Student Highlights & Success Stories (05/10 - 09/10/2026)

Dear Families

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for an incredible first half term of the year.

A big congratulations to our students who ran a fantastic coding competition on Sunday. Well done to all involved.

Our Year 12 students attended their residential trip to Dalat this week and by all accounts, they had a great time.

On Wednesday I hosted the very first 'Friends of BVIS' meeting. A big thank you to all those who registered and were able to attend.

On Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th, potential candidates for the Principal role will be visiting the school. We look forward to welcoming them to BVIS.

I wish you all a very happy and safe half-term break. School will reopen for students on Monday 19th October.

The Building Blocks of Reading

This week, our Early Years children have been developing the foundations for future reading success through their phonics learning. In F1, children have been building listening skills by identifying and distinguishing environmental sounds and enjoying nursery rhymes. In F2, they have been exploring initial sounds, alliteration and rhyme, while F3 students have been learning to blend and segment sounds to read words independently. It has been wonderful to see the progress, confidence and enthusiasm for learning across the Early Years.

Bringing Characters to Life

This term, Year 1 students have been exploring characters in stories and putting their learning into action by designing and creating their own puppets. They confidently described their creations using ambitious adjectives such as “brave,” “beautiful,” and “strong,” demonstrating growing vocabulary, creativity and spoken English skills. We have been delighted to see their confidence shine.

Celebrating Growth and Achievement

As the first half term draws to a close, Year 2 students have been reflecting on a fantastic range of learning experiences. They are now preparing for their Exit Point, where they will share their discoveries, celebrate achievements and recognise the progress they have made across the curriculum. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished so far.

Voices for Our Planet

Year 3 students combined creativity with purpose as they designed persuasive posters promoting forest conservation and environmental responsibility. Through this work, they developed their ability to communicate important messages clearly while demonstrating a growing understanding of how they can help protect our planet.

Inspired by Natural Wonders

Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay, Year 4 students have created stunning artwork that showcases their creativity, observation skills and attention to detail. Their work reflects not only artistic development but also a deeper appreciation of one of Vietnam’s most treasured natural landmarks.

Stories That Keep Us Hooked

Year 5 students have embraced their role as authors, crafting their own warning tales packed with suspense and excitement. Using a range of new writing techniques, they have developed engaging plots, built tension and captivated their readers. The quality and originality of their writing highlight the significant progress they have made as confident and creative storytellers.

Thinking Critically, Speaking Confidently

Through their exploration of debating, Year 6 students have been strengthening essential communication and critical-thinking skills. They have learned how to construct convincing arguments, support their ideas with evidence and consider different viewpoints respectfully. These experiences are helping them become thoughtful, articulate and confident learners who can express their opinions effectively.

Year 12 Dalat Trip

Our Year 12 students have had an amazing week in Dalat, making the most of the beautiful surroundings and embracing a fantastic range of challenges and adventures. From canyoning and high ropes courses to paddle boarding and the thrilling alpine coaster, there has been something for everyone to enjoy. It has been wonderful to see students pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, supporting one another and creating some fantastic memories along the way!

Hoa Lo Prison

Over Thursday and Friday, Year 10 pupils went on a deeply moving and meaningful educational field trip to the Hoa Lo Prison Relic in Hanoi.

The visit not only gave the pupils an opportunity to tour the site and learn about prison life as well as the steadfast spirit of the revolutionary soldiers once held captive here, but also provided an emotional experience through the dramatic sketch “Bữa cơm người tù/ The Prisoner’s meal”. This helped them gain a profound insight into the patriotism of the Vietnamese people. Through this, the school hopes to nurture in pupils a sense of gratitude, national pride, and the resilience to overcome adversity, supporting their personal growth both academically and in everyday life — for they are the ones who will write the next glorious chapters in their nation’s history.

Year 12 and 13 Visit University Fair

On 2 October 2026, our Sixth Form students participated in the VISCA Fair 2026, organised by a group of university counsellors from international schools across Hanoi. The Fair brought together 156 institutions from around the world, including leading universities such as Cambridge, Imperial College London, NYU, UBC, and the University of Toronto...

Blue Dragon

Last week, we successfully ran 2 workshops with our long-term partner, Blue Dragon Children Foundation on: Anti Human Trafficking and Child Labour Law. These workshops were offered to KS4 and KS5 to increase their capacity of understanding Children’s rights, the context of child protection in Vietnam and how they can contribute impact to the process. During the activities, the students worked well in groups. They engaged, shared ideas confidently, supported each other, and were eager to learn, which was extremely impressive.

Y13 Further Maths

Students have been actively preparing for their upcoming mock examinations this week. Through collaborative revision activities, they have been consolidating key knowledge, discussing effective approaches, and using peer support to strengthen their understanding and build confidence ahead of the exams.

Nexus High School Innovation Competition

On Sunday, students from schools all over Vietnam came together for the Grand Finale of the Nexus Innovation Challenge. This event brought together passionate students, dedicated mentors, judges, partners, and an organising team united by one shared spirit: using technology to create meaningful change in student life. The event was expertly organised by a wonderful team of students led by Year 13 Le Nguyen Nam Khanh.

Monday 12 October – Friday 16 October: Half Term Holiday

Students come back to school on Monday 19 October

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