-OXFORD SCHOOL B S c ogito ergo sum

www.bakuoxfordschool.com UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

Baku-Oxford School was awarded International As a Cambridge Centre, Baku-Oxford School Centre status in August 2003 by Cambridge off ers students in internationally International Examinations (CIE), one of the renowned qualifi cations that are recognized world’s leading assessment providers. Baku- by educational institutions and employers Oxford School teaches and examines a range across the globe. Baku-Oxford School is proud of internationally accepted qualifi cations to be associated with CIE as it enables them including Cambridge Checkpoint an innovative to extend their service and off er a quality diagnostic testing service, the international to the local and international General Certifi cate of Secondary Education community. (IGCSE) and A Level.

BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL CONTENTS

Welcome From The Principal ...... 2

Cambridge Primary Programme ...... 4

Middle School, Cambridge Secondary 1 ...... 6

International General Certifi cate of

Secondary Education (IGCSE) ...... 8

A Level ...... 10

Azerbaijani Studies ...... 11

Education Abroad ...... 12

Activities ...... 14

Shamkir Oxford School ...... 16 11 Our Graduates ...... 20

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20 6 PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME:

ALEXANDER SIMESTER Principal, Baku Oxford School

Baku Oxford School is a learning orientated establishment dedicated to providing a top quality international education to the local and expatriate communities of Baku. Students at the school can expect to learn in small classes of no more than 15, allowing the teacher to focus on individual needs and give attention to learner diff erences. Our faculty and student population refl ect the increasingly cosmopolitan nature of Baku and we recruit the best local teachers as well as the best international teaching staff to provide a diverse and cross cultural approach to education, while recognizing our place in Baku and Azerbaijan as the host country. While English is the language of instruction, we also understand the importance of developing mother tongue languages and support both Azeri and Russian as a fi rst language. Our new campus was opened by President Aliyev in November 2014 and combines a traditional look with state of the art teaching facilities. We welcome visitors and guests, so look forwards to meeting you in the near future. 2

BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL 3 PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Cambridge Primary Programme gives schools all over the world the framework to develop Mathematics, English and Science skills and knowledge in young children. The Primary Programme provides guidance for curriculum development and classroom teaching and learning, and it allows teachers to assess children’s learning as they progress. The Programme consists of components ISMET MIKAYILZADE that fi t together to provide schools with tools Head of Primary School they can use to help their students acquire knowledge and skills. It is excellent preparation for the next phase in a students’ education and aids identifi cation of student’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to support learning and development. The Cambridge Primary Programme progresses students seamlessly into the Middle years curricula.

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BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL 5 MIDDLE SCHOOL

JAMILA CHIRAGZADE Head of Middle School

The Baku-Oxford Middle School exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social and emotional needs of students who are in a special and critical period of their lives as they change from childhood to adolescence. Adolescence is a time of rapid change. To be successful in school and in life, adolescents need trusting and caring relationships. They also need opportunities to form their own identities, engage in autonomous self- expression, and take part in challenging experiences that will develop their competence and self-esteem. The staff of Baku-Oxford Middle School is committed to creating and maintaining an orderly, trusting and caring environment where teaching and learning are exciting and students are assisted as they develop responsibility. All aspects of the school’s organization, curricular activities are child-centered and designed to accommodate individual learning styles so that all may experience success. 6

BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL 7 INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IGCSE

CHINGIZ ALIYEV Head of High School

International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education is a balanced international curriculum designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning, enabling students to receive internationally recognized qualifi cations in Azerbaijan. It is a 2 year programme intended for students between 14-16 years of age. Upon successful completion of the programme, the students receive IGCSE certifi cates issued by the University of Cambridge and gain direct progression to A Level. Subjects off ered include: Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, English, Literature, French, German, Spanish, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Visual Arts, Performing Arts. 8

BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL 9 A LEVEL

GCE Advanced (A) Level is one of the most recognized and prestigious qualifi cations around the world. It has been accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities and institutes of for over 50 years. A Levels are also important to employers who frequently demand them as a condition of employment. If students elect to matriculate to an international university they may follow the A Level programme at BOS.

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BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL AZERBAIJANI STUDIES

Fully licensed and registered through the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, BAKU- OXFORD SCHOOL observes the state curriculum requirements including Azeri language studies and the . National studies in the include: Literature, History and Geography of Azerbaijan and Language Arts. Additionally, and Literature are taught in Russian. International students may elect to take these courses or receive tutoring in other subjects.

11 EDUCATION ABROAD

For those who want to continue their education abroad, we can recommend a number of various educational programmes. We are well connected not only with European educational centers, but also with a number of colleges and universities in the UK and USA.

