Few would imagine that the student who now confidently participates in debates at HMUN, achieves strong academic results, and takes ownership of his learning once went through a period when… he did not want to go to school.
In the Pathway to Success series, let’s meet Phan Xuan Tung (8S) and revisit his learning journey at Hanoi Adelaide School – a story of how a student who once lacked confidence gradually transformed, discovered the right way to learn, and created meaningful achievements through his own efforts.
A challenging beginning – but the foundation for change
In his early days at Hanoi Adelaide School, Phan Xuan Tung was a quiet and reserved student who struggled to adapt to a new environment. There was a time when simply stepping into the classroom felt like a real challenge, and he even wanted to stay home rather than go to school.
It wasn’t a lack of willingness to learn, but rather the feeling of not yet belonging that made each school day feel like an invisible pressure. As the academic workload increased, Tung found himself becoming more uncertain and withdrawn. Many might assume that a student in this situation would find it difficult to keep up with peers.
But instead of pushing him to change quickly, the teachers at Hanoi Adelaide School chose to begin differently: by listening.
Through classroom interactions, one-on-one conversations, and regular meetings involving teachers, the student, and parents, they gradually understood what made Tung feel insecure, where his strengths lay, and what kind of support he needed to feel more confident in his learning environment.
And that was where his journey of change truly began. Instead of studying broadly as before, Tung was guided to focus more on his strengths—particularly Mathematics and English—while also attending supplementary sessions to reinforce his foundation and build a more consistent daily learning routine.
His transformation did not come from a sudden “turning point,” but from small, consistent changes: learning to break problems into manageable steps; actively reviewing mistakes after each practice session; building vocabulary through context-based note-taking; and gradually becoming more confident in asking questions and engaging in class discussions.
Beyond academics, Xuan Tung also became more open and engaged in the school environment. From a rather reserved student, he was encouraged to participate in activities such as the Debate Club and the Hanoi Model United Nations (HMUN). Taking on the role of a delegate at HMUN not only helped him develop analytical thinking and research skills, but also gave him the opportunity to present his ideas, collaborate with peers, and express himself with greater confidence.
Representing the Czech Republic within the NATO alliance at the 11th HMUN was more than just an extracurricular achievement. It marked a significant milestone—showing how a student who once hesitated to speak in front of others could now confidently present arguments, engage in debates, and work effectively with a team. For Xuan Tung, this may well be the most meaningful “medal” in his journey of growth.
Achievements that followed a change in learning approach
As his learning approach changed, his academic results gradually began to reflect that journey of effort. In the following years, Xuan Tung consistently made his mark in various academic competitions:
- Bronze Award – TIMO National Round (2025–2026)
- Consolation Prize – IOE (Ward-level, 2025–2026)
- Delegate representing the Czech Republic (NATO alliance) – 11th HMUN (2025)
- Consolation Prize – District-level Young Mathematics Olympiad (2024–2025)
- H.A.S Outstanding Student (2024–2025)
- Silver Award – HKIMO National Round (2024–2025)
- Consolation Prize – HKISO National Round (2024–2025)
- Silver Medal – 50m Breaststroke (School-level, 2024–2025)
- Bronze Award – HKISO National Round (2023–2024)
- Bronze Award – ASMOPSS National Round (2023–2024)
- Bronze Award – IKSC National Round (2023–2024)
However, for Tung’s family, the most valuable outcome is not the medals or titles.
“What I see most clearly is his growing confidence. He now asks questions when he doesn’t understand, expresses his opinions, and takes initiative in his learning. From needing constant reminders, he has learned to manage his own time and take responsibility for his goals,” shared Ms. Tu Anh.
Growth as the most meaningful outcome
Tung’s journey was not defined by a sudden breakthrough, but by the accumulation of many small changes in the right direction: a supportive environment that listens, teachers who walk alongside him, and a student who gradually learns to believe in his own abilities.
At Hanoi Adelaide School, every student follows their own personalized development pathway. Not everyone shines from the very beginning, but when students are truly understood, guided in the right direction, and given the opportunity to grow at their own pace, they can achieve meaningful and inspiring transformations.
For Xuan Tung, that journey is still ongoing—not only reflected in the achievements he has earned today, but in the confidence and resilience he continues to build for the future.
Hanoi Adelaide School
Pioneering Competency-Based Education in Vietnam
