Instead of putting pressure on the public school system, many people are starting to look for opportunities at non-public schools, which are not only a backup plan but also a door to a less competitive learning environment, inspiring passion and paving the way for a sustainable future.
Overcoming the pressure of competition
The 10th grade entrance exam in Hanoi has long been a fierce competition, where tens of thousands of students strive to win places in public schools. With about 127,000 ninth graders but only nearly 80,000 places in 122 public schools, that means more than 47,000 students have to find other ways.
The extremely high competition ratio at top schools makes the exam atmosphere even more tense. For example, Yen Hoa High School only recruited 765 students from more than 2,000 applications, achieving a competition ratio of 1:2.44; Nguyen Gia Thieu High School selected 675 students from 1,066 applications, a ratio of 1:1.58. Even schools that used to have low admission scores, such as Ngoc Tao High School, saw the competition ratio increase from 1:1.09 to 1:1.46, making it impossible for parents to be subjective.
This pressure leaves students stuck in a tight schedule, while parents are left in a state of anxiety.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a parent in Cau Giay District, shared: "My child studies day and night but is still worried that he is not strong enough to compete for admission to public schools." Dr. Nguyen Tung Lam, Chairman of the HanoiEducational Psychology Association, commented: "The high competition rate not only creates psychological pressure but also causes many students to lose the opportunity to develop their potential if they only focus on public schools." Faced with this situation, many families are forced to find alternative solutions.
Criteria for choosing non-public schools
Faced with the high pressure of public school entrance exams, private schools are not just an alternative but a strategic choice, helping students avoid stress and develop comprehensively. Parents need to consider criteria such as teaching quality, facilities, transparent costs, and learning environment.
At the seminar "Choosing a school for your child: A right start, a safe journey" recently organized by Tri Duc High School, Hanoi, experts shared practical instructions before the 10th grade entrance exam.
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Principal of the University of Education (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) said that a quality educational environment is the key for students to discover their potential, develop skills and shape their future careers, especially when the public school system is not enough to meet the needs, forcing parents to look for a suitable model.
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Parents run around, find schools, and put down deposits to reserve places for their children. |
Agreeing with this view, Ms. Chu Thi Hien, Principal of Tri Duc High School, pointed out that the biggest concern of parents is the quality of the learning environment that their children will experience during these important years. To answer that concern, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam gave 3 key criteria that parents should consider when choosing a school.
First of all , the school's educational philosophy must be put first, because it reflects the vision and core values that the school aims for, and is even more important than the facilities.
Next , he emphasized a school culture where the relationship between teachers and students needs to go beyond the traditional framework to become companionship, inspiration, and sometimes genuine friendship, helping students feel understood and encouraged.
Finally , educational programs need to be designed flexibly and individually to suit each group of students, instead of applying a general model to all.
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam also recommends that parents refer to additional indicators such as school reputation, rankings, high school graduation rates, and admission rates to top universities for a more comprehensive view.
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Discussion class at Tri Duc High School. |
A 10th grade student at the school expressed: "After the experience, I know how to set specific goals for the future and feel more confident."
Ms. Tran Thi Hai Yen, Vice Principal of Tri Duc High School added: "We not only support students in building their study plans, but also accompany them on their journey to shape their lives, through practical and in-depth orientation sessions."
These efforts of Tri Duc High School have received high appreciation from parents, when they realize that their children not only develop academically but also mature in thinking and life skills, ready for further steps on the educational journey.
Strategy for registering wishes and choosing schools
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Stem lesson of Tri Duc High School students. |
Choosing a school should be based on the student's ability and interests, instead of chasing the title of a "top" school. Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam noted: "Parents should help their children determine their academic ability, avoiding excessive pressure or regret for choosing a school below their ability."
In Hanoi, students can register for a maximum of 3 non-specialized public school preferences, and cannot change them after the number of candidates is announced. The strategy is to set the first preference at an appropriate level, the second preference at a lower level, and the third preference at a non-public school to ensure safety.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Hiep, Vice Principal of Ba Dinh Secondary School (Ba Dinh District), emphasized: "A high 'competition' rate does not necessarily mean a high standard score. That is just one of the information for candidates to refer to. In addition, parents need to consider the geographical distance if choosing a non-public school, but the important thing is to choose a place where their children can develop comprehensively, reduce the pressure from the race for scores, so that they have a solid foundation for the future."
Source: https://nhandan.vn/dinh-huong-chon-truong-trung-hoc-pho-thong-cho-mua-tuyen-sinh-lop-10-post879735.html
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