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BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL 13 ACTIVITIES

Baku-Oxford School vigorously supports the creative arts and individual expression. Drama, Dance, Art, Music and Technology classes ensure a well-balanced approach to learning. An annual Drama Festival is held in competition with other schools. Dance is extremely popular in Azerbaijan and at the school. These subjects are part of the core curriculum rather than extra-curricular clubs. Baku-Oxford School is concerned with students physical well being and promotes a sports program. We participate in football, basketball and fi eld day tournaments with other international schools on a regular basis.

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BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL 15 OXFORD SCHOOL A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

GULTAKIN RZAYEVA Principal of Baku Oxford School in Shamkir

Why BOS in Shamkir? Welcome to BOS in Shamkir Website in Azerbaijan. We are glad you found us! Situated in the beautiful Southern Caucasus Mountains, this place has a special fondness for Azerbaijani and foreign citizens alike. The city of Shamkir dates back to the 9th century with rich history in art and culture. It is easy to understand the school’s Motto “Cogito ergo sum” – “I think, therefore I am”, as in doing so the Southern Caucasus Mountains, culture, and art beckons. BOS in Shamkir was founded in 2009, is a small International school, home to 230 boys and girls aged 4 to 16. 16

BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL Every child is diff erent at each stage of their development and therefore has diff erent needs. BOS aims to recognise and meet these needs through a diff erentiated and challenging curriculum and a range of exciting additional opportunities. We aim to develop each child’s interest and passions by providing the environment for creative and innovative thinking to fl ourish, while at the same time provide an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to learning. The welcoming family atmosphere means students quickly build a sense of connection and identity with their school where learning relationships are strong. Students in the Kindergarten School are introduced to basic Science and Maths and various fun topics which help build pupils’ curiosity and enquiry. They learn how to share knowledge, and learn to build on knowledge already acquired by contributing to the collective during classroom discussions. Life in the Primary School is fun, challenging, and fast-paced. Our educational programs are designed to help students develop the skills, understanding, and attitudes that will support

17 their success in school and in life. As we move through the processes of inquiry, discussion, decision-making and refl ection, students develop an understanding of themselves, of other people and of our world. Moving on to Middle School, students in Grade 6-8 are supported and encouraged on their road to independence. This is a time of great growth, exploration and personal discovery and we believe it is our role to inspire in our students the courage to reach their full individual potential. Continuing on to High School, Grade 9 and 10 students engage in a rigorous course of study that incorporates the 21st Century skills students will need as they move toward independent life. We aim to equip students both academically and socially for progression to top universities 18

BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL and the world beyond. Students are prepared for public examination at International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education, IGCSE and, as well as through our Azerbaijani High School State Programme Diploma. The beautiful campus overlooks the Southern Caucuses Mountains with bright classrooms, a spacious library, art, and music rooms, science and computer labs. There are playgrounds, a soccer fi eld and indoor and outdoor basketball courts. There are modern accommodations provided for students to live in a secure and save environment. It is with great pleasure that I sincerely welcome those of you who are new to our learning community. To those who have already been a part of BOS, I say welcome back. 19 OUR GRADUATES

Our graduates have entered a number of Canada: Carleton University, University prestigious universities both in Azerbaijan and of British Columbia, University of Calgary, around the globe: University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan Academy of Arts, Azerbaijan Wilfrid Laurier University, York University Medical University, Azerbaijan State Architecture Switzerland: GLION Institute of Higher University, Azerbaijan State Economic University, Education, Webster University, International Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, Azerbaijan State University in Geneva Police Academy, Baku State University, Khazar The Netherlands: Erasmus University, Utrecht University, , University of University Tourism, Western University

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BAKU-OXFORD SCHOOL Turkey: Beykent University, Bilkent University, Hacettepe University, , Koch University, Middle East Technical University, Fatih University UAE: Abu Dhabi University, American University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah UK: Aberdeen University, Bath University, Buckingham University, Chelsea School of Art, Edinburgh University, Essex University, European Business School, Exeter University, King’s College, Lancaster University, London City University, London Metropolitan University, London School of Economics, Manchester University, Queen Mary University, Reading University, Regent Business School, Royal Holloway University, School of Oriental and African Studies, St. Andrews University, Sussex University, University College London, University of Bristol, University of Westminster, Warwick University USA: American University Washington DC, Drexel University, Lindenwood University, PARK University, Penn State University, San Jose State University, The George Washington University, The University of The Arts, University of Arkansas, University of Missouri, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Florida, University of Wisconsin BAKUOXFORD SCHOOL BAKUOXFORD SCHOOL IN SHAMKIR Address: 8 A. Abbaszadeh Str., Adress: 3 N. Narimanov str., Shamkir town, AZ 1073, Baku, Azerbaijan Dallar region AZ 5715, Azerbaijan Tel: +99412 4041330 Tel: +994241 7 70 65 Fax: +99412 4041329 +994241 7 70 82 e-mail: [email protected] +994241 7 07 70 E-mail: [email protected]

www.bakuoxfordschool.com