IN an era marked by dynamic shifts and global connectivity, the education landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace. Education for the future is far beyond just the acquisition of knowledge. Students need to build resilience, be equipped with the right skills and be adaptable to navigate the demands and requirements of future job markets.

The Ministry of Education in Malaysia recognises the importance of preparing students for the challenges of the future.

Private education division director Aniza Kamarulzaman said the ministry’s aspirations aligned with creating an education environment that fosters not only academic excellence but also the development of well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to a global society.

“Emphasising resilience and future-readiness, the ministry aims to nurture students who can face uncertainties with confidence and thrive in the future workforce,” she said.

In line with these aspirations, Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford, introduced a whole-school approach to future-readiness for students aged 2 to 19 which encompasses the Oxford International Curriculum and OxfordAQA International Qualifications.

The Oxford International Curriculum, initially introduced globally in 2021, is now accessible to a multitude of schools in Malaysia and more than 100 educational institutions worldwide.

The curriculum has been designed to bring wellbeing to all teaching and learning and to develop global skills and attitudes through all core subjects such as English, Science, Maths, Computing, Global Skills and Wellbeing, from early years to lower secondary.

The curriculum’s year-on-year progression is designed to prepare learners for OxfordAQA’s international GCSEs, AS and A-levels. 

The Oxford International Curriculum is the result of thorough research by Oxford which showed wellbeing practices woven into teaching and learning in all subjects can have positive effects in developing healthy mind and body habits that students can apply in their lives today and in the future. This focus on wellbeing aims to promote good mental health for both teachers and students, enhancing lives inside and outside of the classroom.

OxfordAQA’s International GCSEs and AS and A-Levels, which are globally recognised and meticulously benchmarked to UK standards, are designed specifically to meet the unique needs of international students and build future facing skills.

These examinations also prioritise subject-specific skills over cultural knowledge and language proficiency, aligning with OxfordAQA’s unique Fair Assessment principles which emphasise internationally relevant content and design. This means that students outside the UK, and for  whom English is an additional language, can be confident they can understand what is being asked of them.

At the event titled, “Empowering today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges”, OxfordAQA MD Andrew Coombe said he was enthusiastic about the Oxford International Curriculum, which offered coherence, continuity and consistency, to prepare students for the OxfordAQA International GCSEs, AS and A-level exams.

“With a holistic whole-school approach, I am confident students will reach their full potential with a fully comprehensive curriculum, world-class resources, quality professional development, and internationally recognised qualifications.

“As one of the fastest growing international examination boards, OxfordAQA has played a pivotal role in students’ academic journeys. Students who have taken OxfordAQA qualifications have successfully progressed to leading international universities as educational institutions around the world recognise their achievements.

“Certainly, a whole school approach with the Oxford International Curriculum and OxfordAQA International Qualifications offers a sure pathway to success for students,” he said.

In recognition of the OxfordAQA Go Further Awards, Oxford has also announced the winners of the OxfordAQA Student Achievement Awards 2023.

The award celebrates exam excellence and is awarded to the Oxford learners who have gained the highest exam marks in their country or region for a single subject at International GCSE, AS and A-level.

The Top Performers from Malaysia in Southeast Asia were Keith Loh Yenn Hau from Straits International School for Chemistry, Jac Huey Lim (Nexus International School) for Physics, Tetsuto Masunaga (Nexus International School) for Combined Science Ext and Elisa Joan Danker (Cempaka International School) for Business. For the international category, the award went to Xin Yee Teh (Help International School) for Business AS.