English may become compulsory subject from grade 1 in Vietnam

Currently, English is taught as a compulsory subject in Vietnam from grade 3.

The proposal is meant to promote English as a second language in schools while allowing students to continue learning other foreign languages.

The Ministry of Education and Training is seeking public feedback on a draft circular amending and supplementing several parts of the general education curriculum, including new regulations on foreign language teaching at the elementary level.

Under the draft, foreign language 1 will be a compulsory subject in elementary schools. 

If a school chooses English as foreign language 1, students will study English from grade 1 through grade 5.

If another language is selected as foreign language 1, students will begin learning it from grade 3.

For English, the proposed study time is 70 periods per year for grades 1 and 2, increasing to 140 periods per year from grades 3 to 5.

The draft also requires all general education students to study one foreign language. 

At the elementary level, students may become familiar with additional foreign languages.

From grade 6, students may choose to study a second foreign language depending on their interests, abilities and the capacity of their schools.

Foreign language 2 will be an optional subject that can begin from grade 6 and end at any grade level depending on students’ needs and schools’ capacity to organize classes.

The proposed foreign language curriculum focuses on developing four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

It aims to help students use foreign languages confidently and effectively in study, communication and international integration.