What Does the Grade 1 Curriculum Cover? A Guide for Parents When a child starts Grade 1, many parents worry about whether they will adapt to a new learning environment. This is an important transition, as children need to get used to classroom routines, new ways of absorbing knowledge, and the confidence to walk into school each day. In this article, Westlink shares practical ways parents can prepare their child, helping them feel more ready for the first days of primary school. The right preparation helps children feel more confident starting Grade 1 What Subjects Are in the Latest Grade 1 Curriculum? Vietnam's current Grade 1 curriculum framework was issued under Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDĐT by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and has applied since the 2020-2021 school year. Every primary school in Vietnam — public, private, bilingual, or international — is required to deliver the full set of compulsory core content. This is useful background for parents researching what Grade 1 covers and how to prepare their child for primary school. 7 Compulsory Subjects and Activities Under Circular 32 In Grade 1, students follow 7 compulsory subjects and educational activities, each playing a distinct role in helping children settle into primary school life. Vietnamese Language: The subject with the largest share of teaching time, helping children learn sounds, vowels and tone marks, read short sentences, and write basic spelling — building the foundation for all other subjects. Mathematics: Helps children recognise numbers, perform simple calculations, and get familiar with geometry through hands-on activities. At this stage, children learn best through doing, observing, and solving everyday situations. Moral Education: Guides children toward appropriate behaviour at home, in class, and in the community, helping them learn honesty, responsibility, and care for others. Nature and Society: Helps children explore the world around them, with content usually connected to family, school, plants, animals, weather, and personal hygiene. Physical Education: Builds basic motor skills, physical coordination, and teamwork spirit — supporting children's stamina, focus, and ability to adapt through a long school day. Arts (Music and Visual Arts): Children sing, play percussion, draw, cut and paste, and mould shapes, expressing emotion through creative activities. Experiential Activities: Delivered through flag-raising ceremonies, class activities, clubs, field trips, or small projects, helping children build social skills, self-reliance, and teamwork. The 7 compulsory Grade 1 subjects under Circular 32 Elective Subjects in Grade 1 Alongside the compulsory subjects, Grade 1 students may choose one of two elective subjects to develop language and cultural skills: Foreign Language 1: usually English, offered at schools with enough qualified teachers and facilities. In Grade 1, this subject focuses on basic listening and speaking, helping children build early language reflexes. Ethnic Minority Language: for students from ethnic minority backgrounds, with content and teaching hours set by local authorities. Being an elective doesn't mean it's optional in importance. At private and bilingual schools, English teaching hours can be increased to 5-15 periods per week instead of the minimum 2 periods, creating a clear difference between school types. This is worth noting for parents researching what Grade 1 covers before choosing a school. Grade 1 Teaching Hours and Textbooks at a Glance Under Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDĐT, the total compulsory teaching time for Grade 1 is around 875 periods per year, equivalent to 25 periods per week over 35 weeks. Students attend school in two sessions a day: 4 periods in the morning and no more than 3 periods in the afternoon. The approved Grade 1 teaching hours and textbook series (as approved by MOET) are as follows: Subject Periods/Year Periods/Week Reference Textbook Series Vietnamese Language 420 12 Cánh Diều / Chân trời sáng tạo / Kết nối tri thức với cuộc sống Mathematics 105 3 ↑ Moral Education 35 1 ↑ Nature and Society 70 2 ↑ Physical Education 70 2 ↑ Arts (Music + Visual Arts) 70 2 ↑ Experiential Activities 105 3 ↑ Foreign Language 1 (elective) 70 2 Family and Friends, i-Learn Smart Start, or equivalent series 4 Versions of the Grade 1 Curriculum in Hanoi The Circular 32 framework is only the "minimum floor". While every school follows the same set of Grade 1 subjects, each school type implements it differently in terms of language of instruction, class size, teaching method, and assessment. Understanding these 4 types helps parents compare schools when shortlisting for the 2026-2027 school year. Public Schools – Pure Circular 32 Public schools follow MOET's framework exactly, teaching 100% in Vietnamese, with English as a 2-period-per-week elective. Class sizes typically range from 35 to 50 students. This suits families who prioritise proximity to home and lower tuition fees. Enhanced Private Schools – MOET Plus Advanced English Still following the MOET framework, but with English teaching hours increased to 5-10 periods per week and native-speaking teachers. Class sizes are 25-30 students. This suits families who want strong