​International ​program

CURRICULUM GUIDE

The International Program of Asian International School is designed on the K-12 education standards of American Education Reaches Out (AERO) and Common Core State Standard. The syllabi of the school are compiled and checked by the Academic Council. Students of Asian International School have a diverse knowledge.

Asian International School provides an international standard of education for Vietnamese and foreign students from grade 1 to grade 12 with stimulating studying environment, high quality teaching practices as well as health care services equivalent of those schools in developed countries.

Asian International School provides an excellent curriculum and encourages the students to study with self- awareness and without inhibition. We encourage students to reflect independently and confidently with the aim to develop both their knowledge and personalities effectively.

After graduation, students can be directly transferred to prestigious universities in English speaking countries such as: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore… or continue to study at The Saigon International University which is a member of The Group of Asian International Education.

SLOGAN:

Vietnam's spirit, global education

VISION:

Excellence in global education for Vietnamese and international students grounded in the concept of unity through diversity.

MISSION:

As the world moves towards multi-lateralism, it is the mission of The Asian International School to give highest priority to motivating and stimulating students to learn beyond their borders, in order to instill internationalism in education and desire for lifelong acquisition of global knowledge and world peace.

Guiding Principles

Academics - The Asian International School will:

Provide instruction through a wide range of learning styles, seeking to develop the cognitive, physical, social and moral potential of every student.
Provide curricula that stimulate intellectual attributes and encourage self-discipline, critical thinking, respect for others’ opinion and creative approaches to problems.

Community - The Asian International School will:

Recognize and respect the values, contributions and opinions of others, including students, teachers, and parents.
Stimulate values of good global citizenship through sustainable living concepts, social awareness, community service and leadership training.
Encourage unity of the academic community within a framework that also celebrates diversity in religion, language, culture and individuality of thinking.

Facilities - The Asian International School will:

Provide modern teaching and study areas that are equivalent to or better than those of the other international schools.
Maintain facilities to access global knowledge via e-library resources, as well as traditional library holdings and materials.
Recognize that good health and physical discipline contribute to intellectual development, by providing individual and team sport facilities, as well as suitable equipment and well-trained medical staff to meet emergency and short term care needs of students.

Staff - The Asian International School will:

Seek to recruit, train and retain highly qualified staff and teachers who excel in the development and encouragement of The Asian International School guiding principles in education.
Employ teachers and staff who foster attitudes of toleration for diverse cultural views and who are committed to cooperation in the attainment of academic and community goals.

Students - The Asian International School will:

Prepare every student for a productive future in the modern developing world through diverse learning experiences.
Prepare students who wish to continue learning in international universities abroad or in Viet Nam by developing all foundation intellectual skills required for success.

Course Sequence Chart:

PRIMARY SCHOOL COURSE SEQUENCE CHART

ENGLISH

SOCIAL STUDIES

THE ARTS

SCIENCE

MATHEMATICS

WORLD LANGUAGES

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

PHILOSOPHY

At the Asian International School, we believe that high-quality learning occurs when students are placed in the center of learning where they are encouraged to ask questions and express opinions or suggestions effectively. We recognize that all learners can acquire English Language Arts competencies through dynamic, creative and collaborative approach to learning. This involves various modern teaching methodologies that are technology-assisted, differentiated, individualized, well-structured.
We envision our learners to become global citizens who can communicate and act appropriately in their environment. Therefore, English Language Art is designed to foster a positive learning atmosphere that provides wholesome interaction and age-appropriate activities that follow a balanced progression from Grades 1 to 5.
The multi-faceted composition of the English Language Arts Program holistically hones the students in acquiring English as a second language through six thematic units per level. It is logically designed to set our learners on a secure course to becoming globally competitive individuals.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

English Language Arts - YL Starters 1 Level

First Grade is the foundation of the fundamentals of literacy for continued growth along the learning continuum. Our young learners are readying their ability to grasp basic knowledge and skills that will enable them to discover their talents and enhance their confidence through comprehensible input, meaningful interactions and drills that will eventually lead them to learn independently.
Reading is the foundation of learning, is taught in various integrated strategies. In this level, learners are focused on reading sight words and learning the relationship of letters and sounds that form a word which facilitates proper articulation.
Being able to listen, point, illustrate, match and choose are some of the basic skills that first-grade learners must acquire. Learners are trained to think critically which allows them to think within the text, beyond the text and about the text through reading materials that follows an age-appropriate lexical structure for grade 1.

