UTS – The first school in HCMC to offer a comprehensive Oxford International Programme
US Vietnam Talent International School (UTS) is honored to be the first school in Ho Chi Minh City certified as an OxfordAQA Centre, offering an internationa study programme with GCSEs and A-levels qualifications. This milestone empowers UTS students to confidently embrace global integration through a high-quality education foundation.
OxfordAQA – A Prestigious International Assessment System from the UK
OxfordAQA is an international assessment system established by two leading educational organizations: Oxford University Press (the publishing arm of the University of Oxford) and AQA (the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance in the UK).
At schools certified as OxfordAQA Examination Centres, students can study various subjects and earn GCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-levels (Advanced Level qualifications), giving them a competitive edge when applying to top universities worldwide.
The prestige of the OxfordAQA assessment system:
- AQA is the largest and longest-established examination board in the UK offering GCSEs and A-level qualifications.
- It is an official partner of over 80 international schools across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- 61% of students achieve A and A+ in Mathematics in the A-level program.
- 74.8% of students score 7+ in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Computer Science in the GCSE program.
UTS officially becomes the first OxfordAQA Centre in Ho Chi Minh City
At the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, US Vietnam Talent International School (UTS) proudly received certification as the first OxfordAQA Examination Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. With this achievement, UTS is now able to offer GCSEs and A-levels in line with UK standards, providing students with access to a high-quality international education.
This milestone reflects UTS’s commitment to nurturing global citizens who are well-equipped to compete and succeed in the future.
The first international bilingual school in Ho Chi Minh City offering a comprehensive Oxford curriculum pathway
Starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, US Vietnam Talent International School (UTS) will be the pioneer in Ho Chi Minh City to offer a complete Oxford curriculum pathway from preschool to high school. The program includes:
- The Oxford International Curriculum (OIC) for students from preschool to Grade 8.
- OxfordAQA from Grade 9 to Grade 12, allowing students to graduate with GCSEs & A-levels.
With a curriculum leading to A-level qualifications, UTS students will have key advantages before stepping into the global arena
- Early academic orientation through the freedom to choose subjects based on interests and strengths.
- Experience a university-level learning environment by acquiring foundational knowledge equivalent to the first year of a UK Bachelor’s degree program.
- Rapid improvement in English proficiency.
- Expanded opportunities for admission to top universities in the UK and over 170 other countries that accept A-level qualifications.
This event is not only a source of pride for the UTS team but also marks a significant milestone on the journey to becoming the leading international bilingual school in Ho Chi Minh City. With the comprehensive Oxford curriculum pathway, students will be equipped with well-rounded knowledge and global thinking skills, preparing them for future international study and work opportunities.
To learn more and receive detailed consultation about the comprehensive international curriculum for your child, we invite parents to visit HERE or contact us at 028 710 78887
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Welcoming Ms. Ariana Akhavan – Principal of UTS Saigon South Campus
As UTS enters the 2026–2027 academic year, US Vietnam Talent International School officially welcomes Ms. Ariana Akhavan as Principal of UTS Saigon South Campus. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years in senior leadership roles across national and international schools, she will work alongside the UTS community to create an environment where every student is empowered to fulfil their potential and become future-ready. Nearly 20 years in international education Born and raised in London in a multicultural family, Ms. Ariana was exposed from an early age to diverse traditions, languages, and perspectives. These experiences shaped her appreciation for differences and her belief in the value of diverse and inclusive communities. It was also in London that her passion for education began, taking her from the classroom as a teacher to becoming an educational leader with experience across both national and international settings. Ms. Ariana holds a BA (Hons) in History from Royal Holloway, University of London; a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in History from the University of Roehampton; a Master’s degree in Education from St Mary’s University, London; and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from Best Practice Network. Over nearly 20 years in education, including 10 years in senior leadership roles at national and international schools in the United Kingdom and Malaysia, Ms. Ariana has led and contributed to initiatives in curriculum innovation, school improvement, inclusive and multilingual education, professional development, staff health and wellbeing, safeguarding, and the enhancement of teaching and learning. “I believe that, first and foremost, an educator must also be a lifelong learner.” Ms. Ariana Akhavan brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years in senior leadership roles across national and international schools Every student has their own unique talents Throughout her journey in education, Ms.
