Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
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The school runs a “Positive ISHCMC (POSISH)” framework, which includes advisory programmes and Personal, Social, Health & Education (PSHE) lessons to support students’ social-emotional development. It emphasises a teaching structure where homeroom/advisory teachers and counsellors work together to help students reflect on values, relationships and self-awareness. There is a clear intention that each student has access to at least one trusted adult in the school who can be approached about their social or emotional concerns.
A Learning Support team supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through differentiated classroom strategies and Individualised Learning Plans (IEPs). The school explicitly states that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not undertake to provide for all specialised educational needs. The support services team collaborates with teachers and families when specific needs are identified.
The school offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. Students whose mother tongue is not English may receive pull-out or in-class support in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and are monitored until they reach the required level of English proficiency. For students in Grades 6–7 there is an “Intensive English Language Program (IELP)” option for those with limited academic English who are preparing for the secondary years.
The school runs a dedicated Health / Wellness Centre staffed by qualified nurses, which provides individual health counselling including emotional and physical health needs. The school aims to integrate wellness, mindfulness and student counselling within the advisory programme and broader wellbeing strategy.
The school has a published Safeguarding policy which states that all staff undergo screening, there are designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) for each campus, and referrals may be made to external agencies when appropriate. Access to campus is controlled (with 24-hour security, camera monitoring and visitor sign-in) and all staff have first-aid training and understand the reporting system for concerns.
International School Ho Chi Minh City’s Secondary Campus in Thao Dien serves students ages 11–18 through the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. Learning is delivered in English, with dedicated English as an Additional Language support and an Intensive English Language Program for Grades 6–7. The campus offers a broad co-curricular programme, including a structured Athletics & Aquatics pathway and over 95 after-school activities, with 26+ programmes through the ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy. Student leadership and impact are developed through Service as Action (MYP) and CAS (DP). The school provides a city-wide bus service and a free inter-campus shuttle for eligible families. Located ~15 minutes from the city centre, Thao Dien’s amenities and family housing make daily routines convenient.