Qui Duc and his perfect score in the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Science Olympiad.

Through self-taught Python learning, Vu Qui Duc achieved a perfect score in the computer science subject at the Ho Chi Minh City High School Student Excellence Competition.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao, Principal of Tan Binh High School, is very proud that the school has such an outstanding student - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

Vu Qui Duc, a 12th-grade student from Tan Binh High School in Tan Son Nhi ward (formerly Tan Phu district), Ho Chi Minh City, recently achieved a perfect score in the city-level computer science competition for gifted students. Remarkably, despite not attending any extra tutoring sessions, Duc has consistently achieved excellent academic results for many years.

From an extracurricular activity

Contrary to our preconceived notions that students passionate about computer science are usually quiet and reserved, Qui Duc is quite talkative. Duc said he wasn't surprised to receive first prize in the city-level excellent student competition for the 2025-2026 school year. He said he only needed 90 out of 120 minutes to complete all the requirements of the exam.

"With 30 minutes left, I sat down and meticulously reviewed each part of my work. Only when I was sure there were no mistakes did I submit it," Duc recounted.

In 10th grade, when he learned about Python programming in his computer science class (according to the 2018 General Education Program of the Ministry of Education and Training ), Duc discovered he had an endless passion for the subject: "It was like opening a new 'window' with so many fascinating things that I longed to explore."

From then on, the student devoted more and more time to computer science. Besides his regular classes at school, he initially just explored and searched for additional materials to read. Then, in the middle of 10th grade, while participating in an extracurricular activity organized by the computer science group (Tan Binh High School), Duc caught the attention of Ms. Le Thi Thanh Quynh.

"That day, among the 10th-grade students competing on stage, I noticed that Duc stood out the most. His thinking in computer science was very quick and unique. Afterwards, I spoke with him and invited him to join the school's enrichment class for students who love computer science," Ms. Quynh recalled.

Qui Duc poses for a photo with his classmates from class 12A1 - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

In 11th grade, Vu Qui Duc immediately "scored" with first prize in the High School Student Excellence Olympic Competition (organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training). In 12th grade, Duc continued to demonstrate his abilities with a perfect score in the city-level student excellence competition – a prestigious academic "playground" in Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, this competition also includes students from specialized high schools.

Sharing his thoughts on his recent achievement, Duc attributed it to the dedicated guidance and support from Ms. Quynh and the other teachers in the IT department at Tan Binh School.

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"Not only did the teachers help me study and train in the right direction, but they also inspired me to always feel that computer science is a subject full of interesting surprises," the male student concluded.

In today's technologically advanced era, learning is a lifelong process; without self-learning, individuals easily fall behind. Self-learning is about setting boundaries for oneself, cultivating discipline, and continuously improving oneself.

Vu Qui Duc

Wave problem solving

Mr. Tran Nguon Phong, a math teacher and homeroom teacher of class 12A1 at Tan Binh High School, revealed: "From grade 10 until now, Qui Duc hasn't attended any extra classes, but he has achieved the title of outstanding student every year because he excels in all subjects."

She is an exemplary class deputy in charge of academics, very cheerful, sociable, and responsible towards the group. She also often helps her friends with their studies. In particular, she often surprises me in math. Her solutions are usually very short but logically sound and well-presented."

Mr. Tran Nguon Phong, Qui Duc's homeroom teacher, commented that Duc is a very diligent student - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

Duc believes that self-learning skills are not only important for students but also essential for working professionals. According to him, self-learning is a decisive factor in a person's success or failure, because with this skill, one becomes more proactive in everything, from communicating with teachers to independently searching for learning materials instead of depending on others.

"In today's technologically advanced era, learning is a lifelong process; without self-learning, people easily fall behind. Self-learning is a way to discipline oneself, cultivate self-control, and continuously improve oneself," Duc affirmed.

So, what does it take to learn computer science well? Duc answered immediately, without hesitation, that learners need a clear and comprehensive learning plan. Knowledge is vast, but learning must be purposeful, not aimless.

To excel in computer science, one must first be proficient in mathematics, as math and computer science are closely related. Furthermore, most of the useful learning materials for computer science are in English. Therefore, students need to be proficient in English to be able to independently find resources online for further study and problem-solving.

"After studying the lessons, I usually organize the knowledge myself to make it easier to remember. While the teachers are lecturing and suggesting ways to solve problems, I often try to think of a new solution method to see how it works. And I find this learning method quite effective," the male student shared.

With only a few weeks left before leaving high school, Vu Qui Duc is still diligently working on two types of assignments: those given by his teachers and those he researches and completes on his own. His goal isn't just to prepare for the upcoming high school graduation exam. More than that, it's to thoroughly prepare himself, both in terms of knowledge and skills, to excel in information technology at university later on.

* Ms. Le Thi Thanh Quynh (Computer Science teacher at Tan Binh High School, Ho Chi Minh City):

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They have a very high level of self-learning awareness.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Quynh, a computer science teacher in charge of training gifted 12th-grade students, is the direct mentor of Vu Qui Duc - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

Vu Qui Duc is a diligent and hardworking student, and he has a particularly strong sense of self-study. He always completes the assignments I give him before the deadline. In addition, he always proactively seeks out extra exercises and materials to study and practice.

Although he only started learning advanced computer science and receiving supplementary instruction in 10th grade, he progressed very quickly thanks to his sharp thinking ability and eagerness to learn. I believe that Duc will go even further in his studies and future career, especially in the field of information technology that he loves.

HOANG HUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/qui-duc-va-diem-tuyet-doi-hoc-sinh-gioi-tin-hoc-tp-hcm-20260512091306699.htm