International Partnership - Vietnam
Darwin High School has established an international partnership with Le Quy Don Lower Secondary School in Vietnam to support student-learning outcomes. We are one of 15 schools around Australia in 2016 embarking on an internationally acclaimed project aimed at fostering greater ties between Australia and the countries of ASEAN through education.
The Australia–ASEAN BRIDGE School Partnerships Project connects Australian teachers, students and school communities with their counterparts in ASEAN countries. BRIDGE is a teacher professional learning program that builds teachers' Asia capability through school partnerships to develop intercultural understanding, improve Asian language skills, enhance technology skills, and establish sustainable school partnerships and a community of learners.
From 1-8 June 2016, we have hosted Nhon Huynh Thanh, a teacher from Le Quy Don Lower Secondary School. During his visit, Nhon has collaborated with Darwin High Business/IT Teacher, Matthew Atfield, on professional teacher practice and developing strategies to make the most of and maintain our international school partnership. Nhon has enjoyed his time at Darwin High, and is impressed with the "international environment of teaching and learning" at our school. "I think I can realise professionalism and excellence from [your school] to promote our growth in general, and my personal career as well" said Nhon.
BRIDGE teachers involved in this year’s project represent a broad range of communities including remote and disadvantaged schools in ASEAN countries, rural and city schools across Australia, and religious and government schools in both countries and vocational schools.
Commenting on the program the Hon Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, commented that "…building people-to-people ties is more important than ever in sustaining and strengthening our bilateral relationship… BRIDGE is fostering understanding and friendship between the leaders of the future."
Participating schools across Australia report many positive outcomes from their involvement in the BRIDGE Project, such as the use of digital technologies for learning, increased interest and skills in Asian country languages, deeper understanding of Asian cultures, and the establishment of long-distance friendships between Australian and students from Asian countries.
The Australia-ASEAN BRIDGE Schools Partnership Project was launched this year with support from the Australia-ASEAN Council at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Image above: Matt Atfield with Nhon Huynh Thanh
