COMPETITION ON THE SPECIAL NATIONAL MONUMENT OF VĂN MIẾU – QUỐC TỬ GIÁM FOR LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HÀ NỘI

On the evening of September 27, 2026, at Hồ Văn within the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám heritage site, the competition “Exploring the Special National Monument of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám” for lower secondary school students across Hà Nội took place in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. Held to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026), the competition offered students an engaging and accessible way to connect with heritage.

The competition was jointly organized by the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hà Nội Department of Education and Training, and the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities.

Attending the event were Mr Nguyễn Ngọc Ân, President of the Vietnam Education Trade Union; Ms Nguyễn Thị Nhung, Deputy Director General of the Department of Student Affairs, Ministry of Education and Training; Dr Phạm Tuấn Long, Member of the Hà Nội Party Committee and Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Hiền, Director of the Hà Nội Department of Education and Training; Ms. Vương Hương Giang, Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Education and Training; Mr. Nguyễn Trần Quang, Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities; together with local leaders, representatives of relevant organizations, researchers, members of the press and television media, as well as a large number of teachers and students.

The competition brought together students from three Chu Văn An schools in Tây Hồ Ward, Việt Hưng Ward, and Thanh Trì Commune. Each team consisted of 10 students and competed in three rounds: Team Introduction, Knowledge, and Creative Skills.

The Knowledge Round focused on the history and development of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám from 1070 to the present day; the historical, cultural, and architectural values of the monument; the 82 Doctoral Stelae, recognized as UNESCO Memory of the World documentary heritage; notable historical figures; and the scholarly traditions of Thăng Long – Hà Nội.

In the Creative Skills Round, students took on a variety of challenges, including picture puzzles, theatrical performances, public speaking, and scenario-based activities. These tasks enabled them to apply their knowledge of heritage while demonstrating presentation skills, teamwork, and creative thinking. Through these engaging and age-appropriate activities, the history, culture, and values of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám were brought closer to young students.

Speaking about the significance of the competition, Dr Phạm Tuấn Long, Member of the Hà Nội Party Committee and Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said:

“Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám is an iconic historical and cultural monument of Thăng Long – Hà Nội. It is gradually becoming a dynamic space for heritage education, where the values of the past are connected with contemporary life, particularly with younger generations. These values are embodied in its architecture and artefacts, in its historical stories, and in its traditions of imperial examinations and learning. Heritage values will continue to be preserved when they are understood, appreciated, and passed on by the generations of today.”

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyễn Văn Hiền, Director of the Hà Nội Department of Education and Training, also emphasized the educational significance of the competition:

“Through competitions such as this, students can turn what they learn and understand into positive actions and a strong commitment to learning. They will become a new generation of citizens, carrying forward the 950-year tradition of learning handed down by previous generations.

I hope that, following this competition, the students will not only demonstrate what they have learned, but will also continue striving to become good children, dedicated students, and responsible individuals who contribute to their families, communities, and country.”

The five-member Jury, comprising respected experts and educators in the fields of history, culture, and education, worked impartially and diligently throughout the competition. The teams were assessed on their knowledge, presentation skills, teamwork, and creativity to determine the most deserving award recipients.

At the conclusion of the program, the Organising Committee presented the following awards:

– First Prize: Chu Văn An High-Quality Lower Secondary School (Thanh Trì Commune)

– Second Prize: Chu Văn An High-Quality Lower Secondary School (Việt Hưng Ward)

– Third Prize: Chu Văn An Primary and Lower Secondary School (Tây Hồ Ward)

– Impressive Performance Award: Chu Văn An Primary and Lower Secondary School (Tây Hồ Ward)

The Organising Committee also presented three special-category awards in recognition of the efforts made by the schools and students in designing, organizing, and presenting cultural experience spaces inspired by the theme of the competition:

– Effective Interactive Space Award: Chu Văn An Primary and Lower Secondary School (Tây Hồ Ward)

– Impressive Experience Space Award: Chu Văn An High-Quality Lower Secondary School (Việt Hưng Ward)

– Creative Experience Space Award: Chu Văn An High-Quality Lower Secondary School (Thanh Trì Commune)

As Quốc Tử Giám marks its 950th anniversary, the competition provided a meaningful opportunity to connect further the values of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám with younger generations. Through knowledge and hands-on experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of history, culture, Vietnam’s tradition of learning, and respect for teachers and education, while developing a greater appreciation for the preservation and promotion of the heritage values of Thăng Long – Hà Nội.

Thành

TL: LH