Phu Tho gradually makes English the second language in schools

In recent years, schools across Phu Tho province have actively implemented various extracurricular activities and educational programs to enhance students' English proficiency. These initiatives aim to gradually establish English as the second language in schools, aligning with Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW issued by the Politburo on August 12, 2024.

Students at Phu Ho Secondary School recently had the opportunity to engage with educational experts from Edusoft (USA) through interactive discussions on the Integrated English Discoveries (ED) Program.

As part of Project 5 under the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for 2021-2030 (Phase I: 2021-2025), Phu Tho province has been actively investing in teacher training, improving infrastructure, and applying advanced teaching models. Several schools have introduced interactive classrooms and the Integrated English Discoveries (ED) program, which combines standard school English lessons with an online learning platform developed by the US-based Educational Testing Service (ETS). This approach helps students develop balanced proficiency in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

A significant policy shift occurred on February 4, 2025, when the Provincial People’s Committee issued Plan No. 458/KH-UBND, outlining the enrollment process for grade 10 high schools in the 2025-2026 academic year. Accordingly, non-specialized public high schools, the Provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities, and Yen Lap Secondary and High School for Ethnic Minorities will conduct entrance exams comprising three subjects: Mathematics, Literature, and English.

The inclusion of English as a core subject in the high school entrance exam reflects the province’s commitment to improving students' language skills. It aligns with modern educational trends that emphasize English proficiency as an essential tool for academic and personal growth. Raising awareness of the importance of English at the secondary school level gives students a competitive advantage when transitioning to high school and lays a strong foundation for further education.

Additionally, the TOEFL Challenge- a nationwide English competition organized by the Department of Education and Training in collaboration with IIG Vietnam- has provided a valuable international-standard platform for students to test their skills. Over the past five years, the competition has helped assess and benchmark English proficiency across different school levels in Phu Tho, allowing students to compare their abilities with peers nationwide.

The competition has yielded impressive results, with many students from Phu Tho ranking among the best nationwide. According to the 2023-2024 statistical report from the Organizing Committee, 94% of primary school students in Phu Tho who participated in the TOEFL Primary Challenge achieved A1 level or higher, meeting the national foreign language proficiency target set for 2025. Meanwhile, 88% of secondary school participants in the TOEFL Junior Challenge reached A2 level or higher, meeting the Ministry of Education and Training’s proficiency standard for middle school graduates.

With the concerted efforts of educational institutions, government support, and parental encouragement, the English learning movement in Phu Tho is expected to thrive. The ultimate goal of making English the second language in schools not only expands opportunities for the younger generation in the global landscape but also enhances human resource quality, fostering the province’s overall development and international integration.

Do Thanh