Having children about to take the 10th grade entrance exam, many parents admit that they 'only know vaguely' about the current high school curriculum, thinking that once they pass the exam and then learn more, it's not too late.
Parents participate in the Confidence in Grade 10 festival organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper in Hanoi - Photo: DANH KHANH
A discussion for nearly 200 parents about accompanying their children to high school was recently organized by Dich Vong Secondary School (Cau Giay, Hanoi) after Hanoi announced the third exam subject for grade 10 in the 2025-2026 school year.
Mr. Luu Van Thong (member of the advisory board for the Confidence in Grade 10 festival in Hanoi organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper) spent his last day as principal of Dich Vong Secondary School before transferring to another job to organize the discussion.
"Just know vaguely"
At the seminar, Mr. Thong asked the question: "How many parents have researched information and have a future career orientation for their children?". Only about 10 parents out of nearly 200 people present raised their hands. Most parents still think that "career orientation" for their children is a distant thing. What they are worried about right now is the 10th grade entrance exam, how to help their children pass the exam.
The second question was asked by Mr. Thong: "How many parents have learned about the current high school curriculum, including choosing subjects that suit their interests and future career orientation?". Only about 20 parents raised their hands. Among them, some parents admitted that they "only know vaguely", or "thought that once they passed the exam, they would not rush to learn".
Some parents at the discussion simply thought that the high school education program is unified nationwide, so all schools arrange the same teaching.
After a parent's story about the importance of early career guidance, the discussion began to heat up. Many parents began to ask: "Where can I find out what subject combinations public schools currently offer? When will they be available?"
Parents admit that when planning to choose their children’s 10th grade wishes, they only consider which school is good, which school is close, which school is easy to get into. Many people only know the traditional university entrance exam combinations A, B, C, D and are unfamiliar with the different current admission methods.
"After listening to the advice, I realized that I need to think sooner about my child's study direction in high school. But because of that, I also hope that high schools have an earlier information channel about the subject combinations that the school organizes.
Schools also need to provide parents with specific information about what to do if students change subject combinations or transfer schools, and how they will be supported. These matters need to be made public early before students register their wishes, and if possible, the combinations should be kept stable for at least three years during the 10th grade admission season," said a 9th grade parent.
Many factors when choosing a school
Mr. Luu Van Thong shared that the school's activities stem from the desire for parents to accompany, encourage, and support their children instead of just expecting, complaining, or putting pressure. Therefore, during his term as principal at Dich Vong Secondary School, the school organized discussions with parents on topics appropriate to each grade level.
In addition, the discussion for parents of grade 9 students was held for the second year with the aim of helping parents and senior students choose the right school, learn about the high school environment to have the necessary preparation in the stage of education with clearer career orientation.
According to Hanoi’s regulations this year, students applying for grade 10 have three options for admission to non-specialized public high schools. However, not all parents know how to register their options appropriately.
Many parents are worried that only over 60% of students pass the public 10th grade entrance exam. Therefore, choosing a school to "pass at all costs" is something many people are concerned about, while few parents think about "choosing the right school".
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhiep - principal of Chu Van An High School for the Gifted - choosing a suitable school includes many factors: proximity to home, based on the standard scores of many years of schools to predict the average exam score suitable for the student's ability.
The important thing that Ms. Nhiep wants to emphasize to parents is that the school has subject combinations that are suitable for students' interests and future career orientation.
"The 2018 general education program at the high school level allows each school to be proactive in designing different groups of elective subjects for students to choose from according to their interests and career orientation. Therefore, when having early career orientation, parents and students can find out which high schools have suitable groups of elective subjects.
For example, if you want your child to study medicine in the future but register for schools that do not have chemistry or biology combinations, you will encounter difficulties. Because choosing subjects is related to choosing subjects for the high school graduation exam and the admission requirements of training institutions," Ms. Nhiep shared with parents at the discussion.
Research high schools carefully before enrolling.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhiep added: "Many universities in and outside the country have conditions for students to study physics and chemistry in high school when considering admission. Meanwhile, many students do not choose physics and chemistry or the school does not have enough combinations of physics and chemistry to meet the requirements of students when choosing subjects. Therefore, it is very necessary to learn about the high school environment before registering for admission."
Ho Chi Minh City: Answering questions about 10th grade admission
The Confidence in Grade 10 Festival, organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper in collaboration with the City Youth Union and the Ho Chi Minh City Young Pioneers Council, will take place simultaneously from 7am on March 30 at Hung Vuong High School (District 5) and Vo Truong Toan High School (District 12).
At the two days of the festival, testing experts shared information about the 10th grade entrance exam. Vocational education experts advised on how to choose a school and career that suits your personality and aptitude. Psychologists were ready to answer any questions about psychology and health during exam season.
Attending the festival, students will learn about and experience the learning environment, extracurricular activities, and receive direct advice from teachers and students of 40 high schools, vocational education and training centers, vocational schools, etc.
In particular, students have the opportunity to explore themselves through exciting experiential activities, thereby orienting and choosing future careers.
In addition, each student attending the festival will receive the Confident in Grade 10 handbook with content about the 2025-2026 entrance exam, benchmark scores, enrollment targets for the past three years, learning and exam experiences, future career trends, etc.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lung-tung-khi-con-chuan-bi-vao-lop-10-20250311014458484.htm
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