King's Spotlight: Bringing the Wimbledon Classroom to Ho Chi Minh City

For three days this July, the School Gallery became something more than a place for families to learn about a new school. It became a King's classroom.

Across six sessions, nearly 100 pupils from Years 2 to 7 joined teachers from King's College School, Wimbledon for an immersive learning experience. Instead of presentations or demonstrations, pupils were invited to learn the King's way, by questioning, exploring, discussing and discovering.

Organised into age-appropriate classes, each session reflected the belief that great education begins with curiosity. From the moment pupils entered their classrooms, they became active participants in the learning process, encouraged to think independently, work collaboratively and enjoy the challenge of solving unfamiliar problems.

The School Gallery welcomed children from a wonderfully diverse international community. Pupils from Vietnam, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong and many other backgrounds came together, quickly forming teams and friendships despite meeting for the very first time. Within minutes, classrooms were alive with conversation, laughter and shared discovery.

A classroom built around curiosity

Throughout the sessions, pupils experienced a series of carefully designed learning activities that reflected the breadth of a King's education. Mathematics became an exploration rather than an exercise.

Children began with a moment of “maths magic” before investigating the remarkable patterns hidden within Pascal's Triangle, discovering how a simple arrangement of numbers gives rise to triangular, square and tetrahedral numbers and appears throughout mathematics and nature. Rather than being given answers, they were encouraged to notice patterns, ask questions and develop their own mathematical reasoning.

Elsewhere in the classroom, mathematical cubes, logic puzzles and collaborative challenges transformed problem-solving into an energetic team activity. Working together around shared tables, pupils investigated area and perimeter, debated different approaches, tested ideas and learnt that there is often more than one way to reach a solution.

“We began with a little maths magic to surprise the children, then explored the patterns hidden within Pascal's Triangle and investigated area and perimeter using cubes. At King's our academic standards are high and our ambition is real, but what matters just as much is that our core values, mind, spirit and heart, sit at the heart of every lesson.” - Mr Simon Connolly, Senior Teacher, King's College School, Wimbledon

Language lessons built on collaboration

Language lessons were equally dynamic. Rather than sitting quietly behind desks, pupils moved around the classroom, participated in games, worked in pairs and tackled fast-paced team challenges.

One memorable activity introduced pupils to a completely unfamiliar language: younger children built 64 sentences in Norwegian in little over ten minutes, while older pupils reached an impressive 256 sentences in around fifteen. The exercise was not about memorising vocabulary, but about demonstrating that curiosity, observation and collaboration can accelerate learning in remarkable ways.

Leadership was woven naturally into every activity. Children were encouraged to present ideas, listen respectfully to one another, support teammates and solve problems together. Every lesson became an opportunity to build confidence as well as knowledge. It was learning that was active, collaborative and joyful.

“At King's, we want children to leave the classroom with more questions than answers. Curiosity is the beginning of meaningful learning. When pupils are encouraged to think independently, challenge ideas and enjoy the process of discovery, they develop habits that will stay with them long after the lesson has finished.” - Mr Ted Lougher - Headmaster of the Junior School, King's College School, Wimbledon

Learning beyond the classroom

While pupils immersed themselves in their lessons, parents gathered for dedicated conversations with King's educators from the United Kingdom. The discussions offered an opportunity to explore the philosophy behind a King's education, from how lessons are designed to nurture independent thinking, to the role of pastoral care, character development and academic excellence throughout a child's educational journey.

Rather than simply introducing the curriculum, teachers shared how every lesson is intentionally designed to develop confident learners who ask thoughtful questions, communicate effectively and embrace intellectual challenge. For many families, seeing these principles come to life through their children's experiences made the philosophy tangible.

Small moments that leave lasting memories

Beyond the classroom, it was often the smallest moments that stayed with families. At the end of each session, pupils proudly received a Certificate of Participation, recognising their first King's learning experience. Many also left carrying gifts that quickly became treasured reminders of the day, a King's lion and a collection of logic puzzles that encouraged them to continue exploring and problem-solving long after they had returned home.

Throughout the School Gallery, children eagerly compared puzzles, posed for photographs with their certificates and chatted excitedly about what they had learnt. For many, King's Spotlight did not feel like attending an event. It felt like becoming part of a learning community.

“I didn't know Maths could be like this. We solved problems together, moved around the classroom and everyone had different ideas. It was really fun because we learnt by doing.” - Anna (Year 2)

The King's Experience Series continues

King's Spotlight is the first of four events in The King's Experience Series, an invitation to families to experience a King's education before the school opens in 2027. Upcoming events include King's Business School, the King's Arts Competition and King's Discovery Essays, each led by teachers and academics from King's College School, Wimbledon.

Families interested in joining a future event, or in learning more about King's College Wimbledon HCMC, are warmly invited to register their interest with the Admissions team.