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Posted on25 Jun 2024
Dear Parents,
We are excited to share with you an engaging update from our school! Recently, we participated enthusiastically in the international „Diercke” knowledge-competition, joined by a total of 35 international schools with 3600 students.
The competition focused primarily on geographical general knowledge of our students. It was an exciting challenge that not only contributed to each participant’s personal development, but also showcased our school on an international platform.
Multiple grade levels were involved in the competition. Initially, class-level contests were held to identify the top performers in each class. These talented students then competed against each other to determine the best representatives of our school.
We are proud to announce that Vo, Thanh Tien (Michael) from Class 9 achieved an outstanding 3rd place in this challenging competition! We congratulate Michael on this remarkable success and are thrilled by his achievement.
We thank all participants for their dedication and enthusiasm during this competition. Events like these enrich our school life, and we look forward to upcoming activities that will continue to inspire and challenge our students.
Warm regards,
Finally done – The German Language Diploma II
The students from Classes 10 and 11 had to wait a long time for the results of the DSD II exam from last November. In order to attend a German university, prospective students need proof of German language proficiency. You can acquire this at the IGS by taking the first step in middle school and completing the DSD I and then taking the DSD II exam as the second step. The competence areas of listening, writing, reading and oral communication are examined.
We are proud to announce today that all of our learners have passed the exam and can demonstrate a C1, i.e. a native German level. Wow! Congratulations on achieving this success.
Last Friday, the primary school pupils went on an exciting trip to Rosemary Hill Farm. Once there, the students explored the farm and the task areas in two groups.
While one group enjoyed a tour of the farm and picked vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, chilies and eggplants, the second group had the opportunity to show off their green fingers. They were given materials to plant their own vegetable crops.
Then, each group had a chance to do what the other had done by exchanging places so that all children could enjoy and experience all aspects of the trip. Of course, a break was also an important requirement, during which the children were given fresh juice and could fortify themselves with a delicious snack before continuing to explore the farm.
It was an excellent opportunity for our students to experience nature, learn about new things and deepen their connection to the environment.
How can I be mindful of myself and my world?
On Tuesday, April 9th, classes 8-11 had the opportunity to get to know a German-Vietnamese author from Frankfurt. Main Huong Nguyen visited the IGS to read from her recently published book “One with Everything”. She also supplemented her ideas with interactive exercises. Our students carefully looked at a raisin, listened intently to the speeches of their fellow human beings and did some meditation exercises. They remained true to the motto “Give yourself what your body needs at the moment.”
We are very grateful that we got a little insight into the world of psychology and mindfulness philosophy and hope that Ms. Nguyen will visit the IGS again in the future!
“Only a few minutes left to play. An outstanding pass from captain Minh to winger An, who has the free opportunity to shoot. The ball flies towards the goal, but the goalkeeper parries!” Unfortunately, despite strong combinations from our IGS Selection last Wednesday, there was no getting past him or the defense, and so the game ended with a narrow 0-1 defeat.
However, the result was rather irrelevant. The first game against our neighboring school, the American Academy, should pave the way for further competitions between our two schools. The sporting departments hope that we will not only play more football games against each other in the future, but also compete in other sports. This is a great way to strengthen the connection between our schools, but also to promote relationships between students.
We are looking forward to it!
This year too, the children and parents of the U6 area celebrated Easter together. While eggs were being searched for in the Discovery House, an Easter rally was taking place in the Research House – because the Easter bunny had come up with a very special challenge to find the missing Easter nests. With sack races and egg runs, a carrot hunt and Hans the hopping bunny, there were many exciting tasks that children and parents completed together. At the end, not only did the Easter baskets appear again, but also a buffet organized by the parents.
Everyone enjoyed the end of the Easter afternoon together particularly well.
The mole leads the explorers through different habitats
There’s been a lot going on in the Discovery House in the last few weeks, because we were able to accompany the mole on his journey through the different habitats!
First we went into the depths of the sea, where we marveled at the underwater animals and accompanied the fish, Swimmy, on his search for friends.
We looked around the jungle very carefully to see which animals could be found there and which of them also live in a forest.
The last flight with the mole was into the desert. We asked ourselves how the animals there manage to survive in a habitat with very little water and high heat. As a highlight, we built ourselves a desert tent, played in it and even slept there.
Written by Cici and Theo from class 4
A reading night took place in Class 4 on Friday 22 March and continued until Saturday 23 March 2024.
