Brighton College Vietnam
April, 2025 Newsletter
Letter From the Head of College
As the spring term closes at Brighton College Vietnam, I am delighted to share with you the essence of what makes our school truly special. Brighton College is renowned for its commitment to excellence, not only in academics but in the holistic development of each pupil. Our ethos is built on the pillars of exceptional pastoral care, a robust house system, and a culture of kindness.
At Brighton College Vietnam, pastoral care is the cornerstone of our educational approach. We ensure that every child is supported, valued, and nurtured, fostering an environment where they can thrive both emotionally and socially. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide personalised support, helping each pupil navigate their unique journey through school life.
Our house system is integral to the Brighton experience. It creates a sense of belonging and community, where pupils can build lasting friendships and develop leadership skills. The inter-house competitions and activities encourage teamwork, resilience, and a healthy competitive spirit, all within a supportive framework.
Kindness is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in nurturing compassionate, respectful, and empathetic individuals. Our tailored programmes and holistic approach ensure that our pupils not only excel academically but also grow into good people, ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Thank you for considering Brighton College Vietnam for your child's education. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our community and working together to ensure your child's success and happiness.
Carly Barber Head of College Brighton College Vietnam
personalised guidance, and global connections, we support our pupils in gaining admission to world-class
An Internationally Respected Programme
As an authorised IB World School, Brighton College Vietnam proudly offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Sixth Form pupils (Years 12–13). With over 8,000 IB programmes offered in more than 5,900 schools across 160+ countries, the IBDP is globally recognised for its academic rigour, emphasis on critical thinking, and broad international outlook. It continues to be a “hot ticket” for pupils aiming to access top universities around the world.
Learning from the Best
University preparation is a collaborative effort of exceptional educators, led by our Leadership Team, Head of IB, Head of Sixth Form, and form tutors. Together, they provide ongoing academic and personal support, helping pupils discover their strengths, define their goals, and navigate their path forward with ambition and assurance.
Navigating University Applications
Our pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences such as university showcases, expert-led workshops and fairs that offer valuable insights into global admissions pathways. In April, families joined an event “Pathways to the Top Global Universities” with our experts on application trends of high-demand destinations and how to stand out through co-curricular, personal qualities, and passions. Pupils also engaged with university reps to explore scholarships and future pathways.
Science In Action
Science Curriculum: Learning to Think, Question, and Lead
From the early years, pupils explore the world of science through hands-on learning. As they progress, a structured curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics builds a strong foundation. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), they follow the Triple or Coordinated Science pathway for IGCSEs, leading to the rigorous, inquiry-based IBDP (Years 12-13). This continuum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in a complex, changing world.
Igniting Curiosity: British Science Week 2025
British Science Week turned our campus into a vibrant hub of scientific exploration. From exploring the physics of F1 racing to celebrating scientific pioneers, pupils took part in thought-provoking activities that connected classroom learning with real-world ideas. It was a joyful celebration of curiosity, bringing pupils and teachers together and making school life even more inspiring.
Nurturing The Culture Of Reading
We foster a love of reading through inspiring spaces, meaningful connections, and enriching experiences that spark curiosity and deepen pupils’ engagement with the world of books.
Inspiring
Spaces: Libraries That Spark Curiosity
Our libraries are vibrant centres of learning, where curiosity is nurtured and reading is celebrated. Pupils come to read, collaborate, play, or simply enjoy the calm joy of a book. The Senior School library reflects the classical charm of Oxford’s Keble Library, while the Prep School library, inspired by Brighton College UK, features a colourful ocean-themed design that sparks imagination and wonder.
Shared Stories: A Celebration of Reading Together
Pupils are encouraged to read every day. But on special occasions like World Book Day, the joy of reading becomes a shared celebration. Our campus transformed into a storybook wonderland as pupils and teachers dressed as beloved characters, shared stories across year groups, and took part in a charity book sale - each moment highlighting the power of books to spark imagination, empathy, and connection.
Author Visit: Stories that Inspire "Reading is the bedrock of life... Read what you want to read, not what you think you ought to read." As part of our World Book Day celebration, pupils enjoyed a fantastic session with Jonathan Meres, author of The World of Norm, Scaredy Bat, and Noodle the Doodle. Visiting from Edinburgh, he delighted pupils with his humour and insights, sharing the inspiration behind his characters and writing journey.
Brightonians Go Green
In this semester, Brightonians embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery during Eco Week
Every lesson became a “green innovation station”, where sustainability was explored in creative and meaningful ways. In Art, Year 7 and 8 pupils expressed their love for nature through unique printmaking artworks, spreading messages of a greener planet. In Science, Year 10 repurposed plastic bottles into charming plant pots, promoting the importance of recycling. In Business, pupils confidently pitched their environmental protection ideas in the Dragons’ Den challenge, while the Sustainability Challenge encouraged them to propose practical solutions for their own school.
Beyond the classroom, this spirit extended to a beach cleanup, where pupils played their part in preserving the natural beauty around them.
Eco Week is a continuation of the experiential learning journey at Brighton College Vietnam, a place where pupils are encouraged to stay curious, develop kindness, and build confidence to take action for a more sustainable world.
International Fair
Our vibrant Brighton College Vietnam community is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, where pupils bring their stories, traditions, and wisdom into our classrooms each day.
That spirit of diversity came to life at our International Fair, where pupils and families embarked on a joyful journey of cultural discovery. From the lively rhythms of Mexican dance and the thrill of the piñata to dressing in traditional Vietnamese attire and crafting intricate Indian henna designs, every corner of our campus was alive with colour, flavour, and celebration. Pupils tested their knowledge at the UK booth, explored global traditions, and savoured tastes from around the world - creating unforgettable moments of connection and curiosity.
At Brighton College Vietnam, we believe our differences make us stronger - broadening horizons and enriching every child’s learning journey.
provided me with extra examples, structured worksheets, and practical guidance, I was able to strengthen my understanding. His approach not only helped me improve my grades but also boosted my confidence in the subject, leading to a successful outcome in Year 10” - Arjun, Year 11 pupil “Life changing - These are the words I would use to describe my experiences at Brighton College during the past educational year. Change can often be scary, but it helps one grow as a pupil, as a person, as an individual within society. It was during my time at BCVN that I realised and adapted to this fact. With the assistance of the amazing resources provided to us and thoughtful tutors that are ready to help at a moment’s notice: I have grown, both physically – to adopt a healthier lifestyle – and psychologically – to
Learning Without Walls
Beyond-the-classroom experiences hold a special kind of magic - igniting curiosity, nurturing kindness, and building confidence, all while guiding pupils towards meaningful and lasting growth.
This March, every year at Brighton College Vietnam set off on enriching journeys filled with discovery. For many, it was a chance to step beyond their comfort zones and try something for the very first time to connect naturally with nature, culture, and community. Along the way, our pupils gained new perspectives and grew in ways no textbook could teach. These transformative moments shape not only what they learn, but who they become.
Year 9 & 10: At Thac Ba, pupils embraced the challenge of raft-building, forest trekking, and engaging with local communities.
Year 3: A first camp in Hoa Binh offered memorable experiences such as gardening with local farmers, pitching tents, cooking meals, and enjoying campfire storytelling.
Year 1: At the National Museum of Nature, pupils explored the animal kingdom up close, bringing their Science lessons to life through real-world discovery.
Year 2: At iMuseum Hanoi, pupils engaged in hands-on art activities, using 3D mapping to create vibrant animal-themed works in an interactive, multi-sensory environment.
