frequently asked questions

The educational partnership between BCIS and Sedbergh School is a milestone and an important step forward in the journey of cultivating knowledge. We are proud and committed to bringing great benefits and learning opportunities to all students here. If parents or students have any questions or concerns about this event, we would like to answer some of the concerns through the questions below.

Does the partnership with Sedbergh School involve any change in the school’s ownership?

There has been no change of ownership involving Sedbergh School in the UK. The relationship between the two schools is an international education partnership designed to strengthen and further develop academic standards at Sedbergh Vietnam.
The partnership focuses on curriculum development, teaching quality and school operations. By drawing on the expertise and experience of Sedbergh School, students gain access to further opportunities in academic learning, experiential education and pastoral care. They also benefit from additional programmes and support services developed for the wider Sedbergh community.

Why Sedbergh school? Why didn’t we collaborate with the other well-known schools in British?

Sedbergh School is one of the leading independent boarding schools in the UK with a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1525, Sedbergh School is known for its achievements in academic success, sports, music, and performing arts. The school has a strong international reputation and attracts students from over 50 countries. The school prepares outstanding young people for a successful future life. Graduates enter the best universities in the UK.
While it may not have the automatic name recognition of other British private schools, we know from our research that it is widely recognised for its achievements in studies, sports, music, and theatre which truly impressive academic results. See below:

Sedbergh students who have achieved A – A* (A-Level) grades ranged from 39% (2018), 23% (2019) and 36% (2020);
Sedbergh students who have achieved A – A* (GCSE): 44% (2018), 40.7% (2019) and 48.5% (2020)

Sedbergh School is proud of its academic achievements with the vast majority of students being accepted by their first-choice university. Each year, 95% of the school’s high school graduates are admitted to the ideal university of their first choice, and 75% of the students are admitted to the Russell University, which is known as the “Ivy League” in the UK, including top universities such as Cambridge University and Oxford University.

How are students’ programmes and learning pathways structured following the partnership with Sedbergh School?

The programme structure at Sedbergh Vietnam has been in place for two years and provides clearly defined pathways for students with different learning needs and academic aspirations.

From Grades 1 to 5, students follow the Vietnamese National Curriculum alongside Cambridge Primary. From Grade 6, they may follow either the STARS Pathway or the SCHOLARS Pathway.

Under the STARS Pathway, students in Grades 6–8 study the MOET Curriculum alongside Cambridge Lower Secondary. From Grades 9 to 12, the programme includes MOET Curriculum, a second foreign language, Academic English, preparation for IELTS and SAT, and the Career Ready Programme (CRP). From Grade 10, students may choose the Dual-Credit Pathway, combining the NCUK International Foundation Year.

Under the SCHOLARS Pathway, students progress from Cambridge Lower Secondary in Grades 6–8 to Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9–10, followed by Cambridge International AS & A Level in Grades 11–12. Standard, accelerated and preparatory options are available at the IGCSE and A Level stages.

Students continue to follow their chosen pathway. The school works with families to review and adjust each student’s direction in line with their abilities, learning needs and future goals.

What is the Cambridge program about? What is curriculum?

At Sedbergh Vietnam, the Cambridge International Programme is delivered across different grade levels and learning pathways, combining academic knowledge with the development of students’ thinking skills, practical skills, and future career readiness. The school currently offers two main learning pathways designed to suit students’ different abilities and educational goals.

1. Stars Pathway

Students follow the MOET Diploma Programme alongside subjects from the Cambridge International Programme and integrated subjects.

  • Grades 1-5: Alongside subjects from the MOET Diploma Programme, students study English as a Second Language (ESL), Global Perspectives, Integrated Mathematics, Integrated Science, Computing (with AI), and Life Skills & STEM.
  • Grades 6-8: Students continue the MOET Diploma Programme alongside Cambridge Lower Secondary, with subjects such as ESL, Global Perspectives, Integrated Mathematics, and Integrated Science. The curriculum also includes Computing (with AI), Design & Technology, and additional Foreign Languages.
  • Grades 9-12: Students continue the MOET Diploma Programme, complemented by Academic English (EAP/IELTS) and the Career Ready Programme (CRP). From Grade 9, students explore different career domains through hands-on learning. In Grades 10-12, they can select a specialised pathway aligned with their interests and future goals, including Technology & Computing, Health Sciences, Business & Finance, and Design & Media.
2. Scholars Pathway

The Scholars Pathway begins in Grade 6 with Cambridge Lower Secondary, followed by Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level. Students build a strong academic foundation in English while developing analytical thinking, independent learning skills, and subject specialisation in preparation for university.