At the beginning, the children played tag outside in the dark and, of course, many boys also wanted to play football. Luckily, almost all the children had torches with them! Then they went into the classroom. There they romped around and ate snacks. This was followed by a pillow fight in which the girls and boys threw pillows at each other. Eventually they made peace after all the ruckus, with the girls sharing their snacks with the boys.
For dinner we had pizza, which was organized by the parents’ representatives and for which we would like to thank them on behalf of Class 4. At 10:00 o’clock it was time for bed-time. But this rest did not last long. 😊 The children got up at 4.00 am and started partying. Many children played cards. When the teachers woke up too, the pupils prepared their own breakfast. By 10.00 a.m. the reading night was already over. We hope to experience such an adventure again soon!
Class 3 made their way to the “Spin & Gogh” pottery this week. There, the children were allowed to make individualised cups step by step under the guidance of the staff.
They then decorated and designed them to their own liking and finally painted them.
Small name tags were also made, which will serve as a classroom decoration and a reminder of the visit.
We can’t wait to see the artistic results!
The International German School held its International Day celebration today, 28th March. The event, which was open to students from classe 1 to 10, was a vibrant display of the school’s diverse student body.
There were booths representing countries from all over the globe, including China, Indonesia, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and Australia, to name a few.
At each booth, students could learn about the country’s history, geography, and culture. The International Day celebration was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and traditions. It was also a chance for students to come together and celebrate their diversity.
Three talented Class Nine students have once again demonstrated their exceptional skills by advancing to the third round of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).
Reaching the third round shows the students’ remarkable commitment and scientific curiosity.
The success at the IJSO is a clear sign of the effectiveness of MINT education at the IGS and motivates the entire school community to further strengthen the focus on the natural sciences. The students involved are now being supported to prepare intensively for the next round. This will be held as an exam round in May. We keep our fingers crossed for everyone.
Exploring the Possibilities of AI: A Student’s Perspective
Have you ever thought about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game for the students? Well, our grade 10 students recently dived into this exciting topic by creating a super interesting podcast. They chatted about all the cool ways AI is being used in education and beyond, sparking some really thought-provoking conversations.
Meanwhile, students from other grades got together for a fun session where they got to see firsthand how AI can be a helpful tool that will leverage their learning. They talked about the good stuff and the not-so-great stuff, shining a light on how AI can make our lives easier while also bringing up some important ethical considerations.
Our students totally rocked these projects, showing off their creativity, critical thinking skills, and their knack for staying ahead of the curve with new technology. Getting hands-on with AI isn’t just about learning something new, it’s also about gearing up for a future where innovation in education is key.
How cool is that?
In order to celebrate International Poetry Day (21 March 2024) students and teachers at the IGS cooperated in poetry-bombing the school campus with poems – French, Vietnamese, English, German poems, but also poems in Turkish, Tagalog, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese. On Monday morning, groups of students could be seen gathering around and reading the poems on display. Some students even got irate when they thought that their poems were not on display (luckily, the poems had just been posted up in obscure places).
A hearty vote of thanks goes to everyone who got involved, and especially to all the teachers who cooperated and encouraged their students to write some poetry. We all got to appreciate it.
The Saturday of last weekend was dedicated to the “Open Day” at the IGS.
In the morning, the U6 area and the primary school opened their doors and welcomed interested parents for an informative tour, while activities for the little ones were offered in the forum.
The students of the student council not only provided a sweet treat with their waffle stand, but also donated the proceeds to a good cause.
In the afternoon, it was time for the secondary level. They presented themselves for the first time during the Open Day as part of the Night of Science, where teachers, as well as cooperation partners of the IGS and external experts, delighted the guests with lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiments.
Visitors of all ages had the opportunity to gain insights into the scientific methods of the STEM subjects at the IGS throughout the event by being introduced to microscopy, determining the pH value of various ingredients in the laboratory, or exploring the beauty of mathematics. Additionally, the Language, Art, and Music Departments opened their doors to showcase the uniqueness of the IGS.
On the main stage, an interesting experiment show was held every hour, which combined the history of alchemy with modern chemistry, causing amazement and enthusiasm among the audience, just before the visitors had the opportunity to participate in lectures and workshops.