English skills for their child while staying on Vietnam's exam pathway. Bilingual Schools – MOET Combined with an International Framework Teaching time is split roughly 50/50 between English and Vietnamese. Mathematics, Science, and Arts may be taught in English; Vietnamese Language, Moral Education, and Nature and Society are taught in Vietnamese under the MOET Replacement Curriculum. This suits families who want their child to be able to move into an international environment while keeping a solid Vietnamese foundation. International Schools – IB PYP, Cambridge Primary, and Other Frameworks Teaching is entirely in English, without Vietnamese textbooks. The curriculum references international standards such as the IB Primary Years Programme, Cambridge Primary, or the IPC. Class sizes are 18-22 students, taught through inquiry- and question-based learning combined with competency-based assessment. This model suits foreign families living in Vietnam, or families planning for their child to continue schooling abroad. Quick Comparison of the 4 Grade 1 Programme Types Across 5 Criteria While every school follows the same set of Grade 1 subjects, each school type implements it differently in terms of language of instruction, class size, teaching method, and assessment. Understanding these 4 types helps parents compare schools when shortlisting for the 2026-2027 school year. Criteria Public Enhanced Private Bilingual International Language of instruction 100% Vietnamese Vietnamese + 5-10 English periods/week 50/50 English-Vietnamese 100% English Average class size 35-50 25-30 20-25 18-22 Curriculum framework Circular 32 Circular 32 + ESL MOET + US/UK Curriculum IB PYP / Cambridge / IPC Teaching method Lecture-based + practice Lecture-based + interactive Integrated Inquiry-based Assessment method Numeric grading Numeric grading + comments Competency-based reports Comprehensive competency reports What Skills Should Children Build Before Starting Grade 1? Before starting Grade 1, children don't need to have already learned the full curriculum. What matters more is having a foundation to settle into primary school life — the ability to listen, look after themselves, follow instructions, and express their needs when they require help. Instead of pushing children to learn letters and numbers early, parents should focus on developing three key skill groups. A curriculum that balances three skill groups Foundational Academic Skills In the pre-primary stage, children should be gently introduced to letters, numbers, colours, shapes, and how to hold a pencil. Parents can have their child colour, trace lines, recognise their own name, or count objects during everyday activities. The goal isn't to have your child "get ahead" of the Grade 1 curriculum. The real goal is to help them feel less unfamiliar when they step into a classroom with books, a whiteboard, pens, and clearer academic tasks than preschool. Social and Emotional Skills Grade 1 is a stage of major change, so children need to know how to greet others, share belongings, wait their turn, listen to their teacher, and cooperate with classmates — all of which help them settle in quickly during the first weeks. Parents should also help children recognise, name, and express their emotions, so they learn to manage feelings and feel safe at school. When children are listened to rather than dismissed, they become more confident about expressing needs such as "I'm worried," "I don't understand yet," or "I need help from the teacher" — helping teachers understand them and step in quickly during unfamiliar situations. Social and emotional skills to prepare children for Grade 1 Self-Care Skills Starting Grade 1, children need to be more independent than at preschool. They should be able to put on or take off a jacket, open a pencil case, pack their school bag, keep track of personal belongings, use the toilet, wash their hands, and eat lunch with proper routine. These small skills help children feel less overwhelmed on their first day. When a child can manage personal tasks independently, they become more confident and less reliant on the teacher. Parents can start practising 3-6 months in advance by giving their child one self-care task to master each week. Self-care skills for Grade 1 students How Should Parents Support Their Child Through Grade 1? Grade 1 shouldn't turn into a race for high achievement. This is the stage when children form their first emotional relationship with learning — whether they enjoy going to school, fear it, or experience it as pressure. That's why the most important role for parents is to be a stable source of support, not to become a "second tutor" after school hours. Support Without Front-Loading the Curriculum Many parents have their child study 1-2 months ahead of the curriculum for peace of mind. However, studying too far ahead can make children complacent, less attentive in class, or less interested in lessons at school. Instead of teaching ahead from the textbook, parents can read together in the evening, play word-matching games, count toys, or retell a short story with their child. Learning through play helps children get familiar with letters, numbers, and language more naturally. Once a child is in Grade 1, parents only need around 15-20 