Within the Vietnam–Australia High School Dual Diploma Programme (SACE) at Hanoi Adelaide School, the Mentor Program goes beyond academic support sessions—it is where students begin to realize how much better they can learn when they are not on their own.
“Mentor Program not only helps students address immediate challenges, but more importantly, it helps them understand how they are learning and what they need to improve,” shared Ms. Do Thi Yen Hoai, Business Innovation teacher and mentor of the programme.
When learning begins with the approach, not the answer.
One of the most valuable outcomes students gain from the Mentor Program is clear academic direction. Instead of feeling overwhelmed when first encountering a new learning approach, students are supported by both teachers and senior mentors—those who have once been on the same journey. Beyond revising knowledge, students are guided on how to interpret questions, analyze requirements, and structure their responses with clarity and logic.
According to the mentors, students in the Dual Diploma Programme often do not lack knowledge at the beginning—they lack the ability to use it effectively. With the right guidance, they gradually learn how to apply theory, develop arguments, and present ideas in a more structured and coherent way.
This was also the experience of Quach Le Phuong Chi during her early days in the programme:
“When I first joined, I felt quite overwhelmed. There were times I didn’t know where to start, and even after finishing a task, I wasn’t sure if I was on the right track.”
It is from that very experience that, as a mentor, Phuong Chi chooses to support others differently—not by giving ready-made answers, but by helping them understand how to approach problems. As she shared:
“Once I understand the core of the problem, each task no longer feels like something completely new.”
Progress through small but sustainable changes
Mentor sessions do not always lead to immediate improvements in scores, but they create meaningful shifts in how students learn.
Some students begin to ask more questions instead of staying silent. Others are able, for the first time, to explain concepts in their own words. There are also students who gradually develop interest in subjects they once found challenging.
These changes may seem small, but they lay the foundation for long-term growth. When students truly understand, gain confidence, and can express their thinking clearly, learning is no longer a pressure—it becomes a purposeful and meaningful journey.
When guidance reduces pressure and builds confidence
In an academic environment like SACE, where assessments require independent thinking and in-depth analysis, having guidance and companionship makes a significant difference in students’ learning experience.
Students no longer feel that they have to navigate every challenge on their own. When difficulties arise, they can turn to their mentors for clarification, direction, or simply to be heard. This support helps reduce pressure and creates a stronger sense of reassurance throughout the learning journey.
More importantly, this companionship empowers students to become more confident in expressing their own perspectives. Through discussion and constructive debate in a safe environment, they gradually develop clear academic thinking and the ability to communicate ideas effectively—essential skills in any international programme.
Mentor Program – a foundation for holistic development
The Mentor Program goes beyond academic support; it helps students build the right approach to learning through the combined guidance of teachers and student mentors. While peer mentors bring empathy through shared experiences, teachers provide structured direction aligned with academic standards.
As a result, students not only complete assignments but also learn how to interpret questions, analyze requirements, and construct well-organized responses. Over time, they become more proactive and independent in their learning, rather than relying entirely on guidance.
At the same time, regular discussions and feedback help students strengthen their communication skills, critical thinking, and collaboration. More importantly, the Mentor Program creates a connected learning environment—where students are never alone, but always supported by peers, teachers, and mentors—giving them greater confidence in their journey.
When learning becomes a connected journey
From the way the Mentor Program is implemented, it is clear that what students gain goes far beyond academic results—it lies in a transformation of their learning approach and how they apply knowledge. Instead of relying on old habits, students gradually develop deeper thinking, learn to ask questions, and take initiative in finding their own solutions.
With the right approach, learning is no longer an isolated or reactive process. It becomes a journey with clear direction—where students understand what they are doing, why they are doing it, and what they need to improve in order to progress.
For this reason, the Mentor Program does not only create short-term impact, but also helps students build a sustainable foundation for learning. More importantly, it nurtures confidence in how they learn and prepares them to adapt to higher academic expectations in the future.
Hanoi Adelaide School
Pioneering Competency-Based Education in Vietnam