As the IGS sees itself as a progressive school with a focus on the STEM field, experts on topics relevant to research and development were invited. For instance, Dr. Klein from the Vietnamese-German University led a lecture and workshop on “Semiconductor and Microchips,” where participants had the opportunity to program and test their own microchips on-site.
The IGS is also very pleased that NFQ Asia participated in the Night of Science and provided visitors with insights into the possibilities and challenges of the currently rapid AI developments.
During the concluding panel discussion with students, teachers, and parents, significant aspects were discussed, encouraging the audience to contemplate the topics and actively participate. Mr. Lars Jankowfsky (Founder of NFQ) emphasized the successful approach of the IGS and its concept of “Digital Citizenship.” He highlighted that taking responsibility in dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) will be of increasing societal relevance in the future.
The IGS would like to thank all participants of this year’s Night of Science.
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, everything at the NaWi Learning Landscapes revolved around forces and levers. Students from classes 5 and 6 had the opportunity to dive into the new physics learning module in an exciting and varied manner. After a brief explanation of the learning content, they were allowed to demonstrate their skill in a balance competition. The challenge was to establish equilibrium at four different stations by hanging the correct masses at the right distance from the pivot point and weighing an object of unknown weight with a balance scale.
To conclude the double period, Mr. Kehm and Mr. Vidmar demonstrated the practicality of knowledge about the lever principle in everyday life. They showed that one can easily open a bottle with a crown cap using a 2-meter-long lever (a folding ruler) with a bang!
In soccer, our school regularly competes against other schools. However, we also don’t neglect other sports. Last Saturday morning, students from classes 11 and 12 participated in a badminton tournament against the French and Finnish schools. Initially, individuals competed against each other in various groups. The group winners advanced to the next round. While our students unfortunately had to concede defeat early on, students Harry and Karel clinched first place in the later doubles event – a strong performance.
We thank the French school for the invitation and look forward to more competitions of this kind.
March 21 is International Poetry Day, and to celebrate this event and create awareness of all things poetic, IGS goes all out to post poetry everywhere on campus for a week.
This year, the Grundschule poetry will be displayed in the entrance hall to the GS and on either side of the passage leading up to Villa C.
There will be a special focus on French poems written by our students in and around the entrance to Villa B, which will also coincide with le Journée internationale de la francophonie which is on 20 March 2024.
This year, there is also a special section in the Library of Ville E which will focus on internationally known poets from countries which represent our diverse language population (Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish etc.)
As for the rest of the Campus, it will be flooded with a diverse collection of in-house poetry written by our students, a veritable inundation of creativity.
Happy Poetry Week – IGS – 2024.
First have a look at our Trailer
Join us on Saturday 09 March 2024, to dive into the fascinating world of science and experience an evening full of discoveries, exciting experiments, and inspiring conversations. Whether young or old, there’s something for everyone!
Together with our event partners, the Vietnamese-German-University and NFQ Asia, we offer you highlights such as:
Bring your family and friends and let’s explore the secrets of science together. This is a unique opportunity to experience science up close and find joy in learning.
We look forward to seeing you!
Your IGS
What do our little learners do in the Discovery and Research House? And how does the playful learning of language and other essential skills actually work?
All of this (and more) can be discovered at the Open Day next Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Come and participate in exciting surprise activities!
The children from both houses are already preparing everything for you, creating artwork, and providing insights into our daily routine. Everyone is excited to show you how we learn together. So, stay tuned and join us!
We look forward to seeing you!
Last week, all groups in the U6 area were invited to an afternoon board game café. Parents and children were able to explore various board and group games under the guidance of educators while enjoying coffee and cookies. They had the opportunity to try out different games commonly played in the U6 area. Some inspirations for their home game collections were also discovered.
The event was in high demand and provided an opportunity for children and parents to make contact with each other across groups.
this week, the project week took place in House D. The school beginners continued to explore the theme “Everything about Plants.” They had already started this theme last year and could now finally plant the potatoes they had cultivated.
Many other plants and vegetables, such as okra and avocado, are now growing on our balconies and are being cared for by the school beginners.
The juniors have launched their story workshop and developed their own picture book. In their story, the children shrink and experience exciting adventures in the land behind the hole in the wall.
Whether they have found their way back remains to be seen.
Last Friday marked the second encounter between our U15 football team and the team from ESchool, one of the largest international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. In the 4-4 draw in the first leg on the opponent’s campus, both teams showed no mercy. The return match took place at our sports venue. The IGS Selection took an early lead with two goals from Paul.