English Language Arts - YL Starters 2 Level

Second grade English follows well-structured and logical age-appropriate progression. It offers a wider range of critical academic vocabulary, keywords, complex phonetic structures, grammar and skill-based reading selections and other connected learning opportunities that will allow the students to demonstrate their mastery of skills.
Reading practice is continued. Second-grade learners are exposed to more complex reading materials that draw a personal connection. This enables the learners to expand their critical thinking skills. Writing is an essential skill that can benefit students for the rest of their lives. Learners are taught to write longer phrases and sentences with better grammar having a variety of purposes using writing models.
Being able to name, list and group, categorize, label and demonstrate are some of the performance indicators that second-grade learners must acquire. Boosting the learners’ confidence, critical thinking skills and problem-solving are the utmost goals in this level.

English Language Arts - YL Movers 1 Level

Third grade English course is designed to elevate skills that the learners have acquired from grades 1-2. It offers a higher range to critical academic words, keywords, complex phonetic structures, grammar and skill-based reading selections and other connected learning opportunities that will allow the students to demonstrate their mastery of skills.
Learners are encouraged and trained to participate in academic discussions using higher-order language to describe or persuade with more accuracy and correctness.
Reading skill is elevated. Third-grade learners are exposed to various literary genres that revolves around the unit theme. These genres promote academic concept and vocabulary that are essential to the formation of the learners’ cognitive foundation.
Writing practice is continued. Learners are to write narratives and essays following a writing model. Learners are taught to use graphic organizers to represent their views in the discussion of the various selections.
Being able to compare and contrast, recall and retell, summarize and explain are some of the performance indicators that third-grade learners must acquire.

English Language Arts - YL Movers 2 Level

Teachers introduce the concept of past, present, and future verbs. This allows them to further improve their ability to create meaning dialogue and describe events in all three tenses. Comparative adjectives are also introduced providing them the ability to better define their environment and communicate more specific ideas. The syllabus introduces them to further vocabulary groups including the solar system, daily activities, sports, professions and many others. Reading practice is now combined with creative writing reflecting some of the ideas taken from the National Geographic readers. By the time students finish the year most can construct and correctly pronounce meaningful, descriptive sentences and have a vocabulary base of several hundred words.

English Language Arts - YL Flyers Level

Extensive reading comprehension and writing are introduced at the beginning of the year. Students are exposed to extensive multi-paragraph texts and dialogue where they must master the cadence of reading the texts as well as understand them. Present continuous and present perfect verbs are introduced, again, honing the students’ ability to create dialogue that can not only be easily understood but also be grammatically correct. The syllabus also introduces numerous adverbs allowing the students to quantify the verbs they have already learned. Additional vocabulary groups are also taught including: musical instruments, cities and countries, weather and others. Creative writing is also emphasized through the use of the National Geographic reader’s writing exercises regarding proverbs and fables. Upon completion of Flyer level, students have a solid foundation in the grammatical constructs of English, their pronunciation has been honed with constant correction for five years and they have a vocabulary base of hundreds of words. There is also a series of standardized tests which they need to complete, which allows them to concentrate on any weaknesses they might have, in preparation for them to move onto middle school.

SOCIAL STUDIES

PHILOSOPHY

It is the mission of the Asian International School to give the highest priority to motivating and stimulating students to learn beyond their borders, in order to instill internationalism in education and desire for lifelong acquisition of global knowledge and world peace. The Asian International School aims to hone global citizens who are capable of understanding the world’s complexity and cultural diversity.
We believe that high-quality learning can also be achieved when learners strive to find ways to contribute to their local community and eventually to the global scale. In response to the emerging demands of global citizenship and internationalism, Social Studies is strategically designed to develop the learners’ identity as Vietnamese citizens and citizens of the world.
The Social Studies course is integrated. It covers a vast range of topics that follow 5 thematic levels. Contents are carefully chosen based on the competencies that the learners must possess. Learners are trained to acquire Social Studies skills through authentic learning contents that draw a personal connection in the local and international context.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Social Studies - YL Starters 1 Level

First-Grade Social Studies marks the learners’ formal exposure in acquiring desirable social skills and values pertinent to their personal and interpersonal growth. Our young learners are readying to acquire the basic understanding of the environment that they are closely familiar with (self, peers, family, school, and community).
‘Family as context’ is the grade-level theme for First Grade Social Studies. Values formation, basic familial and social roles and environmental awareness are the focus of this course.

