I first started at the school, English was not my strong point, so I had difficulty understanding lectures. However, thanks to the support from teachers, and the school’s learning environment, I improved my English proficiency to complete the IB DP programme.“ 

Learning through activities 

Immersing oneself in the language is the key! Learning through practical activities in the IB programme will help students absorb knowledge faster, retain information longer, and apply it in various contexts. SNA provides students with a progressive education model and practical learning methods authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization through diverse weekly activities organized in different classes by guiding teachers such as sports, chess, cooking, music, language communication, and academic support. The SNA student council also organizes various activities such as movie nights, dance parties, outdoor days, the Color Run event, and Open Mic talent shows. In school activities, students are passionate about English, using it to express themselves, communicate with friends, interact with teachers, and naturally respond to what is happening around them. 

Continuous improvement 

Language learning is a continuous process. Mastering a new language requires regular practice. Students are introduced to the IB programme with the aim of making the learner the subject of teaching to continuously improve, self-manage, and maintain the motivation to learn. On the school’s side, we also provide flexible teaching frameworks to ensure that all students achieve good learning outcomes. Instead of closed classes, the school implements a co-teaching model where language support teachers teach alongside subject teachers to provide the best possible support for students when learning English in class. 

Learning a language is not just about learning grammar and vocabulary. Learning a language is about mastering and applying it to issues in life. SNA will always accompany and support a comprehensive education programme with experienced teachers to ensure that every student becomes a comprehensive leader in the future. 

For detailed information of the IB programmes at SNA, please contact the hotline: 0964 466 014 or via this link https://sna.edu.vn//register-for-consultations/ 

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In addition to the school’s facilities and teaching methods, the curriculum is considered the primary factor in shaping students’ perceptions. At the International School of North American (SNA), we believe that understanding the roots of one’s country is the foundation for becoming individuals with a comprehensive perspective, open-mindedness, and appropriate development to face the challenges of the times. 

1. Global student training program 

Since 2022, the SNA has been officially authorized to teach the full range of educational programmes from Primary Years Programme (PYP) to Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 3-19: 

• IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for children aged 3-12 – This marks the beginning of a lifelong journey, developing caring and culturally aware children to become active participants in their own learning. 

• IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for ages 11-16 – Building a solid academic foundation, MYP develops students’ confidence in managing their own learning and making connections between their learning in the classroom and the real world. 
• IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) for students aged 16-19 – A future-ready program that builds students’ inquiring mindset, fosters their desire to learn, and prepares them to excel in their careers and lead meaningful lives. 

(Source: International education – International Baccalaureate®, Programme, https://www.ibo.org/programmes/) 

With the implementation of the educational programme for all three levels, students at the SNA receive continuous exposure to international education. Moreover, students also develop and exchange ideas in the multilingual International Baccalaureate® (IB) learning community worldwide. The curriculum at our international school is taught 100% in English. Students undertake personal projects and participate in activities in a multilingual learning environment. Upon completion of the programme in grade 12, students receive an International Baccalaureate® Diploma (IBDP), a valuable diploma recognized by prestigious universities worldwide. 

2. Learning about Vietnamese culture at SNA

Along with learning and receiving an international education, the International Baccalaureate® Programme also encourages students to explore and learn about the knowledge, traditional cultural values of their homeland. 

Students learn some subjects in their native language until grade 9, such as Language and Literature, Vietnamese History, Vietnamese Geography, etc. Some activities are integrated into the curriculum, and significant national holidays are organized by the school to develop a sense of national pride and responsibility for preserving the good values of Vietnamese culture. 

The International Schools of North America (SNA) in Nam Sai Gon, authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate® Programme from grades 1 to 12, provides students with comprehensive knowledge. From that, each student will proactively become a global citizen, always aware of the pride of the “Four-thousand-year-old country – A difficult and arduous journey” (Excerpt from “Small Spring”, Thanh Hai) to contribute to a better country and world.

For detailed information of the IB programmes at SNA, please contact the hotline: 0964 466 014 or via this link https://sna.edu.vn//register-for-consultations/  

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IB students’ profiles are of young learners who are eager to learn, knowledgeable, caring, and motivated to become successful through rigorous teaching, approach, and special educational support.

1. About International Baccalaureate Programme (IB)

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), established in Switzerland in 1968, is a leading global organization in international education – developing young people who are eager to learn, knowledgeable, confident, and caring about the world around them. The IB Programmes provide education for students from the ages of 3 to 19:

• The IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) for students aged 3 to 12 – This programme marks the beginning of a lifelong journey, developing children’s awareness and appreciation of culture to become active participants in their own learning.
• The IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) for students aged 11 to 16 – Building a solid academic foundation, the IBMYP develops students’ confidence in managing their own learning and connecting theory to real-life situations.

• The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16 to 19 – A future-ready programme that promotes students’ eagerness to learn, helping them excel in their careers and lives.

