First grade is not only the beginning of primary education but also a pivotal stage for forming study habits, developing thinking skills, and building character in children. At DNC Bilingual Primary, Secondary, and High School, the first-grade curriculum is scientifically and comprehensively designed to inspire students—helping them grow academically, skillfully, and emotionally.
🌟 CORE CURRICULUM – FOLLOWING THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS
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- First-grade students at DNC attend 27 lessons per week(equivalent to 945 lessons per school year) under the 2018 General Education Program.
- Key focuses include:
- Vietnamese (12 lessons/week):Practicing reading, writing, and clear, standard pronunciation.
- Math (3 lessons):Introduction to numbers, logical thinking, and simple calculations.
- Science & Social Studies – Ethics – Physical Education – Music – Art – Experiential Activities:Balancing intellectual, physical, and aesthetic development to help children form social awareness and scientific living habits.
a. Subjects under the 2018 General Education Program (Ministry of Education & Training):
🇬🇧CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH PROGRAM – LEARNING FROM DAY ONE
DNC School is a bilingual institution that implements the Cambridge English Program starting from first grade, with a total of 240 lessons per year.
- Active Speaking with Foreign Teachers (2 lessons/week):Helps students gain confidence in pronunciation and communication reflexes.
- Vocabulary Development – Reading & Writing Skills – Natural Communication (3 lessons):Taught by Vietnamese teachers, following the Cambridge Starters roadmap.
- Math & Science in English (1 lesson):Students approach mathematics and science in a second language—laying the foundation for international integration.
→ Goal: Students can communicate in basic English and earn the Starters certificate after the first year.
b. Cambridge English Program
Content | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
Active Speaking (Foreign Teacher) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Vocabulary, Reading-Writing, Communication | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Math & Science in English | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
TOTAL LESSONS/WEEK | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOTAL LESSONS/ACADEMIC YEAR | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 |
🚀SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM – HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Alongside the core curriculum, first-grade students participate in 10 exclusive supplementary lessons per week (350 lessons/year) at DNC School:
- Enhanced Math & Vietnamese:4 lessons/week to reinforce and advance foundational knowledge.
- STEM – Robotics:2 lessons/week to explore technology, technical thinking, and simple robot assembly.
- Little MC / Optional Sports:Develops personal talents, physical fitness, and presentation confidence.
- EQ & Life Skills Training: Teaches independence, emotional management, civilized behavior, and teamwork.
c. DNC School Supplementary Program
Content | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
Enhanced Math | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Enhanced Vietnamese | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
STEM – Robotics | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Little MC/Sports (Student’s Choice) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
EQ & Life Skills Training | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
TOTAL LESSONS/WEEK | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
TOTAL LESSONS/ACADEMIC YEAR | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
🏫MODERN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT – DEDICATED TEACHERS
- Smart classrooms, ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, and a friendly atmosphere.
- Limited class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and support for each student.
- Experienced Vietnamese and foreign teacherswith strong expertise, psychological insight, and a passion for teaching young children.
- Regular participation in clubs, extracurricular activities, and field tripsto develop social, aesthetic, and physical skills.
🎯LEARNING OUTCOMES AFTER FIRST GRADE
✔️ Solid foundational knowledge: Fluent reading, writing, and basic math.
✔️ Basic English communication: Introducing themselves and answering simple questions in English.
✔️ Positive thinking – civilized behavior – proactive learning attitude.
✔️ Participation in at least 5 experiential activities, clubs, or events during the school year.
💬WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
“I am truly at ease sending my child to DNC School’s first grade—the bilingual program is very scientific and stress-free.”
— Ms. Mai, parent of a first-grade student for the 2025-2026 school year.