Social Studies - YL Starters 2 Level

Second-Grade Social Studies is the continuation of the basic foundation that the learners had in their first-grade. It offers a wider range of topics that revolve around establishing a concrete understanding of what ‘Local Community (City/ Town)’ is.
Social roles and responsibilities, geographical awareness, basic introduction to economy and jobs and road safety measures are the components of this course. Our young learners are guided to develop a deeper sense of local identity that will later lead them to broaden their global perspectives.

Social Studies - YL Movers 1 Level

Local Community (City/ Town) plus another community’ is the theme of the Third-Grade Social Studies course. Basic concepts about the community are brought into a step higher progression that will challenge the curiosity of our learners. Enhancement of the learners’ Social Studies skills is refined through the integration of topics such as technological breakthroughs, graph interpretation, problem-solving, analogies and map usage.
Cultural awareness is also the focus of the third-grade course. Learners are being prepared to face the world of diversity provided with an opportunity to examine their local culture in comparison to another country’s culture.

Social Studies - YL Movers 2 Level

Fourth-Grade Social Studies focuses on examining the relationship of history that hones local identity. ‘Host Country’ is the grade-level theme. Topics revolve around international and local perspectives about the host country, local origins, and history, lifestyle, geography and citizens’ rights.
Social Studies skills are intensified. Examining the past to understand the present and to prepare for the future is the aim of the Fourth-Grade program. By tracing the host country’s humble beginnings, learners will have a deeper sense of understanding of their local identity.
With the respect to the learners’ level of maturity, appropriate topics that concern the world are also introduced. Learners are given a chance to examine the impact of social problems on some minorities. Learners are trained and encouraged to express their thoughts in an academic way facilitated by the teacher.

Social Studies - YL Flyers Level

Fifth-Grade Social Studies prepares the learners to consolidate the values and skills they have acquired in the previous levels. ‘Early History (1500-1800 CE)’ is the grade-level theme. Topics are carefully selected to inculcate awareness and deeper understanding of cultural, ethnical, political, social and economic backgrounds of various nations.
We envision our learners to become global citizens who are capable of making a difference and contribution to the society in the future. Fifth-Grade learners are to critically examine historical events, culture, traditions, beliefs and other factors that helped shape the present perspectives to better understand the diversity and individuality of people from various origins.

MEDIA

PHILOSOPHY

21st century offers a lot of possibilities and opportunities not only in some fields of life but in education as well. As students mature, they learn to direct their own learning and may apply many types of tools and resources in achieving learning objectives. In the advent of technological advancements, learners of the 21st century have more opportunities to explore more possibilities that will prepare them to become global citizens of the world. In response to the increasing demands of internationalism, our school has adopted and designed educational program to promote the students’ capacity for self-directed learning, a capacity that is fostered and enhanced by technology. MEDIA CLASS is (part of the school’s supported curriculum) a subject designed to prepare the students in learning major academic subjects in school that are taught in their second language (English) such as, Math, Science, English and Social Studies. Students learn to read in an interactive and entertaining way. Selected programs enable them to learn at their own pace and to repeat sections as needed or as their interest dictates.
Using the provided learning facilities and structured program in the Media class, students are expected to develop and improve their study habits to encourage student centered learning process. As the students work on the tasks provided by the media teacher with collaboration with the major academic teachers, an SLG (Student Learning Guide) will enable students to organize the concepts that they are bound to learn in their major academic subjects. SLG is a learning guide based on the concepts that the students are learning in their major academic subjects. This means that the concepts that the students are learning in their major subjects are parallel to the concepts that they are bound to learn in the Media class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Media - YL Starters 1-2 Level

