The Australian International School in Vientiane plans to send 15 primary and secondary students to participate in the 2017 Asian English Olympics in Indonesia and is optimistic they will come back home with some medals.
The English Olympics is one of BINUS English Club’s (BNEC) most prestigious events. Established in 1992, BNEC has been widely acknowledged not only for its achievements in national and international competitions, but also for its ability to create innovative events.
Principal of the Australian International School, Mr Jose Ruthchan Portillo, talked about the competition after his students received The Best Friendly Participants’ award at the 13th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO), held in Indonesia.
The Olympiad took place from November 9-13 in Tangerang City, Banten, and drew more than 400 students. The theme of the event was Smart, Skilled and Creative in a Joyful Competition Excellent’.
This year’s teams came from international schools in 23 countries, including Laos, Bulgaria, India, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Brunei, China, Iran, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria and Tajikistan.
The Olympiad aims to enhance the competencies of elementary school students in mathematics and science, motivate students to develop their intellectual capacity and skills in both subjects, and foster friendly relationships among primary school students.
In an interview with Vientiane Times on Friday, Mr Portillo said AIS students represented Laos at the event. During the competition, students took part in the theoretical examination, science experiments, social activities, tours and a cultural party.
Participation in the IMSO 2016 provides our students and teachers with a valuable experience. It will enable our teams to benefit from stronger and better selection and training of participants for international competitions, he added.
This year, Vietnam took the top spot among the 23 participating nations at the 2016 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad for Primary Schools with seven gold, two silver and three bronze medals for mathematics.
The Australian International School is a private educational institution comprising kindergarten to secondary school levels.
The staff come from a variety of countries and include experienced Lao teachers in the primary school and kindergarten sections.
The curriculum includes English, maths, science, information and communication technology, geography, history, environmental management, physical education, arts and dance.
This academic year, student numbers at AIS have climbed to around 500, while the school has more than 30 teachers.
Source: Vientiane Times
