The 2026 National High School Graduation Examination revealed a more clearly differentiated distribution of Literature scores, with the proportion of candidates achieving 7.0 or above dropping from 59% in 2025 to 44% this year. Against this backdrop, students from The Dewey Schools Hải Phòng continued to achieve impressive results, with an average Literature score of 7.5—0.25 points higher than the Hải Phòng average and more than 1 point above the national average. Notably, 80% of Dewey students scored 7.0 or above.
Among them, Vũ Kim Khánh Ngọc (Grade 12 Washington DC) earned an outstanding 9.0 in Literature. Reflecting on her approach, Ngọc shared: “A truly meaningful piece of writing is never created by following a fixed formula. It begins with observation, reflection, and the writer’s own literary voice.”
That distinctive literary voice was evident throughout Ngọc’s exam. In the social essay asking “How can Vietnam nurture its own Steve Jobs?”, she approached the issue from the perspective of society, arguing that young innovators need an environment that respects independent thinking, embraces diversity, and allows them the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and grow. At the same time, she emphasized that young people themselves must cultivate individuality, ambition, and the courage to take action.
In the literary analysis section, rather than limiting her discussion to Những chiếc lá, Ngọc thoughtfully connected it with Mùa xuân nho nhỏ, highlighting how both poems, though written in different historical contexts, share a profound aspiration to contribute to the nation and reflect a deep sense of responsibility toward society. This ability to connect literary works, broaden perspectives, and build original arguments gave her essay both depth and a distinctive personal voice.
Ngọc shared that her love for Literature was nurtured through the guidance of her homeroom teacher Ms. Đoàn Thị Sáu and Literature teacher Ms. Phạm Thị Thúy. Their encouragement inspired her to read more widely, reflect more deeply, and develop the habit of engaging in dialogue with literary works—and with life itself.
This is also the philosophy behind Literature education at The Dewey Schools. Through Inquiry-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning, students go beyond textual analysis by creating short films, producing podcasts, conducting research, curating exhibitions, and leading community projects. Literature is no longer confined to textbook pages; instead, it becomes a lens through which students observe humanity, engage with social issues, and discover their own authentic voices. As examination questions increasingly value critical thinking, reasoning, and the ability to connect knowledge with real-life contexts, these experiences provide Dewey students with a strong foundation to excel with confidence.
Congratulations to Khánh Ngọc on achieving an outstanding 9.0 in Literature—a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her passion for literature, lifelong curiosity, and independent thinking cultivated throughout her journey at Dewey. May you continue to learn, explore, and shape your own path as you embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!