MEDIA 1 introduces the students to a new kind of learning through the use of computers and interactive computer programs with the intensive supervision and facilitation of the media teacher. Students are introduced and aimed to develop different learning skills that will prepare them for life-long learning. Basic skills of reading, identifying and classifying based on the basic concepts lifted from English, Math, Science and Social Studies stimulate students’ curiosity and motivation to learn more guided and directed by the SLG (Student Learning Guide).
MEDIA 2 expands on the skills that students have already learned. Students are expected to perform assigned tasks with less assistance from the teacher. Students are bound to learn concepts parallel to the concepts that they are learning in their major subjects that are taught in English. However, their learning tasks and SLG (Student Learning Guide) differs in their respective level of difficulty and complexity.
At the end of the semester, the students should be able to:
1. Come up with accurate answers through the use of SLG and teacher’s facilitation.
2. Gather and collect information based on the tasks given to them through the use of specified guidelines and questionnaires.
3. Exhibit their understanding of concepts through oral recitation.

Media - YL Movers 1-2 and Flyers Level

MEDIA 3-5 focuses on enhancing the skills that the students have already developed. Students are expected to perform tasks independently. Students must develop and enhance skills of investigating phenomena, researching and organizing concepts to arrive with an accurate learning outcome guided by the SLG (Student Learning Guide).
At the end of the semester, the students should be able to:
1. Develop independence in investigating and researching to come up with an accurate and research based response.
2. Arrive with an accurate response to questions through oral recitation.
3. Exhibit their mastery and organization of concepts through group presentation and reporting.

SUBJECT GUIDELINES:

1. There will be coordination and collaboration between the media teacher and the major subject teachers since the media will be used as a resource venue for research and further study of concepts.
2. The subject teachers must make a SLG (Student Learning Guide) based on the topic/s being tackled.
3. The SLG will be given to the media teachers and students. The teachers will act as facilitator and guide to ensure that the students are on the right learning track. The teachers will check whether the students have accomplished their assigned tasks. All SLG sheets will be handed out to the media teacher once the students are finished. The media teacher will pass the SLG sheets to the subject teachers.
SLG sheets will be the students output.
4. SLG worksheets will be part of the students’ performance in their major academic subjects that are taught in English.

MATHEMATICS

PHILOSOPHY

As our rapidly changing world evolves and technology plays an ever-increasing role in society, applied mathematics becomes an increasingly important skill set. The ability to understand and apply mathematics, not only in one’s native language, but also in English is a challenge to both the student and the teacher. Our syllabus in mathematics looks to create critical thinkers who can analyze situations, assess needs, and find solutions to a wide range of problems. Forward thinkers who can use their skills to process information and apply technology effectively will stand at the forefront of tomorrows demanding world of business, industry, and commerce. Using Macmillan’s mathematics curriculum our vision is to give our students the knowledge, skills and abilities to not only meet but exceed these demands and stand at the cutting edge of a future that encompasses new innovations, inventions and technologies.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Math - YL Starters 1 Level

Math 1 is a basic introduction to numbers, numerical applications and relationships. Students will develop the building blocks of math: sorting, matching and counting. Classes are introduced to the functions of addition and subtraction. Identifying patterns stimulates numerical thought processes. Comparing, sorting and matching shapes develops spatial imaging as does understanding basic fractions as parts of a whole. Students are introduced to the concept of tallying to keep track of data. Our objective is to develop a solid foundation for the students to build on.

Math - YL Starters 2 Level

Math 2 expands on the skills students have already learned by applying these skills to larger numbers. Addition and subtraction to 1,000 with no exchange, an introduction to multiplication tables, equations and functions, and fractions are all expanded upon. Students begin their study of time, reading both analog and digital clocks. Area of shapes is introduced as well as problems involving measuring both length and perimeter.

Math - YL Movers 1 Level

Reading and writing 4-digit numbers, and addition and subtraction with renaming is introduced. Time and calendar facts and problems challenge the learner. Multiplication tables up to and including 10 are learned. Students learn to multiply by 100. Grouping and division by a single-digit number are also studied this year. Problems with shapes, properties of shapes and angles will develop the student’s geometry skills. Measures, determining perimeter and area of rectangles and squares, fractions and fraction problems continue to challenge the students. Data analysis is revisited as students learn how to interpret both pictograms and bar graphs.