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Back to School 2026 – 2027: Ready to Grow, Lead and Make a Meaningful Impact at UTS
After the summer break, students officially returned to school, bringing with them bright smiles, excitement, and plenty of energy for the new academic year. From reunions with friends and warm welcomes from teachers to their first experiences back in the classroom, a new journey has begun – one where every UTS-er continues to GROW, LEAD and make a meaningful IMPACT. The energy of back to school fills UTS From the very first hours of the day, a lively atmosphere could be felt across UTS campuses. After the summer break, old friends reunited, new students took their first steps into the UTS community, and teachers were ready to welcome everyone back with familiar smiles and warm greetings. UTS-ers excitedly reunite with friends on the first day of the academic year Behind this exciting first day was the thoughtful preparation of the School team – from classrooms and shared spaces to welcoming activities – ensuring that every student returning to UTS could feel safe, positive, and at home, ready for the new experiences ahead. First experiences of a new journey The first day was about more than simply reuniting. Back in their classrooms, UTS-ers began settling into the rhythm of the new academic year, reconnecting with their homeroom teachers and classmates, and learning the essential information they would need for the journey ahead. Each activity also provided an opportunity for students to reconnect with their learning environment – actively participating, asking questions, sharing their thoughts, and working together to build a positive classroom community. UTS-ers actively connect, share, and participate in activities on their first day back in the classroom. For students joining UTS for the first time, the support of teachers and friends helps them gradually become familiar with their new environment, build confidence in connecting with others, and feel ready
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Professional Development Weeks 2026: Ready for a year of quality and growth
Before the 2026–2027 academic year officially began, UTS teachers and staff came together for Professional Development Weeks 2026 – two weeks dedicated to learning, connecting, and preparing for the journey ahead. At UTS, a quality learning experience for students always begins with the continuous growth of the educators who support them. UTS educators come together around a shared educational vision Professional Development Weeks (PD Weeks) is an annual professional development programme at UTS, providing an opportunity for the entire team to reflect on achievements, update their knowledge, share experiences, and align on key priorities for the educational journey ahead. The programme began with a whole-school gathering that brought together the UTS community. During the event, educators who demonstrated dedication and made meaningful contributions throughout the 2025–2026 academic year were recognised for their efforts and impact in nurturing students’ talents. Addressing all teachers and staff, Ms. Anita Spittle – Head of School at US Vietnam Talent International School – reaffirmed UTS’s educational philosophy, vision, mission, and theme for the academic year, ensuring that every educator shares a common understanding and commitment to the School’s goals. Continuously enhancing the quality of teaching and learning A key focus throughout Professional Development Weeks was strengthening the team’s professional capabilities and further enhancing the quality of educational practice. The training sessions explored practical questions that educators encounter every day in the classroom: How can we establish and maintain positive expectations? How can we design a classroom environment that encourages students to become independent learners? How can we identify students’ different needs and provide the right support for each of them? Nurturing a growth mindset in every educator If students are encouraged to continuously explore, learn, and grow, the educators who accompany them on that journey must embrace the same mindset. Through sessions on “Growth Mindset”
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UTS One – The one parent portal for UTS
UTS One is the official and all-in-one parent portal for the UTS community, designed to provide a seamless, integrated and modern connection between families and the School. Instead of using multiple standalone applications and communication channels such as ManageBac, the student pick-up and drop-off application, school bus app, service registration, club registration or unofficial Zalo groups, parents can simply access UTS One to stay connected with everything that matters in one place. As the School’s official communication platform, UTS One ensures that all interactions between parents and the School are efficient, transparent and consistent. Through UTS One, parents can monitor their child’s learning progress, timetable, attendance, homework, behaviour and achievements, while also managing student and parent profiles, staying updated with school news and events, submitting leave requests, registering for clubs and school services, and communicating directly with the School. By bringing these essential features together on a single platform, UTS One makes it easier for parents to stay informed and actively support their child’s learning journey. Looking ahead, UTS will continue to enhance UTS One by introducing new features, including online tuition and service fee payments, as part of our commitment to building a comprehensive digital ecosystem. This ongoing development aims to provide parents with an even more convenient and connected experience throughout their child’s educational journey at UTS. Click HERE to view the UTS One installation and user guide.
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What Is Project-Based Learning? Exploring a Modern Educational Approach at UTS
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