Secondary

At Shattuck-St. Mary’s International School Vietnam (SSM Vietnam), our Secondary School combines Middle School and High School into a cohesive academic pathway built on a rigorous, American-style curriculum. From Grades 6 to 12, students engage in a well-structured progression of subjects that deepen their knowledge, sharpen their analytical thinking, and build strong communication skills. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and personal growth, with core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies complemented by a rich selection of electives, including the arts, technology, and world languages. As students advance through the program, they are offered increasingly challenging coursework, opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, and college preparatory experiences that ensure they are fully equipped for success at top universities around the world.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

At SSM, students embark on an exciting journey through the world of technology, where they gain essential 21st Century skills. Hands-on projects encourage creativity and collaboration, allowing students to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. As they explore emerging technologies, both in class and in the weCreate Center, students build a strong technological foundation for their future.

SOCIAL STUDIES

By examining events and people from multiple perspectives including the historic, geographic, and economic, the coursework explores common themes that recur across time, place, and history. This approach provides students with the opportunity to explore what is happening in various regions and civilizations at a given time. Also, it enables students to investigate issues and themes from different points of view and to make global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding.

MATHEMATICS

The goal of the mathematics department is to develop students’ mathematical fluency and critical thinking. They will become adept at doing math, at reading math, and at communicating math. Students will use their critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve real life problems. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through projects and presentations.

SCIENCE

The Science department helps students develop a strong foundation in key scientific principles across multiple disciplines. Through hands-on experiments, critical thinking exercises, and real-world applications, students will deepen their understanding of how the world works, from the microscopic to the global scale. Students will learn to approach problems scientifically, using data, analysis, and evidence to draw conclusions.

WORLD LANGUAGE

The World Languages program stresses the development of the four basic skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Authentic materials are implemented to facilitate and engage students in an interactive exploration of a variety of social, cultural, and traditional customs of the representative language they are studying.

WECREATE

weCreate® is a space and philosophy that encourages innovation, creativity, and collaboration. It provides a platform for our students to pursue their individual passions, and includes studios for digital production, fashion design, graphic design, architecture, music editing and recording, robotics, woodwork, electronics, and engineering, in addition to a general craft area.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students will be able to demonstrate competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns; apply knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance; demonstrate the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health- enhancing level of physical activity and fitness; exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others; and recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

VISUAL ARTS

Visual Art nurtures self-expression and connects students’ learning with the world at large. Students are also taught the skill of observation and to envision ideas, expand their perspectives, innovate through exploration, reflect, and self-evaluate. Through individual and group projects, students learn to negotiate with each other and develop creative solutions. They learn the value of persistence as well.

PERFORMING ART

The Performing Arts foster self-expression and help students connect their learning to the broader world. Students are encouraged to sharpen their observation skills and envision new ideas while broadening their perspectives. Through exploration, reflection, and self-evaluation, they cultivate innovation. Engaging in both individual and group projects, students enhance their communication skills, develop creative solutions, and learn the value of teamwork.

ENGLISH LITERATURE & WRITING

The English Literature and Writing program is designed to elevate students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a vibrant exploration of diverse literary genres. Throughout the course, students will dive into a rich array of texts that serve as both “windows” into different cultures and experiences and “mirrors” that reflect their own identities. This journey prepares them to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world.

SCHOLARSHIFT

ScholarShift combines the best of traditional classroom instruction with the power of online learning and technology to open up the weekly academic schedule; this innovative class model allows our oldest students time to pursue other areas of their education while completing the requirements needed for graduation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Our upper-year students will have the opportunity to enroll in a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These college-level classes allow students to challenge themselves academically while still completing their high school education requirements. Students can also choose to take AP exams, potentially earning college credit for their efforts.