Academic Life

We focus on building a strong foundation in English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our approach integrates engaging resources and methods to promote literacy, communication and critical thinking. We foster a love of English through storytelling, phonics activities and creative writing exercises.

In Prep School, Vietnamese is taught to help Vietnamese pupils develop proficiency in reading and writing. Through engaging lessons, they explore grammar, famous Vietnamese literature, and creative projects like plays and poetry recitals. Non-native speakers receive tailored lessons focusing on communication, vocabulary, and foundational skills. All pupils come together to celebrate Vietnam’s rich history, geography, and culture through activities like crafts, cookery, and festivals, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the host country.

Heading to Year 3, pupils extend their language learning to include the study of Mandarin by exploring modern and traditional Chinese culture, the geography and people of China and Chinese festivals. Alongside this, pupils will build a foundational understanding of key vocabulary and grammar. Pupils start to write and understand key radicals and characters that enable them to read and write basic texts with greater accuracy. As they progress through the key stage, pupils are challenged to use their Mandarin for a greater range of communicative tasks.

Our Computing curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation for digital literacy. Taught by our specialist teachers, pupils develop essential skills in presentation, coding, algorithms, animation and design as they progress through the year groups. We prepare our pupils with the technological fluency that will serve them well in the future.

Our Science curriculum offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to answer many of those ‘big questions’ our youngest learners have. Theory and conceptual understanding are explained in a child-centred manner to help pupils to understand our wonderful world. Our engaging science programme allows pupils to not only study the principles of science, but also to conduct simple experiments with real-life objects. Pupils will make links with other subjects such as maths and be confident in using the language of science to describe and report about their scientific learning. 

Our maths curriculum fosters numeracy, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Through hands-on activities, games and interactive lessons, we aim to develop a love of numbers and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, including number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, measures and statistics that will benefit children as they progress through their academic journey. Our approach emphasises building confidence and a positive attitude towards maths, setting the stage for future success in this essential subject.

“Our Planet and Our Past” refers to the teaching of geography and history at Prep School, as an appreciation of how the two disciplines are connected is essential to understanding the wider world. Pupils will learn about different places both locally and globally. They will also learn how historical events have changed our human and physical environment and understand the nature of processes which continue to have a significant impact on our planet.

Our Art curriculum sets the stage for a lifelong love of creativity and expression. Our little artists learn about colours, shapes and different art materials through guided exploration. As they progress through the year groups, they delve into a diverse range of artistic experiences, building a strong foundation of skills while nurturing creative thinking and confidence on their journey to becoming young artists. Pupils have also participated in the Gallery Projects, allowing them to exhibit their work.

Drama at Brighton College Vietnam develops creativity, teamwork, and communication through the use of body, voice, and imagination. Pupils benefit from bespoke lessons that enhance confidence, fluency in English, and performance skills. Drama nurtures resilience, teamwork, and the ability to interpret language in new ways, giving pupils the opportunity to experience the excitement and energy of performance.

Our young musicians begin their musical journey by being introduced to various instruments and different members of the musical family. As they advance through the year groups, they explore a broader repertoire that encompasses a wide range of pieces from different genres, eras and cultures. Pupils also develop their listening, performing and composing skills through a myriad of practical tasks. We foster a love of performance across all year groups, with pupils regularly participating in concerts and recitals. All pupils are encouraged to participate in instrumental lessons and performance activities.

Our Prep pupils start learning Design Technology from Year 1. From Year 3, they have lessons in our Design Technology studio, where they explore, create, and learn by doing. Pupils are introduced to using hand tools and learn about working with various materials in the workshop environment. Pupils are taught how to design 3D objects and produce them using 3D printing technologies. As they advance through the year groups, they learn how to use machinery and work on projects, including creating jigsaw puzzles, laser cutting, smart thermometers and metalworking. Pupils also participate in STEAM activities, studying forces, motion and propulsion.

Once upon a time “home economics” simply meant learning how to julienne carrots. Our brand new, bespoke HEALTH curriculum goes far beyond this traditional approach. Pupils learn about home economics and life-long health through developing practical skills in six key areas: culinary, growth, nutrition, outreach, textiles and wellbeing.

Our PE curriculum promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship among our pupils. Through various activities and sports, pupils develop fundamental movement skills, learn the importance of regular exercise, and embrace the value of fair play. Our curriculum instils a lifelong love for physical activity and healthy competition whilst fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all pupils.