Australian International School – Thao Dien

Australian International School (AIS) is not only one of the leading premium international schools in Vietnam, but it is the only international school in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to provide premium boarding facilities to Secondary School students, demonstrating comprehensive, world-class private education.

From Kindergarten to the Baccalaureate division, all students benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and specially-designed curriculums to support engagement in learning. They gain an exceptional educational experience and enjoy extra-curricular activities, leading to wide-ranging skills, outstanding academic results and internationally-recognised qualifications.

A personalised approach to modern schooling ensures every child is encouraged to thrive whilst studying the world's top international programmes, including the IB and the IGCSE courses. During their education, students develop additional critical skills of enquiry, creativity, and innovation, helping them to thrive as individuals, community leaders and valued global citizens.

In 2013, the Australian International School and ACG International School Vietnam merged to become one school, called “Australian International School“. The School is now one of the top IB World Schools in Vietnam with over 1100 students from 38 different nationalities at 3 campuses in District 2.

Each member of the AIS faculty is committed to pupils’ ongoing pastoral and academic well-being, supporting Kindergarten to Secondary pupils to reach their full academic potential - an integral pillar of Inspired education - while encouraging the maintenance of global achievement standards. In a further demonstration of success, specially selected teachers nurture pupils' love of the arts and a passion for sports - the second and third pillar of a well-rounded approach to the award-winning holistic Inspired education offered in lessons. Significantly, the teaching community actively hones resilience in learners, allowing them to confidently overcome challenges with creative problem-solving.

AIS Students this year (2017/18) will again support the Loreto Foundation. For the last 3 years, the Secondary School has raised funds for Loreto. Projects have included a library, a toilet block and a bicycle and safety campaign. All projects have occurred in economically disadvantaged provinces of the Mekong Delta. Fundraising activities take place by homeroom groups and are coordinated by the Student Representative Council.

The Primary School also raises funds for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, the Saigon Children’s Charity (through Walk and Wheels) and the Ba Chieu Girls Orphanage

In total, over the past three years, the projects have raised over 500 million VND. In addition, about 80 students and staff participated in the annual Terry Fox run for cancer research each year, while staff provide swimming lessons at the school pool for the Tiny Hearts of Hope/Little Rose Orphanage.

In the secondary school, there is also a Global Issues Network (GIN). It is GIN, led by student leaders who create awareness in the school, that leads change and action. There are five groups of which students of any age can join: Project Planet (environment), Amnesty (human rights), Band Aid (health), Animal Foundation (domestic and endangered animals), and Habitat (poverty).

Education is a journey, and at AIS, we look forward to supporting your child whether they are with us for some or all of their schooling. AIS is well-known for the ability, commitment and care of its teaching and administration staff, which ensures that students are fully and carefully prepared for university. AIS offers a wide range of academic, artistic and creative subjects; and teachers cater for each student individually – guiding them academically and socially.

At AIS, your child is given a high quality, fully accredited international education, whether they be in Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary School, or about to graduate. The School does this by identifying and supporting the particular academic, social, emotional and physical needs and abilities of each student. In Kindergarten and Primary School, we teach the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Primary Years Programme; in Years 7-11, we teach the highly regarded University of Cambridge Secondary Programme with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE); and in the Senior School we teach the IB’s Diploma Programme, which is the most widely recognised and accepted international school accreditation in the world. As a result of this rigorous curriculum framework, with its high expectations and standards, AIS graduates are offered places at top 100 universities across the world.

AIS has three kindergartens, two primary schools and one secondary school, all in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, and the facilities of the School’s purpose-built campuses are outstanding. These facilities include wonderful science labs, Art, Music, Design & Technology studios, and a comprehensive digital platform for BYOD and computer based learning. In addition, there is a large auditorium and exhibition areas; two 25m salt-water swimming pools; two “learn to swim” wading pools; two outdoor basketball and tennis courts; two astroturf soccer fields and a huge air-conditioned indoor gymnasium. Our Kindergarten facilities have their own enclosed and secure landscaped playgrounds.

Our Vision and Philosophy
The Australian writer David Malouf encourages the learner:
"Here, take a tuning fork, throw it down, and hear the planet hum."   At AIS, we want students to listen to the world around them, "hear it hum", and grow into young people who are curious, reflective, and want to make a positive difference in the world.

The philosophy behind the teaching methods on all courses offered at AIS, Vietnam, is to emphasise the development of each student's academic ability, and encourage pupils to become well-rounded, confident individuals who aspire to achieve their goals. The curriculums in place are rigorous and balanced, with an appreciation of pupils' different learning styles and prior educational experiences. Lessons support students' strengths and talents so that they are excited by the learning process and embrace challenges with a belief in their abilities.