Exploring Westlink's Well-Rounded International Primary Programme Are you looking for a genuinely strong international primary programme for your child? The international primary programme at Westlink, built on the IB PYP, goes beyond knowledge alone to develop inquiry-based thinking and life skills. Let's explore why this is an ideal choice for your child's academic future. An Overview of the Primary Programme at Westlink The IB PYP for Primary Students Westlink is one of the schools in Hanoi formally authorised by the International Baccalaureate (IB) to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP), as of 1 May 2024, according to information published on Westlink's and the IB's websites. The programme is for students aged 6 to 10, spanning the full 5 years of primary school. The programme's goal goes beyond academic knowledge. Westlink builds three things side by side: independent thinking, cross-cultural communication, and a genuine sense of global citizenship. These qualities are shaped around the IB's Learner Profile — the set of core attributes the IB aims to develop in every student — preparing them for the levels ahead. After completing the PYP, students can move on to the IB MYP (Middle Years Programme) at Westlink or any other IB World School worldwide. This is one reason many parents choose the international primary programme at Westlink as the starting point for a long-term learning journey. Primary students studying the IB PYP at Westlink. An Inquiry-Based Approach to Learning Inquiry-based learning is the core teaching approach of the IB PYP at Westlink. Rather than starting with a ready-made definition, teachers open a lesson with a genuine question — "Why do some animals need to hibernate?", for example. Students form their own hypotheses, research material, discuss and refine their thinking under a teacher's guidance. This approach only works with a small class size, so every child gets heard. Repeated over 5 years, students leave Grade 5 with the skills to ask questions, gather evidence and build an argument — a foundation that matters at every level that follows. The inquiry-based learning approach at Westlink. A Curriculum That Supports Well-Rounded Development Academic Foundations and Language Ability The primary programme at Westlink covers all six of the IB PYP's core subject groups: Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, and Personal, Social and Physical Education. English is the main language of instruction. Vietnamese is taught as a second language, with a separate curriculum for native and non-native speakers. This is a real point of difference from traditional bilingual primary schools, which typically split every subject 50/50 between English and Vietnamese. Parents comparing a Cambridge primary programme in Hanoi with the IB PYP often ask about assessment. The PYP uses a portfolio — a record of a student's learning process and work — plus a PYP Exhibition at the end of Grade 5, rather than a standardised exam like Cambridge's Primary Checkpoint. Both approaches have their own value — parents should choose based on their child's long-term direction. Westlink students building academic and language skills. STEAM and Experiential Learning At Westlink, STEAM is delivered across four dedicated spaces: the STEAM Lab, modern internationally standard learning equipment, the ICT Hub and the Art Studio. Primary students start robotics in Grade 2, logic-based coding in Grade 4, and build design thinking throughout the 5 years. The school runs activities beyond the classroom so students can put knowledge into practice. The Westlink STEAM Fair 2026 gives students a chance to showcase their projects to the community. Grade 4 Market Day simulates real economic activity — students come up with a product idea, set a price and sell it to parents at school. These activities aren't just decorative events — they're a formal part of PYP assessment, building observation, problem-solving, collaboration and the ability to present an idea. Westlink primary students learning STEAM through hands-on experience. Life Skills and an International Mindset Westlink applies the IB's Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework to build communication, collaboration, self-management, research and critical thinking skills in its primary students. In a multilingual environment with more than 30 nationalities, students put these skills into practice through group work every day. Working on a project alongside a classmate from Korea, Japan, India or the UK teaches a child to listen to different perspectives and respect a viewpoint that isn't their own. Cross-cultural adaptability develops naturally as a result. It's a quality that many expat parents, and Vietnamese parents with a study-abroad direction for their child, notice after touring the school. Westlink students building life skills and an international mindset. The Learning Environment at Westlink A Modern Campus in Tay Ho Tay Westlink sits on a 2.5-hectare campus at Plot O2 in the Tay Ho Tay urban area, Hanoi, with convenient links to Cầu Giấy, Tây Hồ and nearby international residential areas. The primary block has its own building, separate from the secondary school's classroom space. This separation creates an environment suited to PYP students aged 6–10, who have their own distinct psychological and physical needs compared with older students. Facilities include ViewSonic technology-enabled classrooms, a 600-seat auditorium, an indoor pool, a multi-purpose sports court, an Art Studio and a performance space. These facilities let students keep up sport and the arts year-round, whatever Hanoi's weather is doing. The modern