Pham Ngoc Thuong, deputy minister of the Ministry of Education and Training, presented this view during a working session with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on the afternoon of 21/5.
His suggestion stems from the high percentage of Ho Chi Minh City students selecting a foreign language (primarily English) in the high school graduation exam. This year, over 45,8% of the city's 12th-grade students chose English, a trend that contrasts with the national average, where only nearly 28,4% selected this subject.
In natural sciences subjects, the selection rate among Ho Chi Minh City students was also higher, specifically:
| Subject | Student selection rate in Ho Chi Minh City | Nationwide |
| Physics | 44,9% | 31,8% |
| Chemistry | 26,68% | 20,7% |
| Biology | 7,73% | 5% |
According to the deputy minister, while any subject choice is valuable, the country is actively promoting digital transformation, recognizing science and technology as a breakthrough area. This creates a strong demand for human resources in these fields. The trend in subject selection in Ho Chi Minh City highlights student strengths and reflects the sound direction and preparedness of the city's education sector.
He suggested that for the 10th-grade entrance exam next year, in addition to mathematics and literature as compulsory subjects, Ho Chi Minh City could opt for a combined natural sciences or history and geography test as the third subject.
"English is already a strength, having become a regular, self-motivated subject for students," said Thuong.
According to the Ministry's 10th-grade admission regulations, if an entrance exam is held, it will comprise mathematics, literature, and a third subject (or a combined test). This subject is chosen by the Department of Education and Training from those assessed by scores, including: foreign language one, civic education, natural sciences, history and geography, technology, and informatics.
However, provinces and cities are not permitted to select the same subject for more than three consecutive years. This year marks the second consecutive time Ho Chi Minh City has chosen English, amidst efforts to establish it as a second foreign language in schools.
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Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong leads a working session with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on the afternoon of 21/5. *Photo: Le Nguyen* |
Le Nguyen
