Future-focused Education at ISHCMC: Empowering Students for Tomorrow
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is renowned for its innovative approach to education, with inquiry-based learning at the heart of its pedagogical practices. This methodology, which encourages students to ask questions, explore real-world problems, and discover answers independently, is designed to prepare students to be responsible global citizens.
Inquiry-based learning aligns with international academic standards such as AERO and ACARA, and it's not just a teaching method at ISHCMC, but an approach that helps students succeed academically while preparing them to become confident, responsible leaders and global citizens.
Teachers at ISHCMC act as guides, helping students dive deeper into topics by asking thought-provoking questions and encouraging independent research. This approach fosters critical thinking by requiring students to research, question assumptions, and synthesize information.
Moreover, by engaging with global issues and diverse perspectives, inquiry-based learning cultivates a global mindset in students, preparing them to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world.
The benefits of inquiry-based learning are evident in the success of ISHCMC students. They regularly outperform global averages on tests like the International Baccalaureate, Diploma Programme, and the Measure of Academic Progress tests. ISHCMC graduates have secured spots at top universities worldwide, including Harvard, Yale, and the University of Chicago.
The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including 95+ After-School Activities and more than 25 advanced programmes, providing students with numerous opportunities to apply their learning in practical and creative ways.
One shining example of a student who has thrived under this learning model is Danichiro Kudo-Ivanov (Danko), an outstanding ISHCMC student who transferred from an international school in Kenya. Danko has achieved excellent academic results, actively participated in activities like Model United Nations and the Student Leadership Council, and cultivated leadership skills, independent thinking, and adaptability in a multicultural setting.
ISHCMC's commitment to inquiry-based learning extends beyond the classroom. For instance, students visit the river to collect data and observe fish in real life as part of their learning process. This hands-on approach to learning allows students to apply their knowledge in a practical context, reinforcing their understanding and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
ISHCMC celebrates its 30-year legacy with the 30th Anniversary Gala Event on December 2. Over the past three decades, the school has established itself as a leader in the world of international education, with a legacy of global university success and a commitment to preparing students to be responsible global citizens.
In addition, ISHCMC's counselling services have supported 98 per cent of students in gaining admission to their top-choice universities in 2025, a testament to the school's comprehensive approach to education and its commitment to student success.
With 57 per cent of ISHCMC students earning a bilingual diploma in up to 10 languages, significantly higher than the global average of 23 per cent, it's clear that the school's inquiry-based learning approach is paying off. By fostering a global mindset, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities, ISHCMC is equipping its students with the skills necessary for personal and academic success in a globalized environment.
[1] Source: University of Technology and Science (UTS) website, accessed on August 15, 2022.
Inquiry-based learning at ISHCMC not only contributes to the academic success of students, as they consistently outperform global averages in tests like the International Baccalaureate, Diploma Programme, and Measure of Academic Progress, but it also plays a crucial role in fostering personal growth and self-development by cultivating critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability skills in a multicultural setting.
Learning at ISHCMC extends beyond classrooms, with real-life experiences such as field trips and extracurricular activities, providing students with numerous opportunities to apply their learning in practical and creative ways, contributing to their lifelong love of learning and preparation for becoming confident, responsible leaders and global citizens.