minutes each evening to check in on what they're learning. This is enough time to stay connected without turning the evening into a stressful home classroom. Supporting your child without front-loading the curriculum Build Natural Routines, Not Pressure for High Achievement Grade 1 children need routine more than they need pressure over grades. At this stage, parents should help their child keep a stable daily schedule: set times for waking up, eating, studying, playing, and sleeping. A steady routine makes it easier for children to focus during the school day. On the other hand, even a bright child who is sleep-deprived, eats irregularly, or is always rushed in the morning will struggle to stay positive about learning. Parents should also rethink how they ask about school afterwards. Instead of "What grade did you get?", try "What did you learn today that was new?" or "Which part did you find interesting?". These questions help children understand that learning isn't just about scores — it's about discovery and progress. Building study routines for Grade 1 students Listen to Your Child's Feelings After the First Days of School During the first weeks of Grade 1, parents should watch their child's emotions and talk with them about their day at school. If a child talks about school naturally, it's a sign they feel safe. On the other hand, if a child goes quiet, avoids school, or has frequent tantrums, parents should contact the homeroom teacher right away for timely support. Close communication between family and school helps children settle in better. Some international schools also use daily activity-tracking platforms, allowing parents to stay connected with their child's day without having to guess. Understanding feelings helps children feel safe Criteria for Choosing the Right Grade 1 School for Your Child Choosing a Grade 1 school isn't about finding the school that markets itself as "the best". What matters more is finding an environment that fits your child's personality, your family's budget, and your long-term academic direction. Before shortlisting a school, parents should assess it against the 5 criteria below. A Curriculum That Balances Knowledge and Skills A good Grade 1 curriculum doesn't need to have many subjects — what matters is a clear framework, specific learning goals, and a balance between knowledge, skills, and emotional development. Parents should check the MOET core content at public and bilingual schools, or recognised frameworks such as IB PYP, Cambridge Primary, or the IPC at international schools. Before deciding, ask the school for a Grade 1 curriculum overview to understand your child's learning plan clearly. A Grade 1 curriculum that balances knowledge and skills Teaching Method In Grade 1, how children learn matters just as much as what they learn. Student-centred, inquiry- and question-based methods help children become more active learners than one-way lecture-style teaching. When visiting a school, parents should observe a real lesson if possible. Notice whether children are just sitting and listening, or whether they're discussing, practising, working on small projects, and asking questions. A good classroom should also let children try, make mistakes, and correct them in a safe environment. Grade 1 teaching methods Teaching Staff and Student-Teacher Ratio Grade 1 teachers don't just teach knowledge — they also help children build routines, manage emotions, and adapt to primary school life. Parents should therefore look into the experience of the homeroom teacher, subject teachers, and student support staff. The student-teacher ratio also matters. At public schools, a ratio below 25:1 is generally reasonable, while at private, bilingual, or international schools, smaller class sizes allow for closer observation and more personalised support. Parents should also ask whether the homeroom teacher stays with the class for the full year, and how the school supports children who need extra care. Grade 1 teachers and the student-teacher ratio Safe, Thought-Provoking Facilities Grade 1 needs more than just desks and chairs, because children learn through movement, observation, interaction, play, and exploration. The learning environment should be safe, clean, and flexible enough for a range of activities. When visiting, parents should check the classrooms, STEM lab, a library dedicated to the primary section, safe playgrounds, and clean, accessible toilets. Families in Hanoi may also want to ask about air quality (AQI) monitoring or air filtration systems. A school with overcrowded class sizes will struggle to give children enough space to move and learn comfortably. Modern primary school facilities Official Accreditation Accreditation is a more objective way to evaluate a school than its own marketing claims. For international schools, parents should check credentials such as IB World School status (publicly searchable at ibo.org), CIS membership, ISP network affiliation, or LOTUS green building certification (from the Vietnam Green Building Council) if the school has one. It's important to confirm accreditation status for the exact level and programme. For example, Westlink is an authorised IB World School, holding IB authorisation for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) at primary level and for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at lower secondary level. When choosing a school, parents should weigh all 5 factors together: curriculum, teaching method, teaching staff, facilities, and official accreditation. Accreditation credentials for Grade 1 international schools The Grade 1 Programme at Westlink International School At Westlink International School Hanoi, Grade 1 marks an important starting point in a child's primary school journey. Parents can choose between two pathways: the international pathway, taught entirely in English, or the Bilingual pathway, which combines the Vietnamese curriculum with an international one — allowing families to match the choice to their child's language ability and long-term learning goals. 