May 13 will henceforth be a landmark in Armenia’s history of education – the day when Armenian students took the first-ever internationally recognized exams in Armenia and in Armenian. The two institutions that stand behind this major event and who have employed enormous efforts to this end for two years are Ayb Educational Foundation and Cambridge University, an international educational institution beyond compare. Thanks to Araratian Baccalaureate (AB), an alternative educational program developed by Ayb, Armenian students will have the chance to receive a top-notch education that meets international standards and take internationally recognized exams without leaving their schools or regions. This is an exceptional phenomenon in the history of international education.
The pioneers of these exams are Ayb School students in the 11th and 12th grades, who took their first AB exams in Chemistry and Mathematics on May 13. At the end of the busy and exciting day, Ayb Foundation’s communications team spoke to some of the students to see what they think about the exam process and what expectations they have.
Elen Aslanian (12th grade): “There was nothing extraordinary or painstaking about the exams”
I decided to take the exams to test my knowledge. It also represents an excellent opportunity to improve myself and enrich my knowledge.
The exam process was very well-organized, and we needed nothing but knowledge as in reality there was nothing extraordinary or painstaking about the exams. The things we learn during the academic year are more than enough to pass the exams successfully.
Emma Saroyan (12th grade): “The exams will definitely present no difficulty for those who studied during the year and worked hard in their lessons”
Two factors account for my decision to take the exams – my wish to test my strength and my resolution to be part of the international recognition of the Araratian Baccalaureate (AB). The exam was organized very well; even trivial details were taken into account. To me, there was only one thing that was insufficient – the time.
As to the degree of complexity of the exams, we had learned all the topics, so the exams will definitely present no difficulty for those who studied during the year and worked hard in their lessons.
Tigran Aghabekyan (12th grade): “I am very happy with the exam process”
I decided to take the AB exams in order to have my humble input in the international recognition of the AB certificate, as well as to have a chance to apply to European universities, should I decide so.
This was the first exam, and it was easier than I expected. I hope I will do well in the rest of the exams as well.
Jemma Nikoghosyan (12th grade): “I wanted to draw a comparison between international exams and AB exams”
I decided to take the exam to test my strength and knowledge in the first place. Besides, I wanted to draw a comparison between international exams and AB exams elaborated in Armenia.
The exam proceeded in a quiet atmosphere. I hope my grades will help me enter a prestigious HEI abroad.
Simon Hakobyan (11th grade): “The exams were easy for me”
I decided to take the exams as I am planning to enter a European HEI in the future and I hope the exams of the Araratian Baccalaureate educational program designed by Ayb will bring me a step closer to my goals.
The exam was quite easy for me and I faced no difficulty. The only thing that I found lacking was the time, so I failed to complete some of the tasks.
Areg Kalantaryan (11th grade): “The exam was easier than our 11th grade graduation exams”
I decided to take the AB exam as it will grant me a chance to enter a European university in the future.
The exam was easier than our 11th grade graduation exams. The time was a little insufficient for me and if I had 10 more minutes, I would manage to complete more tasks.
The AB exams will continue till May 26. Generally 11 and 12-graders of Ayb School who intend to apply to leading European universities choose to take the exam. The grades they will receive will be equivalent to Cambridge A Levels and AS Levels.
It should be noted that in 2014, the Ayb Educational Foundation and Armenian Ministry of Education and Science in collaboration with Cambridge University and University College London (UCL) Institute of Education (IoE) embarked on the National Program for Educational Excellence (NPEE). Within the framework of NPEE, the Araratian Baccalaureate, an Armenian-language alternative educational program that meets high international high standards and is already accredited by Cambridge International Examinations as being equivalent to GCE A Level, will be introduced in schools in Armenian regions that offer the high school program. The program will train and certify a community of teachers that will be teaching the AB program in accordance with NPEE requirements. In short, this means that the education Armenian children will get in Armenian schools will be recognized by both local and international HEIs without the necessity of any additional exams.
