EMASI Van Phuc and the Britcham Great Education Award

The EMASI Approach

Our application for the Great Education Award was rooted in EMASI’s unique educational philosophy and in particular to the role that art plays in fostering the school's mission.

Joining me in making the application was our excellent and totally committed Art teacher, Mr. Duke Phung, as well as EMASI school's Art partner, The Nguyen Art Foundation.

EMASI prioritizes a comprehensive approach, focusing on English, Math, Arts, Science, and ICT (EMASI) - key competencies essential for student development and the mission is robust but meaningful:

The EMASI mission is to provide an outstanding education delivered in Vietnamese and English that emphasizes, particularly Vietnamese values, academic and personal excellence and fosters global understanding, respect and independent learning.

When you read that mission, you will notice that the objective of the school is not just to provide an international education, or emphasize global citizenship, but to help cultivate Vietnamese citizens who maintain their culture and commitment to their country in addition to having the ability to succeed and contribute anywhere and everywhere.

Art at the Heart of EMASI

Although not exclusively an art school, the 'A' in EMASI truly stands at the heart of the EMASI schools' ethos.

The curriculum integrates arts deeply into the educational experience, fostering global understanding, emphasizing Vietnamese values, nurturing creativity, and driving community engagement with impactful social initiatives.

The schools are fortunate to have very passionate Art teachers from around the world and this is fundamentally a tribute to the passion that the owner and co-founder of the schools feel for arts, education and Vietnam.

Innovative Curriculum

Central to EMASI’s approach is its innovative bilingual curriculum that merges the Cambridge and Vietnamese national curricula.

This integration not only provides students with global competencies but also ensures they remain deeply connected to their Vietnamese heritage. Vietnamese education has demonstrated great competence in math and science, and this is certainly something that can be leveraged and celebrated.

The school’s commitment to arts education is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities, which include art galleries, black box theatres, music rooms, dance studios, and art classrooms. These spaces are not just physical structures but are emblematic of the importance EMASI places on the arts in education.

And from Kindergarten through to Grade 12, students at EMASI are immersed in a rich arts curriculum encompassing Art, Music, Drama, and Performance Art.

Guided by the International Cambridge Framework, this curriculum is designed to foster the creation and appreciation of art, emphasizing understanding different cultures and global issues through artistic expression.

Underpinning this is also an appreciation of Vietnamese values and culture, and students are exposed not only to international art but also contemporary Vietnamese art in the school's dedicated art galleries, featuring regularly changing exhibits.

And EMASI’s educational model extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to explore and understand Vietnamese history and values through various art projects. This approach is pivotal in helping students develop critical thinking skills and a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage, while also cultivating a global perspective.

Social Impact and Development

Like pretty much every school, community engagement and social impact are also cornerstones of the EMASI philosophy.

But what makes EMASI unique is that the school actively involves its students in art exhibitions and workshops that explore bold and thought-provoking themes, such as war, displacement, and social issues.

These activities are not only educational but are aimed at creating a tangible social impact, reflecting the school’s commitment to using art as a medium for positive societal change.

That takes courage.

EMASI’s achievements in the realm of arts education are numerous, including the publication of student artwork and the organization of various art exhibitions.

These achievements highlight the creativity and engagement of its students with both contemporary and historical themes.

Collaborations with artists and organizations like Arabesque Vietnam and the Nguyen Art Foundation further enrich the school's art program, offering students a broad spectrum of artistic experiences.

Why Did We Win?

Apart from the school's commitment to Art and both Vietnamese values and Global Understanding, 2023-2024 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK.

What better embodiment of that partnership and collaboration than a school that doesn't abandon its Vietnamese culture for internationalism, but rather compliments its Vietnamese identity with an appreciation of British education and international understanding?

And what better tool for fostering this objective than the Arts? It is truly a meaningful approach and makes for a compelling read to the judges - which included members of the British consulate as well as members of the British Chamber of Commerce.

Final Thoughts from EMASI Van Phuc

In sum, EMASI Schools' application for the Great Education Award painted a picture of an institution that is not just an educational establishment but a vibrant, creative community.

EMASI schools are a place where arts and education converge to foster global citizens who are creatively inclined and socially conscious, using the power of the arts to shape education and make a positive impact on the community and the world at large.

The award is a testament to EMASI's vision and its success in realizing it, marking a significant milestone in the school's journey towards educational excellence.

It was an honour to work with Mr. Duke to showcase the achievements and philosophy of the school's founders and student and teacher community.