The Global Assessment Certificate course (GAC)

In cooperation with ACT Education Solutions Limited (Australia), Sarasas Ektra School will introduce the Global Assessment Certificate course in May 2010 for qualified students in Year 11 (M5).

Duration
The course will be undertaken over three semesters and completed at the end of Semester One, 2011.

 

Pre-requisites
To be qualified to enter the course, students must have attained an English competence level equivalent to 5.0 on IELTS, 527 on TOEFL or the equivalent score on the GAC English proficiency assessment (to be administered at school).

 

Skills and Pathways
The Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) is a university preparation program that provides students with the academic knowledge, skills, and confidence to enter and successfully complete a bachelor’s degree at one of many selected universities. GAC graduates can apply for admission to more than 100 post-secondary institutions – Pathway Universities – in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and Mexico.

 

The ACT Assessment
All students who complete the GAC are eligible to take the ACT Assessment, comprised of a multi-choice test that covers four areas of study: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, and an optional test of Writing. This test is used extensively by universities in the USA to determine university entry. The GAC is the only international university preparation program that includes preparation for the ACT Assessment as part of its curriculum.

Levels and Course Content
The GAC consists of three levels of study. The core program consists of English, Mathematics, Computing, Business, Science and Social Science, supported by a systematic study of learning skills for success at university. Elective units allow students to choose preparation for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

 

Objectives
The objectives of GAC are for students to (1) develop English language competence for study in an English-speaking university program, and (2) acquire the skills of independent and co-operative study and research techniques and methods.

While students at Ektra are doing the GAC, however, they will continue their Thai studies, in keeping with Ektra’s aim for students to be academically bilingual and able to perform well in tests of both Thai and English.

 

How is the GAC delivered?
Students study the GAC at the same time as they study their regular high school curriculum.

 

How is the GAC taught?
The GAC includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, class discussions and presentations. Regular assessments, assignments, teacher feedback and examinations enable students to demonstrate their skills and thereby improve their confidence. The language of instruction is English and students are expected to speak in English at all times in the classroom. Students receive academic counseling and enrolment guidance during their studies.

 

The GAC graduate possesses:

  • Highly developed research and independent learning skills
  • Proficiency in all English language skills
  • Advanced computing skills
  • A solid foundation in Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
  • A developed and practical understanding of learning theory and strategies required for successful study in English-speaking universities
  • An ACT Assessment score for entry into universities in the U.S.

Teachers
A team of qualified teachers teach both the GAC and Foundations English program and our Director of Studies for GAC and Foundations English is Mr. Phil Langley.

Fees
Course fees will be 100,000 baht per year which included all normal school fees.

September 2009:    10,000 baht enrolment and administration.
May 2010:                  37,500 baht + 12,500 baht GAC levy
October 2010:           37,500 baht + 12,500 baht GAC levy
May 2011:                  37,500 baht + 12,500 baht GAC levy
October 2011:           37,500 baht + 12,500 baht GAC levy