This year, schools have implemented thorough guidance on subject combinations, helping students determine their high school learning path early on.
Diverse forms of consultation
From the beginning of July 2025, high schools in Ho Chi Minh City will organize admissions counseling programs to introduce parents and students who will be entering 10th grade in the 2025-2026 school year to the curriculum, elective subject plans, and study topics offered at the school.
In addition to general counseling sessions, the units also organized individual counseling sessions to ensure that each student and parent understood the 2018 General Education Program and the school's curriculum. Through thorough research and updating of information on school admissions, aptitude tests, and high school graduation exams, the staff and teachers were able to promptly answer parents' and students' questions and concerns.
At Nguyen Thai Binh High School (Tan Hoa Ward), Ms. Doan Thi Thu Hoai, the school principal, said that during the recently organized counseling sessions, some students were still undecided about their future careers and were confused about choosing elective subjects at the high school level. Therefore, in addition to general counseling, the school also established a counseling team consisting of subject heads and experienced teachers to support students based on their abilities and future career aspirations, so that they have a basis for choosing elective subjects.
Similarly, this format is applied at Nguyen Cong Tru High School (Thong Tay Hoi Ward). Ms. Ly Thi Hong Tham, the school's Vice Principal, said that this year, counseling activities are organized in a general counseling format, and also assigned to subject departments. Specifically, in the subject counseling rooms, students have the opportunity to learn about the specifics of each subject, teaching materials, and university admissions for each specific group of majors, helping them make choices that match their abilities and future career orientation.
At Phu Nhuan High School (Duc Nhuan Ward), for the 2025-2026 school year, the school will offer 9 elective subject groups. After submitting their enrollment applications, students and parents will be advised on choosing subject groups that suit the student's abilities and interests, and then register 3 desired subject combinations. Based on the registration results, the school will conduct the initial class placement, and students and parents can adjust their registered preferences.
Mr. Tran Cong Tuan, the school principal, said: "Students have two opportunities to consider their options before deciding on their subject combinations in 10th grade. This aims to minimize the number of students switching subjects due to finding them unsuitable."
Specifically for Vo Truong Toan High School (Tan Thoi Hiep Ward), the 2025-2026 school year will see the first-ever registration of free subject combinations for 10th-grade students. The school will suggest seven pre-existing combinations, but students can register for additional ones if needed. The school will arrange classes to accommodate students' preferences as much as possible. To prevent students from changing their preferences, the school will announce a plan for subject switching at the end of the 10th-grade school year.
Be cautious when changing subject combinations.
In the 2025-2026 school year, the 2018 General Education Program will be implemented at the high school level. Accordingly, students will study 8 compulsory subjects and choose 4 out of 9 elective subjects based on their abilities and career orientation. However, many students and parents are still hesitant about registering for elective subjects.
Nguyen Duy Lam, who was admitted to Vo Truong Toan High School, said: “Although the school advised me on choosing subject combinations for 10th grade, I haven't been able to make a final decision yet. The school only started accepting enrollment applications, including the subject combination selection form, from the second week of July. I plan to choose a combination with Physics and Chemistry, but I need more time to think carefully because this will affect my future career path. I will take another test, and only after receiving the results will I consider and make a final decision.”
Mr. Truong Quoc Dinh, a parent whose child is entering 10th grade at Ten Lo Man High School (Ben Thanh Ward), shared that he learned about the 2018 General Education Program for high school students. A new feature is that, in addition to compulsory subjects, students can choose elective subjects based on their interests, abilities, and career aspirations to pursue throughout their three years of high school. Therefore, choosing the right elective subjects is extremely important in helping children excel during their high school years.
"Initially, my child chose the subject combination in the A00 group. However, after the counseling session at the school, my child and I haven't made a final decision yet," Mr. Dinh said.
According to Ms. Do Thi Viet Phuong, Vice Principal of Vo Truong Toan High School, students with strengths in natural sciences, logical thinking, and a keen sense of numbers can choose the natural sciences group. Those with strengths in social sciences and arts can consider the social sciences classes. If students do not find the suggested classes suitable, they can propose their own options, which the school will consider. Choosing subjects is very important as it will affect their studies throughout the three years.
Therefore, students should not rush into anything and should consult with their 9th-grade teachers and family before making a decision; they should not choose subjects based on their friends' choices but must decide their own path. “Generally, students can only switch from natural sciences to social sciences, not vice versa. Therefore, students must think carefully. Avoid the situation where, in 12th grade, they discover that their chosen subject combination is ineligible for admission to their preferred university. At that point, the school will no longer allow transfers,” Ms. Phuong explained.
Mr. Nguyen Hung Khuong, Principal of Ten Lo Man High School, believes that 10th-grade students are in the stage of orienting their future careers, so choosing the right combination of subjects is crucial for their future university admissions. Many parents and students are worried about the possibility of adjusting or changing elective subjects after a period of study if they feel they are not suitable.
“In fact, when students need to switch subjects, the school will create conditions for them to review and supplement their knowledge. Afterward, students take a competency assessment test, and if they pass, they will be allowed to switch. However, this is somewhat difficult because students experience a knowledge gap and have to relearn everything in a short period of time. Therefore, students need to think carefully before choosing to switch subjects. But no matter which option they choose, students must strive their best to achieve their goals,” Mr. Khương emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Tan Tai, Principal of Tran Quang Khai High School (Hoa Binh Ward), emphasized: "Parents should not impose their personal desires on their children. Parents can discuss and analyze suitable career paths based on family circumstances and their children's abilities, but still allow them to make their own choices."
Students need to base their choices on career aspirations. They should research the admission requirements for the specific majors and universities they want to attend beforehand. Currently, universities have announced their admission plans based on the 2018 General Education Program.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/chon-to-hop-mon-lop-10-khong-de-chech-huong-post739112.html
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