Meeting Nguyen Hien Anh (Class 12S1) on a sunny day, we are greeted by the warm smile of the once-little girl, now fully prepared for an exciting new chapter in beautiful Australia. With an impressive ATAR score of 85.65 and a scholarship from the University of Sydney, let’s hear Hien Anh’s reflections on her memorable learning journey at Hanoi Adelaide School in the short interview below.

Congratulations, Hien Anh, on successfully graduating from the SACE program with an excellent result and becoming a future student at the University of Sydney. Could you share your thoughts about the learning environment at H.A.S?
Nguyen Hien Anh:
At H.A.S, I found the learning environment very dynamic, encouraging independence, responsibility, and self-direction. We are actively involved in the learning process and empowered to reach our full potential.
We also participated in many meaningful extracurricular activities such as emergency response workshops, Spring Fair, and other real-life experiences. These activities not only allowed us to relax after intense lessons but also provided valuable opportunities to develop new skills and apply what we had learned in real-world situations.
After three years of studying the Dual Program, what are your thoughts on the experience of earning both Vietnamese and Australian high school diplomas? How does this program differ from the traditional curriculum?
Nguyen Hien Anh:
The Dual Program at H.A.S is quite intensive, as it combines the Vietnamese high school curriculum with the Australian SACE program. Unlike the traditional system, in SACE, the amount of classroom teaching is fixed, which means we need to be proactive in completing assignments and long-term projects. Assessment is not based on exams alone but on our overall learning process.
Aside from acquiring knowledge through lectures and tests, I was also introduced to new subjects like Creative Arts, Research Project, and Mathematical Methods, and worked on various assignments such as presentations and infographics. These experiences helped me explore my academic interests and improve my English skills, as well as essential abilities like time management, teamwork, critical thinking, and information analysis.
I believe that the knowledge and skills gained from this program will support my studies not only abroad but also in Vietnam. Most importantly, SACE has opened up many opportunities for me to access top universities globally with valuable scholarship offers.
In your opinion, what factors helped you achieve such good results and receive a scholarship from the University of Sydney?
Nguyen Hien Anh:
To achieve the results I have today, I devoted a great deal of effort and perseverance. The Dual Program is demanding, so I had to focus in class to grasp the lessons thoroughly and make good use of my self-study time to review and consolidate what I had learned.
The teachers at H.A.S were always understanding and supportive, both during and outside of class. They patiently re-explained any content I struggled with and created the best possible conditions so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed or under pressure.
I also had many close friends at H.A.S who stood by me through every challenge. They were a great source of emotional support and encouragement throughout these past three years.
Above all, my family has been my strongest foundation. They gave me the confidence to dream big and pursue my goals. My parents were always ready to help, provide guidance, and create opportunities for me to gain new knowledge and skills beyond textbooks.
Could you share your future plans and any message you’d like to send to current H.A.S students?
Nguyen Hien Anh:
After completing the SACE program, I will be attending the University of Sydney in Australia with a 20% scholarship. I’m truly looking forward to this new and exciting experience.
To all my fellow HASians, I wish you great success in your studies and may you get accepted into your dream universities!
Hanoi Adelaide School
A Pioneer in Competency-Based Education
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The Dual Program at Hanoi Adelaide School is an optimal choice that equips students with academic knowledge, future-ready skills, and opportunities to develop 14 core competencies. It offers valuable real-life learning experiences to help students thrive in both domestic and international university environments, and in their future careers. By participating in the Dual Program, students can receive both the Vietnamese high school diploma and the Australian SACE certificate. This certificate, issued by the SACE Board of South Australia, is globally recognized and equivalent in form and value to what students in South Australia receive. It certifies that the student has completed an international high school curriculum and qualifies for direct entry into universities around the world. This significantly increases students’ chances of receiving scholarships from top global institutions. Furthermore, the SACE qualification allows students to enter directly into the first year of many leading universities without the need for a foundation year. In Vietnam, the SACE certificate is recognized by numerous prestigious universities such as Vietnam National University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Foreign Trade University, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, National Economics University, and FPT University. As one of the pioneering schools in competence-based education, Hanoi Adelaide School also supports students in developing their strengths and necessary life skills, empowering each individual to become a guiding “lighthouse” for their own journey. |


