Teaching social sciences in English - why not?

At Olympia, developing global competence and nurturing English proficiency as the first language for students are among the priorities emphasized at all levels. Therefore, in addition to the "traditional" bilingual teaching methods already in place for various subjects and educational activities, starting from the 2022-2023 academic year, The Olympia High School has begun to teach Social Sciences (History, Geography, Economics) in English.

"For the high school History curriculum, according to the 2018 National Curriculum, students will study thematic topics with a deeper focus. Among these topics, teachers will select content with various English-language resources that align with educational objectives for bilingual instruction. For example, grade 10 students will study the Industrial Revolution in English, while grade 11 students will explore the Bourgeois Revolution and capitalism. With this change, Olympians not only increase their English-language learning hours, but more importantly, contribute to developing research skills, critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to produce written and spoken English products using historical knowledge... through various diverse forms of learning. These are all essential skills for learning in college as well as becoming future global citizens," shared Ms. Vu Thi Loan, Head of the History and Geography Department.

To attract student's interest and enhance the effectiveness of learning History in English, since the beginning of the school year, the Olympia History and Geography department has provided clear guidance on the curriculum and teaching methods for Olympians. Lessons are organized in diverse forms, such as negotiation models, simulated court trials, games, role-playing, etc.

"I feel very excited to participate in the English History lessons about capitalism! We learn through a negotiation model. Each group represents one of the four parties: leading technology companies, government, labor unions, and non-governmental organizations, to discuss solutions to a major issue related to worker safety and environmental impacts caused by toxic emissions from the company. This is a real-life problem that many countries and business representatives, representing capitalist economies, are facing in the process of national development. This learning approach requires me to work more, conducting research, teamwork, presentations, debates... But it also makes me very excited to bring a deep understanding of a life issue, as well as gaining multiple perspectives through presentations and debates from representatives of related parties," shared Cao Minh Son (grade 11).

After lessons about the past based on theoretical and academic aspects, combined with practical case studies, Olympians can find solutions to today issues, contributing to creating a better future.