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The first phase of joining the Araratian Baccalaureate (AB), an internationally-recognized new Armenian-language educational program − the Application phase, which kickstarted on December 20, was completed.
Overall, 54 schools (28 high schools, 23 secondary schools and 3 colleges) in Armenian regions that offer the high school program have submitted the applications, thus expressing their wish to offer the AB.
This is a stunning number − a gladsome result that imposes high responsibility on the Ayb Educational Foundation. It is the two-fold of what we expected and it speaks of the trust Ayb gained through its 10-year work in this field, as well as through the efforts it has committed within the framework of the National Program for Educational Excellence (NPEE), particularly, within the AB, aimed at the systemic development of regional schools in Armenia.
Presently the applications are being studied and further on, in the coming month, the Committee on Selecting Candidate Schools, which has been set up within the framework of the NPEE, will hold meetings with the heads and staffs of the schools that meet the requirements of this phase. These meetings will be held with the goal of shaping a thorough picture of the school by getting acquainted with the school’s goals, learning approaches, environment, and traditions as well as exploring the areas that need further improvement.
The full list of schools advancing to the next phase will be published by mid-March. Afterwards, the AB teacher development program will start.
As a reminder, to join the AB program, schools must go through three main phases – the Application phase, the Candidacy phase and the Certification phase. The reforms schools need to carry out in the Candidacy phase in order to meet all AB program requirements will play a key role in their final certification. The schools obtaining the certification will then open one classroom offering the AB program; this will grant students in regions the chance to get internationally recognized high-quality education without leaving their region or school. And all that free of charge!
The Araratian Baccalaureate (AB) is an internationally recognized Armenian-language educational program, which is to provide competitive school education for all schoolchildren in Armenia. The Program was designed by the Ayb Educational Foundation and was further improved within the framework of the National Program for Educational Excellence (NPEE).
In the first stage, the program will be rolled out to selected schools in Armenian regions and Stepanakert with at least one class with the goal to expand in the future. The first regional schools to offer the AB program are expected to welcome their first AB students on September 1, 2018.
The program is carried out along with the Ministry of Education and Science in collaboration with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and the University College London (UCL) Institute of Education (IOE). The program will be offered along with the state program, granting students broader opportunities for the high school educational program and ensuring local and international recognition of their education, graduation marks, and diplomas.
In 2015, AB was benchmarked by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and was found comparable to UK GCE A Levels. In August 2016, one of the most reputable agencies of recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills – UK NARIC – also found AB comparable to leading international educational programs such as the UK GCE A Levels and US Advanced Placement (AP). AB’s comparability to these educational programs grants Armenian students the chance to take international exams in Armenian and, based on their results, be able to get admitted to top universities around the world or be granted credits in those universities.
Source: Ayb Educational Foundation
