Trường Liên cấp Việt-Úc

When Education Begins with Shared Beliefs

On their very first day at PLC Sydney, the VAS Hanoi delegation engaged in an in-depth discussion with Dr Stephen Burgis, Chair of the School Council and Principal of PLC Sydney, together with the school's leadership team.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for both sides to exchange perspectives on educational leadership, the cultivation of a strong learning culture, staff development, and the vision required to prepare students for success in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation.

Photo caption: Dr Stephen Burgis with the VAS Hanoi and Le Quy Don delegation during their visit to PLC Sydney.

Over the course of more than two hours, discussions extended far beyond curriculum design and school management practices. The conversations explored key issues at the heart of contemporary education, including educational leadership, the cultivation of a positive learning culture, professional development for educators, and preparing students with the skills and capabilities needed to thrive in a world shaped by rapid technological advancement and globalisation.

One of the key topics of discussion was the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Together with Mr Mina Ibrahim, Director of Technology at PLC Sydney, educational leaders exchanged practical insights into the application of AI in school administration, innovative teaching practices, and supporting students in developing future-ready thinking and skills.

These meaningful conversations highlighted a shared belief between the two schools: education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about empowering young people to adapt, innovate, and lead change in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The HSC Program – A Hallmark of Educational Excellence

For the VAS Hanoi team responsible for delivering the Higher School Certificate (HSC) program, this study tour held particular significance.

Over several days, teachers and program coordinators attended classroom observations, engaged with academic specialists, and gained deeper insights into the structure, assessment framework, and teaching methodologies underpinning the New South Wales HSC curriculum.

Beyond understanding how individual subjects are organised and delivered, the delegation also had the opportunity to experience the educational philosophy that lies at the heart of the HSC program: placing students at the centre of learning, valuing individual differences, and creating pathways for every learner to develop their unique strengths and potential.

Photo caption: The delegation observes a Visual Arts lesson at PLC Sydney.

One of the most inspiring experiences of the visit was exploring the Visual Arts program, a compelling example of how the HSC curriculum effectively connects academic learning with future career pathways.

At PLC Sydney, 30 students enrolled in Visual Arts during their final year of secondary school in the most recent academic year. Of these, 12 students chose to pursue university studies in Architecture, Creative Industries, and Fine Arts. This remarkable 40% progression rate demonstrates that the subject does far more than nurture artistic passion—it provides students with meaningful and viable pathways into higher education and professional careers.

The success of the program lies not only in the curriculum itself but also in the comprehensive support ecosystem built around it. PLC Sydney's Centre for Art, Design & Technology features specialised studios, contemporary creative spaces, and a team of highly experienced educators. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of disciplines, including painting, ceramics, textiles, graphic design, and emerging technologies such as 3D printing.

A distinctive feature of the course is its assessment model. Rather than relying solely on a written examination, students are evaluated through their Body of Work—a major portfolio developed throughout the academic year and submitted for statewide assessment. This approach reflects the HSC philosophy of valuing authentic learning, practical application, and individual growth.

The observations and insights gained at PLC Sydney provided the VAS Hanoi HSC team with valuable perspectives as they continue to strengthen program delivery and expand opportunities for students to develop their talents, explore future pathways, and achieve their full potential.

Learning from Innovative Educational Models for a Global Future

In addition to exploring the HSC curriculum, the delegation participated in classroom observations across a range of subject areas and gained deeper insights into student wellbeing, career guidance, leadership development, and contemporary school management practices.

These experiences offered a valuable opportunity to examine innovative educational approaches that are shaping the future of learning and preparing young people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Photo caption: The VAS Hanoi delegation with PLC Sydney teachers and students.

At PLC Sydney, preparing students for the future does not begin in their final years of schooling; it is a carefully designed journey that unfolds throughout their educational experience. Through the Student Futures program, students are supported in discovering their strengths, exploring career opportunities, selecting university pathways, and developing the skills and confidence needed for life beyond graduation.

The innovative educational practices observed by the delegation were not merely examples of effective school models. They served as a source of inspiration for VAS Hanoi's ongoing commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement. These insights will help further strengthen the school's vision of providing students with a modern, globally connected, and deeply student-centred learning environment.

Res That Transcend Distance

While professional exchanges and classroom observations offered valuable knowledge and experience, some of the most memorable moments of the journey came from the meaningful res and personal connections formed beyond the classroom.

These encounters served as a powerful reminder that education is ultimately about people—relationships built on trust, shared values, and a collective commitment to shaping brighter futures for the next generation.

Photo caption: Ms Rowena reunites with Ms Le Phuong Mai, Advisor to the VAS Hanoi School Council, during the delegation's visit to PLC Sydney.

Beneath the century-old trees of PLC Sydney, Ms Rowena, former Vice Principal of VAS Hanoi from 2017 to 2019 and now Director of Student Futures, warmly welcomed the delegation with the affection of reconnecting with long-lost family members.

Visits to Manly, a ferry journey across Sydney Harbour, a stroll through the historic precinct of The Rocks, and an intimate dinner at Marden—a heritage home more than 130 years old—became opportunities for old friends to reconnect and reflect on the cherished memories they had shared during their time working together in Vietnam.

What touched the delegation most was not only the generous hospitality they received, but also the genuine affection that PLC Sydney staff continue to hold for VAS Hanoi after so many years.

Vietnamese greetings, stories about former students and colleagues, fond memories of pho and bun cha, and recollections of days spent working together at the My Dinh campus all resurfaced as though no time had passed at all.

These heartfelt moments were a powerful reminder that meaningful educational partnerships extend far beyond professional collaboration. They are built on lasting friendships, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to nurturing future generations.

Photo caption: The VAS Hanoi delegation with Dr Stephen Burgis, his wife, and Ms Melissa Watters, Head of Junior School at PLC Sydney, at Sydney Harbour.

Despite his demanding schedule, Dr Burgis took the time each day to visit the delegation, enquire about their work, and share stories and insights. These simple yet thoughtful gestures reflected a partnership built not merely through formal agreements, but through trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for education.

A Journey of Connection and Commitment

More than two decades ago, inspired by the vision of Mrs Dong Thi Lan and other pioneering educators, the relationship between VAS Hanoi and PLC Sydney was founded on a spirit of learning, collaboration, and international engagement.

Today, that relationship continues to flourish through professional exchanges, meaningful dialogue among educators, and ever-expanding opportunities for students to learn, grow, and connect with the world.

This study tour to Australia was not only an opportunity for VAS Hanoi's leaders and educators to engage with world-class educational practices. It also reaffirmed the school's unwavering commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and global integration.

At the heart of every effort lies a single purpose: to provide VAS Hanoi students with the very best educational experiences, empowering them to step confidently into the world with knowledge, character, resilience, and the ability to shape their own futures.

Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of the journey was not simply the professional knowledge gained, but the enduring belief that education has the power to connect people across geographical distances, cultural differences, and the passage of time—when all share a common aspiration to support and inspire the next generation.

The visit served as a powerful reminder that the strongest educational partnerships are built not only through academic collaboration, but also through lasting friendships, shared values, and a collective commitment to creating a brighter future for young people around the world.

VAS Hanoi