With great enthusiasm, commitment, and creative energy, Christopher M. McDonald, Head of the Olympia Schools, brings a model of blended learning to Hanoi.
Christopher Mark McDonald now works as head of the Olympia Schools (TOS) in Hanoi, a comprehensive educational system established as an extension of the Dream House Educational System. The TOS system is comprised of Olympia High School, Olympia Middle School, and Olympia Primary School.
Under the management of Christopher Mark McDonald, these three private schools provide children in Hanoi with a high-quality, international-standard education which are based on the US educational model. Besides meeting all standards and fulfilling all requirements of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, these schools focus on fostering academic, creative, and intellectual growth as well as the individual talents of Vietnamese youth. Therefore, the constituents here access not only knowledge, but also practical education and real-life skills which will help them feel more confident and independent in their life outside the classroom.
According to McDonald there is no other school in Hanoi that celebrates what it means to be Vietnamese in terms of culture while also providing a comprehensive experience in the study of English and global issues. The schools seek to solidify fundamental skills, foster creativity and problem solving, and promote habits that will allow the students to adapt to new situations, to improvise, and to overcome unforeseen obstacles. Besides knowledge the Olympia Schools help students acknowledge and appreciate the traditional cultural values of the country and feel to be proud of being Vietnamese.
Christopher M. McDonald is the Head of the Olympia Schools. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Christopher M. McDonald in a class at the Olympia Schools. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Christopher M. McDonald teaches his students to appreciate traditional cultural values of Vietnam.
Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Secondary school students introduce a piece of self-written calligraphy
to McDonald on Vietnamese Teacher’s Day. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Mc. Donald and his students at Olympia School pose for a photo with a piece of self-written calligraphy
to celebrate Vietnamese Teachers’ Day. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Mc. Donald is a member of the jury at a cultural event of the school.
Students at the Olympia Schools are provided with a high-quality, international-standard education.
Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Mc. Donald introduces students to the US university system. |
The schools have also established a true partnership among parents, students, teachers, administrators that can propel the students to achieve their maximum potential as students, but equally important, as global, ethical citizens. The schools sometimes organise cultural events and contests for Olympia talents with the participation of all teachers and students.
Apart from a rich curriculum for students committed to reaching their full potential, McDonald has invited many professors and doctors from the US to Vietnam to exchange and update new teaching methods. All this helps Olympia to be recognized as one of 80 Microsoft Innovative Schools in the world and many students from the schools have received full scholarships from universities in the US.
Talking about McDonald, Pham Thuy Duong, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi Businesswomen Association whose child is studying at the school said: “I highly appreciate what McDonald is doing at the schools because he is not only a dedicated manager and educator but also a man who thoroughly understands children.”
Story: Bich Van - Photos: Viet Cuong