The Government has approved the scheme “Making English the Second Language in Schools for the 2025–2035 Period, with a Vision to 2045,” which sets a goal for all schools nationwide to make English a compulsory subject from grade 1 by 2030, according to a report released by the Government News on October 31.
The scheme aims to build a generation of globally minded citizens equipped for international integration.
It marks a significant step forward from the current system, under which English is mandatory from grade 3, while grades 1 and 2 may study it as an elective if their schools meet certain criteria.
Under the new roadmap, by 2030, at least 20 per cent of schools are expected to achieve level 1 teaching standards, 5 per cent level 2, and 2 per cent level 3, based on criteria such as the English learning environment, teaching quality, digital resources, and teacher competency.
At the preschool level, all institutions must, within five years, create conditions for children to become familiar with English, with at least 10 percent reaching level 1.
By 2045, these proportions are expected to rise to 50 per cent at level 1, 20 per cent at level 2, and 10 per cent at level 3.
At the higher education level, 50 per cent of universities are targeted to achieve level 2, and 35 per cent level 3.
The scheme also emphasizes developing an English-rich learning environment, integrating technology and artificial intelligence into teaching, promoting international cooperation, improving teacher training, and modernizing assessment methods.
To materialize these goals, Vietnam will need more than 22,000 English teachers for preschool and primary education, and will have to train at least 200,000 teachers capable of teaching in English by 2030.
An education official added that the evaluation may also consider how often English is used in classes, signage and school websites.
Currently, in Vietnam, English is mandatory from grade 3. Some schools with enough qualified teachers and facilities can offer it from grade 1, but only as an elective with two lessons per week.
The Politburo last year called for greater foreign-language education, with English a potential second language for schools nationwide.
Google translate