Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
100+ |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
20 |
| Most common nationality |
The school welcomes diversity in all its forms! The only limit that governs enrolment is a legal requirement that no more than half of all students are Vietnamese nationals. To maintain diversity within the school, Green Shoots own policy limits enrolment from a single national group to 25% of all students. |
| Native English and French speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and French |
Green Shoots offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) assistance through a combination of in-class support that helps children develop skills while working with their peers, and pull-out support that enhances and builds upon progress made in the classroom. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Vietnamese |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
12-14 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
GSIS introduces its learners to Information & Communication Technology (ICT) over time, beginning in the kindergarten where age appropriate apps and other activities. including researching a topic of interest and beginning keyboard and mouse skills, may form a small part of each day. At this age, GSIS believes children should play ‘in the real world’ and screen time is limited. In the primary school, learners begin to use classroom iPads and the ICT lab. They develop practical skills in a safe and monitored environment. ICT & Computing learning objectives from the UK National Curriculum are covered in formal lessons and include online safety and responsible use of technology while developing a range of computing skills. ICT is additionally integrated in the classroom environment to enhance learning experiences. By secondary school, students learn how to filter and judge the value of information they source online, and use these skills to develop and refine arguments and theories. Some assignments may be submitted online, some communication with teachers occurs via email, and learners are expected to access online homework and other classroom management apps and websites as they develop their organisational skills. When students join the IGCSE programme they are required to have a personal laptop for use in school. Younger students use computing resources provided by the school. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
GSIS has a comprehensive COVID -19 online learning plan that we implement as soon as any closures are announced |
| External examinations or assessments available |
The school combines summative and formative assessments to ensure high standards. Learning culminates with the externally assessed IGCSE exams, which provide globally benchmarked and respected evidence of progress. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, although the school limits homework at the earlier levels as we believe strongly that children learn as much through play and activities beyond the school gates as they do through formal schooling. As your child progresses through their education at Green Shoots they will be given assignments or projects to complete at home. These are designed to enhance learning that has taken place in the classroom and to help children build time management and organisation skills. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Graduating its first cohort of IGCSE students in 2016, Green Shoots can demonstrate a clear and consistent graduate pathway from our gates to world class universities via prestigious International Baccalaureate schools in Australia, Asia, Europe and America. Many have gone on to study with scholarships that recognise both their academic achievements and personal attributes. From 2024, the school will expand its secondary programme to offer a high school diploma that will be one of a kind in the central region: a comprehensive, internationally renowned programme that prepares students for further education by giving them the academic skills and personal attributes they will need to succeed. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Green Shoots offers Special Education Needs (SEN) assistance through a combination of in-class support that helps children develop skills while working with their peers, and pull-out support that enhances and builds upon progress made in the classroom. |
| Learning support offered |
Children with Special Education Needs will be supported by their classroom teacher and teaching assistants as needed, with support and guidance from GSIS' parent-time SEN specialist. When an Individual Learning Plan is required, parents will be consulted throughout the process of assessment and identification of needs. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
GSIS is a non-selective school that believes in opportunity for all and does not offer or deny enrolment based on previous academic achievement. However, non-native English speakers are required to take an English assessment test prior to entry to ensure adequate support is provided. |
| Waiting list |
Not at present |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30am |
| School finish time |
3:30pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Students can arrive from 8:15am until 3:45pm - ECA activities are offered outside of these hours |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
GSIS offers vegetarian and gluten-free meal options for students and staff who require them and encourages non-vegetarian students to try vegetarian options at various points through the year as they expand their culinary options. |
| Uniform required |
No. The school has a dress code designed to ensure that students and staff are dressed smartly and respectfully but there is no daily-use uniform. We do, however, have a sports uniform (T-shirt and shorts), and School House T-shirts, which some students choose to wear daily. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Football, swimming, tennis, futsal, chess, board games, Minecraft, knitting, cooking, sign language, jewellery making, crafting, mad scientists, choir, photography etc... |
| Sports activities included |
These change seasonally and annually and include gymnastics, rugby, athletics, swimming etc... |
| Facilities at the school |
Our new campus will develop additional spaces for specialised subjects such as Design Technology (STEAM), music, theatre, and sustainable farming. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
We have a hall and a small field and nearby access to larger exterior field and swimming pool. In 2022 we are moving to expansive new facilities halfway between Da Nang and Hoi An with sports facilities for football, tennis, volleyball, basketball, athletics, and swimming. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Green Shoots International School is a K-12 international school in the beautiful central Vietnamese town of Hoi An, just half an hour from the metropolis Danang. GSIS offers the British curriculum, culminating in Cambridge IGCSEs, and lays strong emphasis on mindful learning and sustainability education. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
GSIS' primary aim is to instill a lifelong love of learning for its students and to develop a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live. With this goal in mind, and in order to ensure that GSIS meets internationally recognised academic standards, GSIS adopts a combination of subject-based core learning with inquiry/project-based learning using the UK National Curriculum and Cambridge International curriculum. |