FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM – A STRONG START AT DNC SCHOOL

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

    • 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.