In a transformative shift in education in Southeast Asia, international schools in Vietnam are embracing a holistic approach to academic excellence that shines the light on the importance of wellbeing.

Since American Psychological Association’s President, Dr Martin Seligman used his inaugural address to shift a focus on studying mental illness to happiness, there’s been widespread research, debate and adoption on positive psychology throughout the west. 

Now with a focus on the importance of wellbeing starting to build in Southeast Asia, Dr Seligman’s positive psychology model PERMA is supporting outstanding academic excellence at Nord Anglia Education’s four schools in Vietnam – both the British International School and the British Vietnamese International School in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

The PERMA model connects happiness to five key elements: 

Positive emotion (P) like hope, interest, joy, compassion and gratitude are key indicators of flourishing. They can be nurtured or learned to improve wellbeing. 

Engagement (E) is living in the present moment, immersed in an activity. 

Relationships (R) that are supportive, loving and valued by friends, peers, family members, mentors and teachers leads to greater happiness. 

Meaning (M) includes feeling a sense of value and worth, cultivating an environment of belonging. 

Accomplishments (A) is working towards a goal, and achieving or mastering it. 

As the world’s leading international schools organisation known for being at the forefront of education in Vietnam, Nord Anglia Education continues to put students at the heart of learning, personalising the school experience and embedding the world’s best teaching practices into its curriculum. 

Assistant Head of Secondary at the British International School Hanoi, Gemma Archer said the research on the extraordinary connection between happiness and academic excellence at school was overwhelming. 

“Wellbeing encompasses psychological, social and physical health, and we know that a balanced focus on these areas is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally,” she said.  

“We focus on engagement, accomplishment and meaning at the British International School Hanoi. We inspire our students to get deeply involved in their learning to nurture their strengths, build their confidence when they achieve, and help them to find passion and purpose in and around their studies to drive perseverance and dedication.” 

As one of the leading international schools in Vietnam, the British International School Hanoi worked closely with international education consultant Tricia Taylor, to develop and evolve the school’s curriculum to fully integrate the importance of wellbeing in the classroom. 

“Our holistic approach prepares each child to triumph over academic challenges, and helps them to develop resilience and adaptability – key traits for both personal growth and academic excellence,” said Gemma.  

“Engaging in challenging learning in a supportive environment fosters psychological growth, develops cognitive skills and helps students to push themselves out of their comfort zone.” 

At Nord Anglia Education’s second school in Vietnam’s capital, the British Vietnamese International School Hanoi, Head of Year 2 Nguyen Thi Thu Huong reflected on the school values as one way to encourage the importance of wellbeing among students. 

“Caring is one of our six school values, and we use this value to teach children how to give and spread joy in their families, at school and in their wider communities,” Ms Huong said. “As they grow, we focus on specific topics like the environment, and build each child up to proudly become a global citizen – contributing to the betterment of the world around them. 

“These are the kinds of things that make learning more impactful, and links the school values to something meaningful to our students.” 

To embrace positive psychology in education in Vietnam, Gemma recommends  

1. As a teacher: encourage your students to push themselves out of their comfort zones during assignments and projects. Also give feedback that celebrates their efforts as well as successes. 

2. As a parent: introduce new activities or encourage your child to tackle difficult tasks, and reflect on the learning experiences rather than the outcome. Create a psychologically safe home environment to ensure your child can share their thoughts and feelings without a fear of judgement. 

3. As a student: treat yourself with kindness when you make mistakes, and understand that errors are a natural part of your learning process. 

“At the British International School Hanoi, we know that wellbeing is crucial for student success, and by understanding and promoting the connection between wellbeing, happiness, and academic achievement in education in Vietnam, we can foster more engaged, motivated, and successful students,” said Gemma.