On February 20, the competition for gifted pupils in grades 9 and 12 will officially take place. This event marks an important milestone for outstanding pupils at junior and senior high schools across the city. It serves not only as an intellectual playground but also as an opportunity for contestants to show off their skills, critical thinking abilities, and passion for their subjects.

A meeting for team of gifted pupils in grade 12 at the Nguyen Trai Senior High School

New challenges in this year's competition

The 2024-2025 academic year marks the first implementation of the 2018 general education program for grade 12. This change not only alters teaching methods but also impacts how questions are formulated and evaluated in competitions for outstanding pupils.

The task instructions provided at the beginning of the school year by the municipal Department of Education and Training of Da Nang emphasise that this year's competition will concentrate on assessing pupils' abilities by increasing the number of application-based questions that promote creative thinking. It will no longer emphasise the memorisation of information, instead, it will require pupils to demonstrate a deep understanding, analyze concepts, and make connections to real-world situations.

Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Hien, a teacher at the Quang Trung Senior High School, said that the new programme focused on developing abilities, requiring pupils not only to master knowledge but also to know how to apply it flexibly. This poses a greater challenge, but also opens up opportunities for pupils to develop creative thinking.

Pham Thi Xuan Phuc, a pupil of class 12/9 at the Nguyen Trai Senior High School, confided "In the past, studying and reviewing for exams focused heavily on theory; however, now we must delve deeper and practice our thinking and problem-solving skills. Although the challenge is greater, I feel that I am learning more useful things".

Many people also express concerns about the pressure associated with the gifted pupil exam, despite the excitement surrounding it. Intensive preparation often makes pupils to spend a lot of time on a certain subject. However, many believe that education should be balanced and comprehensive, particularly for senior pupils.

However, for many students, this is still an opportunity to train themselves. Minh Anh, a pupil at the FPT High School, shared "I do not consider this a pressure but a challenge for myself to try harder. No matter what the result is, I feel that I have matured through the process of studying and practicing".

During the Literature training session in December 2024, at the Thai Phien Senior High School, Ms. Le Nguyen Son Tra, an expert from the Da Nang Department of Education and Training, shared "The competition for gifted pupils is not to find the best pupils, but more importantly, to encourage pupils to develop their thinking and explore knowledge proactively. The Department of Education is also adjusting the exam to match the new curriculum orientation, reducing pressure and creating positive learning motivation for pupils".

Meetings before the exam

To motivate pupils, most schools in the city organized meetings before the exam.

On February 17, a meeting was held for team of gifted pupils in grade 12 at Nguyen Trai Senior High School, creating a warm atmosphere. Leaders of the school, along with teachers who train these outstanding pupils and representatives from the Parents' Board, offered words of encouragement and motivation to pupils. Additionally, the school presented gifts to inspire the pupils ahead of their exams.

Principal of the school Nguyen Duc Phuoc shared “Competitions like this not only help students test their abilities but also provide them with an opportunity to develop their thinking and practice their courage. Regardless of the result, the most important thing is still the journey of trying and the valuable experiences that they gain”.

The Ly Thuong Kiet Junior High School held a meaningful meeting for members of the teams of 9^th gifted graders on February 15. Duc Minh, one of the contestants, shared, "The meeting helped me feel less anxious. I don’t feel lonely because I have teachers and friends supporting me".

The competition for gifted pupils is an important milestone, not only in Da Nang but also across the country. It plays a vital role in nurturing talent, promoting the spirit of learning, and opening new horizons on the journey of knowledge. What pupils gain during their training process extends beyond knowledge; it also includes courage, determination, and self-belief. Ultimately, the exam is not just a test but part of an ongoing journey of personal growth and continuous improvement.

Reporting by T.DUYEN, N.NGUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG