The national exam, which usually takes place at the end of June, currently includes six subjects: mathematics, literature, a foreign language (which is usually English) and either a combination of three natural science subjects or a combination of three social science subjects.
But the ministry submitted the aforementioned new proposal to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha for approval on November 6, after collecting opinions from teachers and education officials on three different plan options.
Plan 1 would include the compulsory subjects of mathematics and literature, while two other subjects could be chosen by students from the following options: foreign languages, history, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, law and economics education , computing and technology.
Plan 2 would have mathematics, literature and foreign languages as compulsory subjects, allowing students to choose two additional subjects from the list.
Plan 3 would make mathematics, literature, foreign languages and history compulsory, while two additional subjects would be students’ choice.
The ministry said it surveyed nearly 130,700 teachers and education officials across the country on Plans 2 and 3, and almost 74 percent of them chose Plan 2.
In a subsequent survey of the three plans among 18,000 teachers and education officials in Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, Tay Ninh, Lang Son and Bac Giang provinces, 60 percent chose Plan 1.
The ministry said it wanted to reduce pressure on students and costs for families, as the new plans could mean one less exam session to prepare for. As the final exam is only held in some schools in large cities, students in rural areas often have to rent rooms in order to take the exam.
According to the ministry, letting students choose two subjects themselves will help them focus on their strengths and interests.
The government is expected to announce the final plan by the end of the year.
