Students of Phan Huy Chú High School in Hà Nội during a history lesson. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) on Saturday said that the decision to make history an optional subject follows the direction on education reform, and has taken into consideration the people’s opinions via public surveys. 

The MoET said that in accordance with the government’s resolutions and directions, the ministry has introduced the new general education programme. The draft was published on the MoET’s e-portal from April 12 to May 20, 2017 to collect public opinions.

The draft of the curriculum was again published for comments from January 19 to March 19, 2018. 

Taking into account the public and expert opinions, MoET then reported to the Central Commission for Information and Education (CCIE), discussed with the Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice and other relevant departments before introducing the new general education programme in 2018. 

Under the new programme, subjects in the categories of natural sciences, technology and computer sciences will provide students with the knowledge, sharpen their thinking and enhance their ability to integrate. Social sciences and arts subjects will help them understand human society and history, the laws of socio-economic development, philosophies, and ideologies, to foster the students’ development. 

The MoET also affirmed that the new curriculum follows the global direction on education, have a scientific basis and are in line with the major goals of national education. 

The ministry also emphasised that the five values of patriotism, compassion, diligence, honesty and responsibility are ensured in every subject of the 2018 general education programme. 

Social sciences and history in particular plays a key role in forming a student’s perspective and outlook on the world, educating them on patriotism, humane and community values, as well as the qualities of a global citizen in the development and innovation trend of the current era.

2022 will be the first academic year that the new programme is implemented in secondary schools, the ministry will issue instructions for localities and educational institutions to help their students in subject selection.

The MoET will also work to strengthen educators’ understanding on the new general education programme, and its subject of history, for better implementation.

The ministry will also continue to receive people’s opinion to promptly address issues, aiming for comprehensive education, training and human development, focusing on patriotism, national pride, and the prosperity of Việt Nam and its people. — VNS