Facilitating review activities for final-year students

According to Circular 29 regarding supplementary teaching and learning, schools are permitted to assess final year students without imposing fees. This regulation has presented "numerous challenges for educational institutions." Nevertheless, schools continue to explore various solutions to maintain the quality of assessments, thereby ensuring that students are optimally prepared for significant examinations. 

Take the initiative 

The regulations outlined in Circular 29 have significantly influenced the review plans for grade 9 students preparing for the entrance examination to grade 10, as well as for high school students approaching their graduation exams. Nevertheless, numerous schools within the province are demonstrating initiative and adaptability in their review processes for students. Each institution employs a distinct approach to ensure adherence to regulations while accommodating actual circumstances.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, Long Binh Secondary School in Bau Bang District has an enrollment of 215 ninth graders. In accordance with directives from higher authorities, the school has temporarily suspended paid tutoring activities for grades 6, 7, and 8 during the second semester. For the ninth-grade students, who are experiencing their first year of examinations under the new curriculum, the school is prioritizing review sessions. Mr. To Sy Phong, Vice Principal of Long Binh Secondary School, stated that the institution continues to provide instruction and review for ninth graders according to a flexible schedule. All review sessions are conducted by the school's teachers at no cost to the students. There is a collective hope that the students will be optimally prepared for the forthcoming grade 10 entrance examination.

Meanwhile, in Dau Tieng District, the head of the district's Department of Education and Training has reported that all secondary schools under its jurisdiction have been conducting an additional two periods per week for the three subjects of the 10th-grade entrance examination: mathematics, literature, and English, in compliance with the stipulations of Circular 29.

Mr. Ta Tan Tuan, Head of the Department of Education and Training for Dau Tieng district, stated that schools are currently implementing the provisions of Circular 29 to ensure that both teachers and parents comprehend its content. Additionally, schools are devising strategies to encourage teachers to conduct extra classes at no cost to students. “Preliminary reports indicate that educators in certain schools within the area have consented to offer free review classes for final-year students. Furthermore, the Department of Education and Training for the district has developed financial plans that may be enacted, such as compensating teachers for review classes in the absence of funding sources as per regulations. These plans will be meticulously calculated to guarantee adherence to regulatory standards,” remarked Mr. Ta Tan Tuan.

Conversely, to facilitate review activities while adhering to the regulations outlined in Circular 29, numerous schools in the province have adopted a flexible approach to reviewing. Some institutions conduct review sessions during regular school hours by adjusting the timetable accordingly, allowing for simultaneous study and review. Additionally, certain schools leverage information technology to assist students in studying at home, addressing inquiries, sharing documents, and reviewing exam questions, among other activities.

Looking forward to receiving the soonest instructions

As an institution offering two levels of education, junior high school and high school, Thuong Tan High School (Bac Tan Uyen District) consistently prioritizes the review process for final year students each year to enhance the quality of examinations. However, with the implementation of Circular 29, the school is confronted with a significant challenge. Mr. Nguyen Phuc Loc, the principal, indicated that the school has temporarily suspended paid tutoring activities pending new directives. According to Mr. Loc, "The school is hesitant to proceed with tutoring on campus due to concerns about future funding for teachers. We hope to receive guidance soon to effectively implement and ensure that student reviews comply with regulations as exams approach."

Although Circular 29 is regarded as aligned with the policy of educational innovation, schools, teachers, parents, and students are presently awaiting specific guidance during the implementation phase. Mr. Nguyen Anh Viet, Principal of Binh Phu Secondary School in Ben Cat City, stated that the school has developed plans to facilitate review sessions for final-year students, ensuring that these plans are meticulously designed to comply with regulations. It is hoped that the management will soon provide detailed instructions, enabling students to engage in comprehensive review without contravening any rules.

Trinh Tri Khiem, a 12th-grade student in Thu Dau Mot City, remarked, “While awaiting instructions, I proactively reviewed materials at home and consulted various sources. Nevertheless, I believe that studying in school under the guidance of teachers is ultimately more beneficial. I hope to receive instructions soon so that we can stabilize our exam preparation, as this exam adheres to the 2018 General Education Program. Therefore, it is essential to prepare knowledge and skills in accordance with the new exam format.”

Reported by Hong Phuong - Translated by Vi Bao