Oxford University Press and AQA join forces to offer international qualifications
Two leading education organisations announced today that they will join forces to help improve young people's education around the world by delivering a new suite of international GCSE and A-level qualifications.
Oxford International AQA Examinations is a joint venture between Oxford University Press (OUP) and AQA, which will support the growing number of students studying at schools outside the UK that teach a British curriculum.
The venture draws on the complementary strengths of the two partners. Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford, brings international reach as well as knowledge of the needs of students and teachers globally. AQA, with its expertise in developing and delivering world-class qualifications, will design the new international qualifications and manage their distribution and delivery.
Andrew Hall, AQA's Chief Executive, said: "In recent years we have increasingly been approached by governments around the world who want our help in improving the standard of education that they give their young people. AQA's UK qualifications are already taught overseas, but this new joint venture presents us with a real opportunity to provide something which really responds to the needs of international educators and will enable us to share the UK's strong educational values and best practice internationally."
Nigel Portwood, Chief Executive of Oxford University Press, said: "Oxford University Press is committed to improving educational standards around the world. Partnering with AQA to develop these new international qualifications will extend and strengthen our support of learners and teachers and lead to higher educational attainment for millions of students around the world."
The qualifications will be externally validated to ensure they are comparable to UK qualifications; providing a valid and reliable means of accrediting learning.
OUP will develop learning materials for the qualifications and other publishers will also be encouraged to provide associated resources.
The qualifications will be made available in countries where English-medium schools are prevalent and growing - initially starting in the Middle East.It is expected that the first qualifications will be available for teaching from September 2016. More information is available by contacting enquiries@oxfordaqaexams.org.uk