Westlink campus in Tay Ho Tay, Hanoi. A LOTUS-Certified Learning Space The Westlink campus holds LOTUS certification from the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC), cutting energy consumption by 37.9% against baseline. This certification isn't just a label — it delivers real, everyday benefits in the classroom. A green-certified space improves natural light, air quality and noise control. Primary students concentrate better and stay healthier as a result — a factor more and more parents care about when shortlisting schools in Hanoi. Students also encounter the concept of sustainability through the very building they learn in — through PYP units on energy saving, responsible water use and reducing waste. Westlink's LOTUS-certified learning space. Extracurricular Activities and Experiences for Students More Than 50 Extracurricular Activities Westlink offers more than 50 extracurricular activities (ECAs) across all levels, spanning sport, the arts, music, academics, STEAM and international learning opportunities. Primary students can sign up based on their interests and age. These activities build collaboration, creativity, discipline and critical thinking. Drama club helps a child manage their emotions in front of a crowd. Sports teams teach teamwork and how to bounce back from a loss. Community clubs build a sense of social responsibility. International Programmes Through the ISP Network Westlink primary students get to take part in ISP's global learning initiatives — ISP Filmmakers, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Changemakers, ISP Artists and ISP Scientists. Students from different ISP schools work together on shared projects, connecting through a digital platform. For a Grade 4 student in Hanoi, making a short film with a peer in Madrid, or competing in an inter-school ISP chess tournament, is an experience hard to find at a standalone school. Extracurricular activities for primary students at Westlink. The Advantages of Westlink's International Primary Programme Parents choosing a primary school in Hanoi can weigh up Westlink's six main advantages: An international IB PYP curriculum: Westlink is formally authorised by the IB for the PYP, as of May 2024. The programme is for students aged 6–10, built around inquiry-based learning and an international mindset. Building English, inquiry-based thinking and independent study skills: students learn in an environment where English is the main language of instruction, training them to ask questions and articulate their own views through an inquiry-based approach. Strong STEAM, technology and hands-on learning: four dedicated spaces — the STEAM Lab, Maker Space, ICT Hub and Art Studio — combined with real-world events such as the STEAM Fair, Market Day and field trips. A modern, LOTUS-certified campus: the 2.5-hectare campus in Tay Ho Tay cuts energy consumption by 37.9% — see Westlink's 2025–2026 fee schedule for the full investment picture. A connection to the international ISP network: Westlink is part of ISP, a network of 118 schools across more than 26 markets, with over 118,000 students worldwide. Balanced development across academics, physical health, emotions and social skills: the PYP assesses students against both the Learner Profile and ATL skills, not just subject grades. The advantages of Westlink's international primary programme. When Should Parents Choose Westlink's Primary Programme? Westlink suits families in one or more of the situations below: You want your child on an international curriculum from primary level — especially if you're planning for them to study abroad at secondary or university level; the IB PYP offers the smoothest all-through IB pathway. You want your child to build English and independent thinking early — the English-language environment and inquiry-based approach encourage a child to think, rather than memorise by rote. You prioritise a modern, safe environment rich in experiences — a 2.5-hectare campus with its own primary building, LOTUS-certified, offering more than 50 extracurricular activities. You're looking for a school with a clear STEAM and life-skills direction — four dedicated STEAM spaces, plus a Life Competencies framework developed in partnership with Camtree, part of the University of Cambridge. You want a long-term, internationally connected learning pathway — as part of the ISP network, students take part in inter-school ILOs and can transfer between ISP member schools if the family relocates. That said, parents should still have a detailed conversation with admissions in a few specific situations. If your child isn't yet used to learning in English, ask specifically about language support. If they're sensitive to changes in environment, look into the transition process and orientation. If your family isn't yet sure about the long-term pathway, an academic consultation will help you make a better-informed choice. Even a great programme only really works when it fits the child. That's why a school tour and a direct conversation with the academic team is a step well worth taking. Book a Tour at Westlink Parents shortlisting primary schools in Hanoi can Book a tour to see an IB PYP classroom first-hand, meet the Head of Primary, and ask specific questions about their child's pathway. The tour comes with no commitment and no admissions pressure. If your family is considering an international primary programme for your child, a visit to Westlink lets you observe a PYP classroom, talk with the academic team, and get a clear sense of the right pathway for your child. The tour gives your family a direct, first-hand way to judge how well the programme fits your child's learning needs.