However, in the second half, the ESchool team grew stronger and added excitement to the game with a well-deserved goal. Despite numerous missed opportunities, our team managed to defend the narrow lead until the end.
The final score was 2-1 in favour of the IGS Selection. We look forward to more games in March!
Here it comes again, International Mother Tongue Language Day is observed globally every year on February 21st to recognise and promote linguistic and cultural diversity.
On this special occassion, our students from Classes 6 to 12 completed a project “International Mother Language Day” where they were encouraged to write some favourite slang in their mother tongues and then design a little bit of artwork on the posters during their Library and Vietnamese hours.
“Language is power, and my mother tongue is the foundation of my identity.”
(by different sources)
In their most recent art project, our class 7 students have been developing their own boardgames. They worked in groups and discussed some of their favourite games, then began to plan how they could build their own games. They were encouraged to consider the different aspects of their game design from the rulebook, the board and the packaging to create something unique and engaging. The students were thrilled with their final outcomes and eager to share them with other students at the school. We invited the class 4 students to test out the games and vote for their favourites in different award categories.
Congratulations to all of the students who took part in this project, your hard work has really paid off.
Last Monday, a parent evening took place at the IGS Campus for parents of 9th and 10th-grade students, focusing on the work placement and the (multilingual) International Baccalaureate [(G)IB].
In the first part of the evening, parents were informed about the upcoming work placement for Class 9 and 10 students at the end of the school year. The week-long internship aims to provide students with insight into the professional world, allowing them to explore, develop, confirm, or reconsider their career aspirations. A constructive discussion during the subsequent question-and-answer session also addressed experiences and assessments of teachers, parents, and students regarding particularly suitable internship positions. At this point, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Class 10 students who willingly and spontaneously shared their experiences from last year.
In the second part of the parent evening, parents of our current Class 10 and our future IB students were informed about options for the upcoming course selection for our IB upper level. During the course selection, attention is paid not only to the usual requirements of the IB Diploma Programme, but also requirements for meeting the minimum conditions for achieving the GIB (International Baccalaureate) set by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. This allows our school’s students to obtain a GIB diploma and, consequently, eligibility for university admission in Germany. We look forward to teaching and guiding this cohort, which will take their (G)IB Diploma exams in May 2026!
The Grade 3 children really enjoyed listening to Yusuke read The Enormous Crocodile written by Roald Dahl. Reading is one of the best ways to learn new vocabulary and to be able to speak and write English with confidence. Whether you’re reading a classic novel or fairy tales before bed, reading aloud to children can significantly benefit your child’s life. Reading to young children is proven to improve cognitive development, which is the ability to think and understand. This helps to improve language skills and prepare for academic success as it enhances increased concentration and discipline. It is a wonderful way of developing a special bond with your child. When you begin reading aloud to your child, it essentially provides them with background knowledge on their young world, which helps them make sense of what they see, hear, and read. It leads to improved imagination and creativity and a lifelong love of reading.
May this year be filled with energy, strength, and positive changes for you. May your dreams come true, and may every challenge on your path turn to your advantage. May health, happiness, and prosperity accompany you.
Chúc mừng năm mới!
To celebrate the last day of the first term, IGS shone with vibrant decorations under the blue sky. The Tet celebration took place on February 7, 2024, bringing together students from different classes in the forum, with the highlight undoubtedly being the students’ contributions, from a play performed by Class 2, to traditional songs leading up to the lion dance by Class 9.
The Year of the Dragon was joyously welcomed before the first half of the school year came to an end for all students at 12:00 noon.
The art department has been going wild with dragon themed art over the past few weeks. We would like to share a few of the highlights here with you. All of the students have been hard at work; from attempting to build the world’s longest dragon with paper links, making flying dragon animations, designing their dream dragons, building sculptures and working with spray paints.
We are so impressed with the student’s creations.
We wish you all a happy and prosperous start to the new year and hope you enjoy your break.
Chúc mừng năm mới!
For days, the children in the U6 area have eagerly stood by the windows, watching the older school children rehearse the dragon dance. Quickly, the thought occurred to us: we can do that too! So, the newcomers to school watched closely and, in preschool, explored what makes a good dragon dance and everything that goes into it. Having fun during the daily rehearsals was, of course, part of the process!
For the grand finale, the older children gave a performance of their dragon dance to the younger children from houses D and G, receiving enthusiastic applause.