The Grade 10 Personal Project at the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) gives students the opportunity to explore their interests while developing the skills needed for future academic success. As the culminating experience of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), the project encourages students to take ownership of their learning through research, critical thinking and reflection.
Over six months, Grade 10 students transformed personal interests into meaningful projects before presenting their work at the school’s Personal Project Fair and Celebration. For parents and educators, the event highlighted how independent learning can build confidence, resilience and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Grade 10 Personal Project Prepares Students for Future Success
At ISHCMC, the Grade 10 Personal Project represents the culmination of five years of learning within the IB Middle Years Programme. Students investigate a topic they are passionate about, carry out in-depth research, develop a product or initiative with real world relevance and reflect on their learning journey.
Moreover, the project strengthens essential skills that prepare students for the IB Diploma Programme and higher education. These include independent research, organisation, communication, critical thinking and self-management.
Rather than focusing only on academic achievement, the project encourages students to connect their learning with their interests and future aspirations.
Creativity and Innovation on Display
This year’s Personal Project Fair featured an impressive range of student-led ideas that reflected both creativity and purpose.
Projects included an online gallery exploring the universe, custom-made socks designed for dancers, a beginner-friendly running programme and a handmade princess dress. Each project demonstrated the students’ willingness to challenge themselves while creating something meaningful.
Furthermore, the diversity of projects reflected the broad range of talents and ambitions within the Grade 10 cohort.
Students Explore Future Career Interests
For many students, the Grade 10 Personal Project became an opportunity to explore possible career pathways.
Emerson, a committed student actor involved in the school’s Secondary Theatre Productions, created a comprehensive guide for stage management. While introducing his project with a Spanish quote, he explained how the experience deepened his understanding of theatre.
“This project provided me the space to explore a possible future pathway, and also reinforced my passion for acting.”
Meanwhile, Tiara chose to raise awareness of eating disorders through creative writing, using storytelling to encourage greater understanding of mental health.
“This project showed me the severity of mental health, and influenced the way I approached people.”
Her project demonstrated how creative expression can help tackle complex and often misunderstood issues.
Learning Through Challenge and Reflection
Another student, Saeah, used the project to build the foundational skills needed for a future career in animation. Although she encountered several challenges throughout the process, the experience strengthened her confidence and provided valuable preparation for university.
Additionally, the project encouraged students to overcome obstacles, manage long-term goals and develop resilience when faced with setbacks.
These experiences are central to the IB philosophy, which values inquiry, reflection and lifelong learning alongside academic excellence.
Why the Grade 10 Personal Project Matters
The Grade 10 Personal Project offers more than an academic assessment. It helps students discover their strengths, develop independence and understand how their interests can make a positive contribution to society.
For parents, the programme demonstrates the value of student-led learning that nurtures both personal growth and academic achievement. For educators, it provides a model for developing future-ready learners who can think critically, solve problems creatively and take responsibility for their own progress.
Ultimately, the Personal Project celebrates not only the final outcomes, but also the confidence, resilience and curiosity students develop throughout the journey.
