An essential requirement of the era of international integration.
Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2025, of the Politburo on educational development clearly states: "Strengthen the teaching and learning of foreign languages, gradually making English the second language in schools." To concretize the orientation of teaching and learning towards international integration, the Hai Phong Education Department directs schools to research teaching English through various subjects to move towards making English the second language in schools.
Ms. Hoang Thi Phuong Thao, Principal of Tran Nguyen Han High School, An Bien Ward, Hai Phong City, shared: "The school recognizes that making English the second language is not only a strategic direction of the Education sector but also an essential requirement of the era of international integration."
Clearly defining the goals and requirements of teaching natural science subjects in English, especially in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science, will not only help students access global knowledge but also contribute to the development of academic language skills, scientific thinking, and the ability to integrate internationally.
Regarding specific objectives, bilingual education aims to develop students' comprehensive abilities, helping them to both master scientific knowledge and proficiently use specialized English, fostering modern academic thinking, and laying the foundation for future career orientation and international integration. These objectives are not only in line with modern educational trends but also form a crucial basis for implementing specific solutions in the next phase.
Therefore, based on the current situation, the school staff is focusing on developing six key, synchronized, and appropriate solutions to effectively implement the model of teaching natural science subjects in English. In the 2025-2026 school year, the school aims to strengthen its foundation with 50% of teachers achieving B1 level proficiency, and one bilingual lesson per subject per semester. The roadmap to the 2029-2030 school year focuses on sustainable development with 40% of teachers achieving B2 level or higher, and school-wide bilingual teaching.
In fact, through the city-level thematic project "Implementing Mathematics Teaching in English – Towards Making English the Second Language in Schools," Tran Nguyen Han High School has sown the seeds of creative ideas on teaching English through the subject. Throughout the entire lesson, from knowledge formation to discussion, practice, and group activities, everything is conducted entirely in English by both teachers and students.
During the specialized class session, Ms. Pham Thi Thu Trang shared: Teaching in English through the subject matter yields clear results. Teachers must research, learn, improve their language skills, and innovate their methods. Students develop bilingual thinking, learn to critically analyze, and present issues more naturally.
Overcoming difficulties step by step.
From a practical perspective, the biggest challenge in implementing English language teaching in schools is the foreign language proficiency of the teaching staff, especially teachers of subjects other than English. Although teachers of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in schools may have strong expertise and good teaching methods, it is very difficult for them to teach these subjects in English.
The Vice Principal of Ly Thuong Kiet High School in Thuy Nguyen Ward, Hai Phong City, stated that after attending the city's specialized workshops, the school will learn from the experience to implement it within its subject groups. Initially, the school will encourage teachers to teach natural science subjects in English through various activities instead of teaching an entire lesson in English. Simultaneously, they will conduct enrichment classes in Mathematics and Natural Science for students in English. Teaching English as a second language still faces many challenges regarding staffing and represents a long-term goal.
Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Principal of Thanh Binh High School in Thanh Ha commune, Hai Phong city, commented that teaching other subjects, especially natural sciences, in English is very good because both teachers and students improve their foreign language skills, and lessons become more interesting. However, the difficulty lies in the fact that the teachers' foreign language proficiency is not yet sufficient. If the city's Education Department introduces English as a second language in schools, teachers must receive training in specialized English.
To teach English as a second language effectively, Ms. Hoang Thi Phuong Thao, Principal of Tran Nguyen Han High School, expressed her wish. The Hai Phong Department of Education and Training organizes specialized English training courses for teachers of natural science subjects. It implements policies to encourage and reward teachers who teach bilingually. It considers incorporating English-language teaching criteria into school quality assessments. Simultaneously, it invests in smart classrooms, equipment, and software to support bilingual online teaching. It also strengthens the organization of workshops and seminars; and builds a citywide network of bilingual teachers to share learning materials and professional experience.
Implementing the teaching of natural science subjects in English is an inevitable step, requiring vision, determination, and the concerted efforts of the entire education sector. Besides the support from the Hai Phong Department of Education and Training, the schools themselves need to overcome difficulties to realize the goal of making English the second language in schools.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/hai-phong-no-luc-dua-tieng-anh-tro-thanh-ngon-ngu-thu-2-trong-truong-hoc-post759964.html
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