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 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?
The current program for students from Primary to High School will not be replaced but will be supplemented with Cambridge standard subjects or specialized extracurricular/skill training subjects. for Sedbergh students (Math, Science, English, Music, Art, Sports, Pastoral Care, and Extra-Curricular Activities).
Students from grade 9 and above, will have 2 choices according to their learning ability and career orientation:
– First orientation: Moet + Cambridge Global English Program leading to MoET graduation.
– Second Orientation: Cambridge International English program with IGCSE leading to A-Level graduation.
With the application of the Cambridge program, Sedbergh Vietnam – BCIS’s students and new students will receive many academic benefits as well as the skills necessary to become a global citizen.
What will my child’s learning path be like when switching to the English curriculum?
The current International Primary Curriculum – IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and the International Middle Years Curriculum – IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) are built on a standard framework British National Curriculum. The Cambridge program is also based on the British National curriculum framework. We do not anticipate that student will face significant challenges when transitioning from their current program to the Cambridge Sedbergh program.
In Grades 1 to 8, the school arranges teaching assistants in class along with foreign teachers to support students in the development of English Language acquisiting. The school also provides supplementary English (EAL) program for students with identified ELL needs.
Parents can read more at this link: https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum
What is my child’s timetable ?
Still keeping 45 classes/week. Including
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.