Vietnam Lower Secondary Curriculum (Grades 8-9) - Foreign Language

Foreign Language Subjects

The lower secondary curriculum in Vietnam includes a compulsory foreign language subject (Foreign Language 1) and an elective foreign language subject (Foreign Language 2). While English is the most commonly taught foreign language, other options such as French, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian are also available.

Curriculum Implementation

The current lower secondary curriculum was implemented in stages, starting in the 2021-2022 academic year for grade 6, and in the 2023-2024 academic year for grade 8, and 2024-2025 for grade 9.

Compulsory Subjects and Activities

The compulsory subjects and educational activities in the lower secondary curriculum include:

• Vietnamese Literature
• Mathematics
• Foreign Language 1
• Civic Education
• History and Geography
• Natural Sciences
• Technology
• Information Technology
• Physical Education
• Arts (Music, Fine Arts)
• Experiential and Vocational Activities
• Local Education Content

Duration of Subjects

The number of periods allocated for each compulsory subject are as follows:

• Vietnamese Literature: 140 periods
• Mathematics: 140 periods
• Foreign Language 1: 105 periods
• Civic Education: 35 periods
• History and Geography: 105 periods
• Natural Sciences: 140 periods
• Technology: 35 periods (grades 6, 7); 52 periods (grades 8, 9)
• Information Technology: 35 periods
• Physical Education: 70 periods
• Arts (Music, Fine Arts): 70 periods
• Experiential and Vocational Activities: 105 periods
• Local Education Content: 35 periods

Each school day consists of one session with a maximum of five periods, each lasting 45 minutes.

National Foreign Language 2020 Project

The National Foreign Language 2020 Project (NFLP2020) was a government initiative aimed at improving foreign language proficiency, primarily in English, across all educational levels in Vietnam. Although the project concluded in 2020, its impact continues to shape foreign language education in the country.