2 Grade 1 Pathways at Westlink At Westlink, Grade 1 students on the international pathway follow the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) within an international learning environment. The programme focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and thinking through active learning, while building the foundation for students to continue on the IB pathway at the next levels. Approximate tuition fees for the 2026-2027 school year: IB Primary Programme Approximate Annual Tuition Fee IB PYP Programme Approximately VND 404-590 million Tuition fees may vary by grade level and programme. Parents should check the latest figures directly on Westlink's 2026-2027 Tuition Fees page. Westlink's international and bilingual Grade 1 pathways Grade 1 IB PYP – Learning Through 6 Transdisciplinary Themes Unlike learning through separate subjects, the IB PYP organises learning around 6 transdisciplinary themes. Each theme can integrate Language, Mathematics, Science, Arts, and Social Studies within a single unit of inquiry. The 6 transdisciplinary themes are: Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How the world works How we organize ourselves Sharing the planet In Grade 1, children don't just complete workbook exercises. They're encouraged to ask questions, observe, run small experiments, discuss, and present ideas using age-appropriate language. This is how the IB PYP at Westlink's primary section helps children build critical thinking and confidence from their very first year of primary school. The 6 transdisciplinary themes for Grade 1 students Grade 1 Bilingual – Combining MOET and US Common Core Standards The Bilingual pathway addresses a common concern among Vietnamese parents: "Will my child lose their Vietnamese foundation in an international environment?". At Westlink, Grade 1 Bilingual students follow two parallel strands of the curriculum. Half of the teaching time is in Vietnamese, following the MOET Replacement Curriculum. This strand ensures a solid foundation in Vietnamese Language, Mathematics, Moral Education, and Nature and Society in line with MOET's national direction. The other half of the teaching time is in English, following US Common Core Standards, covering areas such as Language Arts, Maths, and Science with an international approach. This allows children to maintain a strong academic thread in Vietnamese while developing their ability to use English for learning. After Grade 5, Bilingual students can continue to the Bilingual Middle Years Programme at Westlink, or move to another school environment that fits their family's plans. The Grade 1 Bilingual Programme combining MOET and US Common Core Standards IB-Trained Teaching Staff and EAL Support At primary level, teachers do more than deliver knowledge. They also help children build routines, a healthy relationship with learning, and confidence in using language. At Westlink, the Grade 1 teaching team includes both Vietnamese and international teachers, trained in line with the IB approach. For students who aren't yet fluent in English, the school provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. Students receive support in small groups or based on individual need, while staying connected to their main classroom. Westlink's IB-trained teaching staff and EAL support programme A 2.5-Hectare, LOTUS-Certified Green Campus Westlink is located at Plot O2, Tay Ho Tay Urban Area, Hanoi, on a 2.5-hectare campus that holds LOTUS green certification from VGBC, cutting energy consumption by 37.9% compared to conventional standards. The campus is designed for primary students to learn, move, and explore all at once. Facilities such as a 600-seat auditorium, an indoor swimming pool, a STEAM lab, a Maker Space, an ICT hub, and an art studio help children learn through experience. For Grade 1 students, this environment encourages observation, experimentation, interaction, and confidence-building. Westlink's 2.5-hectare, LOTUS-certified campus Choosing a Grade 1 programme shouldn't stop at how many subjects or teaching hours a school offers. Parents need to look closely at the actual curriculum, the balance of Vietnamese and English teaching time, how teachers support children new to Grade 1, class sizes, and how the school keeps parents updated on their child's progress. For families in Hanoi considering a Bilingual or international pathway, Westlink is worth exploring. Book a tour today to see first-hand how children learn and grow at Westlink!
