VIJAYAWADA: Representing a significant milestone in the State’s journey towards global educational standards, the Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Switzerland-based International Baccalaureate (IB) on Wednesday. This agreement aims to introduce the IB curriculum into government schools statewide.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his satisfaction and appreciation towards IB Director General Olli Pekka Heinonen and other IB representatives who joined the virtual event.
During the ceremony at the Camp Office, School Education Principal Secretary Praveen Prakash and IB’s Chief Education Officer (Director of Education Innovation) Anton Beguin exchanged signed copies of the MoU in the Chief Minister’s presence.
The signing of the MoU symbolizes the State’s dedication to incorporating the prestigious IB curriculum into its educational system, with a goal to offer top-notch education to all students, irrespective of their economic status. The IB curriculum is well-known for its comprehensive approach, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, nurturing leadership qualities, and highlighting interdisciplinary learning.
As per the agreement, the phased implementation of the IB system will kick off with teacher training and capacity building in the academic year 2024-25. Subsequently, classes following the IB curriculum will be introduced gradually, with the inaugural class scheduled to commence in June 2025.
This pioneering move underscores the government’s vision to equip students with the skills needed to thrive as global citizens, providing them with pathways to advanced education and lucrative career opportunities.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in his address, declared that the IB curriculum would be implemented from grade 1 to 11.
IB Director General Olli Pekka Heinonen virtually participated in the program from Geneva. The event was also attended by Education Minister Botcha Satyanarayana, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, School Education Commissioners S Suresh Kumar and K Bhaskar, Intermediate Education Commissioner Sourav Gour, along with various other dignitaries.