  • Grades 6–8 – Cambridge Lower Secondary: Students study Cambridge International subjects, including English First, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Global Perspectives, Computing, Digital Literacy, and Foreign Languages (Spanish or Chinese).
  • The curriculum also includes Vietnamese Studies under the MOET Diploma Programme, alongside integrated subjects such as Home Economics and Design & Technology.
  • Grades 9–10 – Cambridge IGCSE: Students can choose from three study pathways based on their academic abilities and goals:
  • IGCSE Standard (2 years): Core Subjects include Mathematics, English as a First/Second Language, Vietnamese First Language/Chinese Foreign Language/Spanish Foreign Language, Co-ordinated Sciences or Combined Science, and Global Perspectives. Students can also choose from Option Blocks, including Business, Economics, Accounting, Computer Science, Psychology, and History. Enrichment activities include Sports, Creative & Arts, Self-study & Learning Support, or Advanced Subject Options.
  • IGCSE Fast Track (1 year): Focuses on Mathematics, English as a Second Language, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Pre-A Level (1 year): Strengthens students’ academic foundation before progressing to Cambridge AS & A Level, with Mathematics, Co-ordinated Sciences, English as a Second Language, and Economics.
  • Grades 11–12 – Cambridge AS & A Level: Students select specialised subjects aligned with their academic abilities, intended fields of study, and university aspirations. The programme offers three pathways:
  • AS & A Level Standard (2 years): Mathematics is a Core Subject, alongside Option Blocks including Global Perspectives, Psychology, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Business, Biology, Computer Science, and Chinese Language (AS Level only). Enrichment options include Sports, Self-study & Learning Support, IPQ/EAP, Art & Design Portfolio, or AS Further Maths.
  • A Level Fast Track (1.5 years): Focuses on Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Enrichment activities.
  • Cambridge AICE Diploma (2 years): Students accumulate credits across Mathematics and Science, Languages, Arts and Humanities, and Interdisciplinary and Skills-based Subjects. A total of seven credits is required to earn the diploma, including the compulsory Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives subject.

Subjects within the Cambridge International Programme are structured around the relevant Cambridge curriculum frameworks and learning objectives at each stage. Details of the textbooks, publishers, and editions currently used for individual subjects can be provided by the school for parents’ reference.

What will my child’s learning path be like when switching to the English curriculum?

Students currently following the MOET Diploma Programme or other international curricula may be considered for a transition to Stars Pathway or Scholars Pathway at Sedbergh Vietnam, depending on their academic abilities and educational background.
The most suitable learning pathway will be determined based on each student’s previous curriculum, academic knowledge, English proficiency, and educational goals. The school will then provide guidance on the appropriate grade level, stage of study, and learning pathway.
Parents are encouraged to consult an Education Advisor for personalised guidance based on their child’s academic background and future aspirations.

What is my child’s timetable ?

The timetable follows a balanced rhythm of two lessons followed by a break, giving students regular opportunities to rest and recharge.
The school still keeping 45 classes/week. Including 2 club periods, 20 Cambridge periods with foreign teachers, 20 to 21 periods is MOET’s programme, 2 Cambridge Math taught in English by Vietnamese teachers.

What extracurricular activities and opportunities will be offered to students under the new curriculum?

Students from Grades 1 to 12 participate in collective activities centered on learning themes, field trips to historical sites, nature exploration, industrial and agricultural production models, and practical life-supporting technologies and methods. Furthermore, these activities provide opportunities for students to apply and reinforce skills learned in school, such as communication, time management, teamwork, and various other soft skills.

Sedbergh Vietnam offers a rich Co-Curricular Club System spanning over 50 fields, including Pickleball, Rugby, MUN, Badminton, Board Games, Makerspace, Acrylic Painting, Choir, Drama, Library, Calligraphy, Homework Club, Handicrafts, IELTS, and more.