The Ministry of Education and Training announced on 17/7 the completion of a draft circular outlining the advanced curriculum for 15 specialized subjects in high schools across the country.

The ministry stated that the advanced curriculum is built upon the current national high school curriculum with an international approach. The content addresses topics of national and international interest, meeting the requirements for specialized training, talent selection, and national and international student competitions.

For example, topic 6 in history covers the realities of competing interests and policies of major countries. Students will learn to differentiate the main types of disputes in the South China Sea and understand the complexities of the region, fostering empathy and understanding of the challenges in protecting Vietnam's maritime and island sovereignty.

In computer science, 5 required skills are relevant to current trends: using and managing information and communication technology; appropriate behavior in the digital environment; problem-solving with the support of technology; applying technology to self-study; and collaboration in the digital environment.

The circular specifies teaching hours for specialized subjects: math, literature, and foreign languages will have 70 hours per academic year, while other subjects will have 52 hours. The curriculum will emphasize practical exercises, experiments, the use of information technology, and guidance for students in utilizing AI.

If approved, the program will be implemented for 10th grade in the next academic year, followed by 11th and 12th grades in subsequent years, nationwide.

The ministry stated, "The implementation of this advanced curriculum provides a foundation for ensuring quality, consistency, and long-term strategic direction for specialized education."

Students at Chu Van An Specialized High School, Hanoi. Photo: Chu Van An Specialized High School Fanpage.

Students at Chu Van An Specialized High School, Hanoi. Photo: Chu Van An Specialized High School Fanpage.

The education sector hopes this program will develop students' logical thinking, creativity, and critical analysis skills, helping them define their academic paths early on. In the long term, it aims to create a foundation of potential human resources for key areas like science and technology, innovation, finance, diplomacy, and elite education.

According to some specialized high school principals, schools currently rely on training topics organized by the Ministry or the content and requirements of national student competitions to develop their own training frameworks.

Public feedback on the draft circular will be accepted until 1/8.

Thanh Hang