Vietnam: What are the regulations on educational activities in primary schools?

What are the regulations on educational activities in primary schools in Vietnam?

According to Article 19 of the Charter of Primary Schools issued with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT, the educational activities in primary schools are specifically regulated as follows:

- Educational activities are organized both inside and outside the classroom to develop qualities, enhance capacities, educate morality and lifestyle, foster talents, and support students to complete their learning tasks by the psychological characteristics of their age group.

The format of educational activities for students is organized flexibly according to the goals and nature of the activity, in which students are organized to work independently, in groups, or a whole class setting under the guidance and support of teachers, ensuring that each student is allowed to carry out learning tasks and gain real-life experiences.

- Educational activities are organized inside and outside the classroom through several primary forms: theoretical learning, exercises, practicals, experiments, games, role-playing, learning projects, clubs, excursions, camping, reading, collective activities, and community service activities.

What are the regulations on educational activities in primary schools in Vietnam? (Image from the Internet)

What are the duties and powers of primary schools for the educational activities of students in Vietnam?

According to Article 3 of the Charter of Primary Schools issued with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT, the duties and powers of primary schools for the educational activities of students in Vietnam are as follows:

- Publicly disclose the objectives, programs, education plans, and conditions to ensure educational quality, and the results of quality assessment and accreditation; organize teaching, learning, and educational activities that meet the quality requirements, achieving the objectives and required outcomes as per the primary education program issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

- Implement compulsory education, universal education, and literacy eradication in the locality. Mobilize children to attend school at the right age, encourage and create conditions for children with special circumstances to attend school. Sponsor and manage the educational activities of other educational institutions implementing the primary education program as assigned by the competent authority.

- Develop strategies and plans for school development in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, in conjunction with the socio-economic conditions of the locality; develop educational activity plans that meet the objectives and required outcomes as per the primary education program.

- Implement the primary education program issued by the Ministry of Education and Training; choose textbooks in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training; implement textbooks and local educational content as decided by the provincial People's Committees (hereinafter referred to as provincial People's Committees); exercise professional discretion in organizing educational activities at primary schools.

- Closely coordinate with parents or guardians of students, organizations, and individuals in the community to carry out educational activities; organize for teachers, employees, and students to participate in social activities in the locality.

How many weeks per year do primary school students in Vietnam dedicate to learning and educational activities?

According to Article 5 of Circular 28/2009/TT-BGDDT as amended and supplemented by Article 1 of Circular 15/2017/TT-BGDDT:

Annual working period and annual breaks

1. The working period of primary school teachers in a school year is 42 weeks, including:

a) 35 weeks for teaching and educational activities as per the plan of the school year.

b) 05 weeks for learning, professional development.

c) 01 week for preparing for the new school year.

d) 01 week for summarizing the school year.

2. The working period of lower secondary and upper secondary school teachers in a school year is 42 weeks, including:

a) 37 weeks for teaching and educational activities as per the plan of the school year.

b) 03 weeks for learning, professional development.

c) 01 week for preparing for the new school year.

d) 01 week for summarizing the school year.

2a. The working period of pre-university teachers is 42 weeks, including:

a) 28 weeks for teaching and educational activities as per the school year's plan;

b) 12 weeks for learning, professional development, material development, scientific research, and other activities according to the school year's plan;

c) 01 week for preparing for the new school year;

d) 01 week for summarizing the school year.

3. The annual breaks of teachers includes: summer vacation, Lunar New Year holidays, semester breaks, and other days off. To be specific:

a) The annual summer vacation of teachers is 02 months (including the annual leave as prescribed by the Labor Law) with full salary and allowances (if any);

b) Lunar New Year holidays, semester breaks shall follow the regulations of the Minister of Education and Training;

c) Other days off shall follow the regulations of the Labor Code.

Based on the school year's plan, scale, specific characteristics, and conditions of each school, the principal shall reasonably arrange the annual breaks for teachers in a conformable manner.

The number of weeks primary school students will dedicate to learning and educational activities will be similar to teaching and educational activities of teachers, which is 35 weeks/year according to the school year's time plan.