Sarasas Ektra School in cooperation with ACT Education Solutions Limited in Iowa (U.S.) and Shanghai, China introduced the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) program in May 2010. Over the past nine years, Sarasas students have achieved great success – with some of the best results of all GAC students worldwide.

The GAC curriculum runs under the American College Testing (ACT) institution that has over 50 years of experience in testing both Native and ESL students all over the world. This program is also delivered in many countries worldwide such as Canada, Mexico, Surinam, and Bahrain: also, in ASIAN countries - Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Hong Kong and Thailand. Therefore the GAC is a curriculum that prepares students with the skills needed to get into and excel at university. The curriculum is accepted by over 100 universities across many countries including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and Mexico. Compared to International school students, the GAC students are taught important skills like time-management and independent study to help them with the transition to university life. Students also attain proficiency in the class with the help of the facilitators as the class numbers are small and supervision is better. The students learn the GAC along with the regular Thai curriculum. Sarasas Ektra School offers an opportunity and a doorway to enter universities both in Thai and International curricula.

Objectives of the GAC at Sarasas

The objectives of the GAC are for students to:
           1. Develop English Language competency to enable them to study in an international program university, or simply become more proficient in the English language.
           2. Acquire the skills of time-management, independent study, cooperative study and research techniques and methods.

Benefits of graduating from the GAC

           • Highly developed research and independent learning skills.
           • Proficiency in all English language skills.
           • Advanced computing skills.
           • Strong foundations in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
           • A developed and practical understanding of learning theory and strategies required for successful study in English speaking universities.
           • Development of intra personal skills to help with success through university.
           • The use of the ACT Assessment score to enter into universities all around the world such as US, Europe, Australia and Asia.
           • Gain entry into a GAC Pathway University.

The complete list of Pathway Universities can be found at:

www.acteducationsolutions.com

Currently there are four Pathway Universities in Thailand:

           • King Mongkot’s University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Thonburi (KMUTT)
           • Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) Thammasat
           • University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTTC)
           • Shinawatra University

Duration of the GAC program

At Sarasas, the program is delivered over a three- year (6 semester) period. This is to allow all the participating students to be able to complete both their GAC studies and their Thai studies successfully. Students begin the GAC in Yr.10 and will complete the program in the second semester of Yr.12, and graduate at the same time as other students in the bilingual program. The GAC classes are limited to 25 students per class and the lessons run from 08:00 - 16.00 (some Math / Science option classes finish at 16:50). There is also an early morning supervised Independent Study class for the early birds – 06:45 – 07:55.

Pre-requisites / Entry Requirements

To gain entry into the GAC program, all students need to sit the GAC Entry Test and achieve a score of 65% or higher. . The test is scheduled in the latter part of semester two each year, and successful candidates are expected to attend the pre-GAC summer school course.

Level and Course Content

The GAC program consists of 3 Levels of study.
           Level ‘1’ in Yr.10
           Level ‘2’ in Yr.11
           Level ‘3’ in Yr.12
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. Students also prepare for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test which is usually taken in Yr.12.

How the GAC program is taught

          The GAC includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, class discussions, group work, research projects, and oral 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. Individual and small group consultations take place regularly, and students receive academic counseling and enrolment guidance during their studies.

The ACT Assessment

All students who complete the GAC program are eligible to take the ACT Assessment, comprised of a multiple-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.
The GAC program doesn't focus on mid-term or end-of-semester examinations, but focuses on regular Assessment Events, which are structured into the delivery schedule. Research assessments are done by the students throughout the course to test their development and capability at all times. However, the students do have to take their Thai examinations to attain successful high-school graduation from the Ministry of Education.

Teachers

A team of qualified teachers deliver the GAC program and our Director of Studies for the GAC here at Sarasas Ektra School is Mr. Phil Langley. The teachers on staff go through regular teacher training delivered by AES staff, as well as from the Director of Studies.