  (Resource: International education – International Baccalaureate®, Programme, https://www.ibo.org/programmes/)

The IB Programme student profile highlights a range of attributes and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. The ten learner profile attributes of the IB Programme are:

• Inquirers
• Knowledgeable
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Principled
• Open-minded
• Caring
• Risk-takers
• Balanced
• Reflective

2. Highlights of the comprehensive education provided by the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes aim to develop young people who are eager to learn, knowledgeable, caring and motivated to succeed. The IB provides students with unique advantages by fostering critical thinking skills, curiosity, and the ability to independently solve complex problems.

The Global International School Assessment (GISA) conducted from 2009-2011 showed that students in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) achieved better academic results than non-IB students. Further research revealed that IB Diploma Programme (DP) graduates completed university faster than their peers, were better prepared for university-level research courses, and coped better with demanding workloads and time-management challenges. (Resource: International Baccalaureate, Comparing the IB with other qualifications, https://www.ibo.org/benefits/comparing-ib-with-other-qualifications/ )

a. The IB programmes are strictly authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to ensure the highest standards through community collaboration and continuous improvement.

Schools undergo a rigorous authorization process to prepare for teaching one or more IB programmes. When a school is authorized to teach IB programmes, it can be called an IB World School, which means becoming part of a global community of schools, students, and educators who continually learn, grow and develop.

The International Schools of North American (SNA) Saigon South Campus has undergone a rigorous evaluation process to become a “fully IB school” authorized to teach all three IB programmes, including the PYP, MYP, and DP.

b. The IB Program is a continuous international education process:

The IB organization provides a continuous education program, including four programs that have been standardized for over 50 years by philosophy and learning methods, with strong, consistent, and flexible teaching to tailor students’ educational paths to their cultural and contextual backgrounds. The programs encourage both personal achievements and learning, challenging students to excel in their studies and personal development. Additionally, students are developed within the international IB learning community to share and learn from others.

c. Combining learning with practicality

The IB programmes are designed to combine theoretical learning with practical experience from research and real-world scenarios. Activities such as exhibitions and essays encourage students to have a global perspective in a complex and interconnected world.

In a MYP Grade 6 physics class at SNA Nam Sai Gon, students were guided through a practical experiment to comprehend the concept of friction and its effects in daily life. The combination of theory and practical experience helped students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter, apply their knowledge to real-world situations, and solve problems effectively.

d. Students learn how to learn 

The educational program adopts a learner-centred teaching approach, which consists of a cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection. The Approaches to Teaching method is facilitated by teachers and includes the following:

• Inquiry-based learning: students are encouraged to explore, search for information, and ask questions.
• Focus on understanding concepts: exploring and researching concepts helps students connect events and transfer information to new contexts.
• Developed locally and globally: students are encouraged to process new information by connecting it with their own experiences and the world around them.
• Emphasis on effective teamwork and collaboration: this promotes teamwork and collaboration among students and the collaborative relationship between teachers and students.
• Elimination of barriers to learning: teaching focuses on comprehensive and culturally diverse teaching, affirming the identity of each student and providing opportunities for them to develop and pursue individual goals.

Through this teaching approach, students develop skills such as critical thinking, communication, research, self-management, and social skills, both inside and outside the classroom. Throughout all IB programs, students develop approaches to learning skills and attributes of the IB learner profile. They are challenged to think critically and learn actively in a flexible environment that transcends disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries.

As part of the IB program, students are responsible for their own learning and understand how knowledge is constructed and reinforced by the unique Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. The Theory of Knowledge course helps develop critical thinking skills about the nature of knowledge and issues that are commonly considered as truth.

By being authorized to teach all three levels of the International Baccalaureate programs, from elementary school to high school, the International Schools of North America SNA is building and perfecting a comprehensive international education environment for all-rounded students. To register for a school visit and learn more about the IB program at SNA, please contact the hotline at 0964 466 014 or fill out the information at https://sna.edu.vn//en/register-for-admissions-counseling/

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SNA Saigon South Campus was established in 2005. Over 17 years of establishment, SNA has built a complete international education ecosystem from Primary to High School, aiming to train young talents to become future leaders and global citizens.

In addition to English, students also have the choice to take up a second language such as French, Spanish, Korean, Chinese; which will allow students to be exposed to different cultures at an early age. In addition, SNA offers many co-curricular activities, field trips to encourage students’ curiosity and creativity. Moreover, IB students always have more advantages over students that enroll in another learning programs in terms of applying for scholarships and get admission directly to Freshman Year of major universities in the UK, USA, and Australia.

In this new school year, parents should invest in your children’s education so they can achieve solid academic foundation and necessary life skills in the future. SNA is proud to be a reliable choice for parents and students! For more information about the prestigious IB programmes, please contact SNA via hotline: 0964466014 or message our Admissions team!

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