Math - YL Movers 2 Level

Level four takes the students to a new level of understanding. Large numbers, comparing and ordering, rounding and approximation, function machines, multiples and factors force the learner to think in new patterns. Lines, angles, 2–D and 3–D shapes, symmetry, reflections, and triangles develop the students’ skills in geometric problem solving. Multiplication and division using inverse relationships are part of the curriculum this year. Dealing with equations with missing numbers, comparing as well as adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers force the students to approach problem solving from different perspectives. Standard units of measure, measure problems, and handling data through the construction of bar graphs introduce the student to a new way of looking at applied mathematics.

Math - YL Flyers Level

Students will continue to improve their skills with decimal numbers through comparing, ordering and rounding. Number patterns including negative numbers, basic algebra, multiples, factors, prime numbers and square numbers are introduced. Adding, subtracting and multiplying decimals and fractions expand the student’s knowledge of mathematics. Lines, segments, rays, different types of angles, and 2- and 3-D shape problems allow the learners to continue to develop their geometric skills. Lessons will expand the students understanding and ability to calculate measures of length, distance, perimeter, weight, time and temperature. Classes learn to determine the area of compound shapes, and also volume and capacity of cuboids. Students will continue to develop their ability to determine and apply their knowledge of fractions, decimals and percentages through problem solving.
Our course is all encompassing, introducing the elementary school learner to the varied aspects of mathematics and also illuminating how the application of mathematics is a fundamental part of today’s society not only in business and industry but in our everyday lives.

SCIENCE

PHILOSOPHY

People are constantly understanding more and more about our world. Technology is helping to create solutions to problems and new, never before seen ideas at an exciting rate. An effective primary science program must be current and modern, providing students with the skills that are not only useful in Science and Science related fields, but in life.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Science - YL Starters 1 Level

Science 1 introduces students to each field of science and provides a basic set of science skills that will provide the foundation for continued exploration of Science.
Students learn that Science is about observing and asking questions. Students learn how to compare and group different objects. They learn how to collect, record, and share data through the use of charts. Students learn to identify problems and solutions. Students have an opportunity to think of a solution to a problem, design, and then test their solution. Life Science begins with an exploration of living and nonliving things; learning that living things grow and change. Finally, students learn about the human body and the five senses. Earth and Space Science involves observing the Earth and the day and night skies. Students learn about weather and the seasons. Physical science introduces students to different materials, matter and mixtures, and motion.

Science - YL Starters 2 Level

Second graders are introduced to the design process in the context of solving problems. They learn about the needs of living things as well as ways to compare and contrast plants and animals. Students learn about healthy and safe habits. They also learn about the Earth and Earth’s changes, the Sun, and weather. Physical and chemical changes in matter, energy providers and users, force, motion, and gravity are also studied.

Science – YL Movers 1 Level

Students are introduced to the Scientific Method and practice recording data in tables, charts, and graphs. They will learn about making predictions and testing hypotheses. They evaluate how technology and tools help people solve problems and look at different animal body parts that work as simple tools. Students consider the simple machines in action as they design a robot to take care of a daily chore. In Life Science students look at plants and animals in their habitats, human development, life cycles of different animals, and animal classification. Students examine the solar system, the components of the Earth, and how weather and natural forces change the Earth’s surface in Earth and Space Science. Physical Science topics include matter, energy, forces, and motion. Grade 3 students will be encouraged to do research outside of class in preparation work on two posters: How to Protect the Earth, and Habitats.

Science – YL Movers 2 Level

Grade four students consider how technology affects our lives, and then learn about the design process. Life Science topics include the human body and illness, plant reproduction and growth, and an in-depth study of ecosystems and the interaction of living things. Students will be able to analyze and construct a food web. Students learn about the different vertebrate and invertebrate groups and prepare a group presentation about vertebrate or invertebrate animals. Earth and Space Sciences are a large component of the Grade 4 curriculum. Water is an important topic as students learn about the water cycle and the importance of water conservation. Students will design a visual aid for a water conservation campaign. The movements of different objects in space, the phases of the moon, and eclipses round out the study of the universe. Focusing on our planet, students learn about the forces that change the Earth’s surface such as weathering, erosion, and volcanoes.

Science – YL Flyers Level

Fifth grade students learn about the organization of living things from cells to organisms. They study vertebrate and invertebrate groups as well as plant nutrition and reproduction. Matter is an important topic as atoms, elements, mixtures, and changes of matter are studied. Solids, liquids, and gases are further analyzed when learning about the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.