International Baccalaureate Director-General lauds partnership with AP Government

AMARAVATI: In a groundbreaking move aimed at fortifying the education system and preparing students for global employability, Andhra Pradesh Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The IB is set to become a part of SCERT to design the new curriculum, with the agreement being signed in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the camp office on Wednesday.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with IB system of education for government schools

The Chief Minister stated, "I am pleased to be part of this pivotal endeavour to integrate the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with government education, spanning from class 1 to class 12. The crucial element is the partnership, ensuring quality education, which will be the most critical factor for the upcoming generation, preparing them for employment opportunities and moulding them into future leaders. The imperative is to elevate the standard of education in our country, aligning it with global benchmarks in terms of curriculum and learning development."

The Chief Minister emphasised that the initiative involved fostering problem-solving skills, transitioning from theory to practical application, and facing the challenge of uplifting educational standards. This endeavour would serve as a testimony to the transformation of the norm, where the International Baccalaureate (IB) was made accessible to government schools. By integrating IB into the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) board, the government aimed to instigate a progressive transformation in curriculum, educational modules, and the establishment of new benchmarks.

The IB curriculum goes beyond traditional textbook learning, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, equipping students with real-world problem-solving skills. It will encourage students to connect concepts across various subjects, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. It will prioritize classroom learning, skill development, extracurricular activities, and practical experiences for a well-rounded education, cultivating critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills to empower students to become impactful leaders.

Also Read: AP govt signs deal with International Baccalaureate

The initiative includes extensive training and awareness programs for teaching staff, school heads, MEOs, DEOs SCERT & District Institute of Educational Training (DIET), staff of SSC and intermediate boards. By earning IB certifications, teachers will become part of the prestigious IB global teacher network, further strengthening the state's educational system.

Director-General of the International Baccalaureate, Olli-Pekka Heinonen, praised the AP education partnership. “As we celebrate the signing of the MOU between the Andhra Pradesh government and International Baccalaureate (IB), I’m especially thankful to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for supporting this partnership to fruition. I would like to underline that we are seriously committed to this work that we are now starting together. For a non-profit educational organisation with a purpose statement of creating better MOPs for the world through education, I cannot imagine a better collaboration than what we are starting today,” he said.