10th grade enrollment reduces pressure thanks to student streaming

Knowing it's difficult to pass but still taking the exam

Records at some secondary schools in Ho Chi Minh City show that many 9th grade students enter the 10th grade entrance exam in a "must take the exam" mentality, even though they themselves are clearly aware that the chances of passing are not high.

Nguyen Minh Khang - a 9th grade student in Binh Dong ward - said that his family oriented him to take the entrance exam to 10th grade public school right from the beginning of the school year.

I know my academic performance is only average, but my family has never discussed vocational training or studying at a continuing education center before" - Khang shared.

Similarly, Thao Nguyen - a 9th grade student in Binh Chanh commune - said that she is still confused in choosing her aspiration because her academic performance is not good.

I plan to register for Nguyen Van Linh High School because the annual benchmark score is quite low. If I don't pass, I will ask my parents to let me study at a private school" - Thao Nguyen said.

From the perspective of parents, many people admit that the desire for their children to enter 10th grade public schools stems from many factors, both economic and psychological.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Van, Minh Khang's parent, said: "I know my child's academic performance is not good, but my psychology is still wanting to let my child take the exam to a public school first, and only then consider failing. The family has not yet researched carefully about vocational schools or continuing education centers.

Parents play a decisive role

Orienting students after secondary school is a policy that the education sector has implemented for many years, aiming to help students have more learning choices, without putting all pressure on the public high school system. However, in reality, career counseling, although implemented early by schools, most parents and students still choose to take the exam, and in case of failing, other options are considered.

Mr. Pho Trong Huy - Principal of Binh An Secondary School (Binh Dong ward) - said that every year, a part of parents, even though they know their children are difficult to pass the public 10th grade entrance exam, still register their children for the exam, with the mentality of "teaching to know" or waiting for opportunities from supplementary admissions.

Career guidance and career orientation for students after secondary school are regularly implemented by the school right from the beginning of the school year, not only focusing on students with poor academic performance. This content is integrated into the Experiential Activities - Career Guidance subject, helping students early identify their abilities, interests and orient their learning path accordingly. After each semester, especially after the first semester of grade 9, homeroom teachers and subject teachers will provide more in-depth and personalized counseling for each student based on specific learning results" - Mr. Huy said.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Dinh Phu Cuong - Principal of Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School (Binh Phu ward) - said that career counseling work does not wait until close to the exam but is carried out regularly through class activities, private exchanges with students and meetings with parents, based on learning ability, family conditions and aspirations of each student.

According to Mr. Cuong, every year the school invites representatives of private schools, continuing education centers and vocational education institutions to directly advise students and parents, helping parents understand clearly that these are legitimate and appropriate choices, not an "accidental turning point".

Parents play a key role in classifying students after secondary school. Classifying is only truly effective when there is consensus from parents. Therefore, the school always determines that counseling for parents is no less important than counseling for students" - Mr. Cuong emphasized.