PHNOM PENH: Golden Gate American School (GGAS) celebrated its seniors earlier this week in a graduation ceremony attended by students, teachers and supportive family members. They also announced their advancement in educational standards by upgrading to the International Baccalaureate curricula for the coming school year.

The graduation for this year’s seniors was held at the Sofitel on June 26. At the ceremony, GGAS Director Heng Sokunthea praised the school’s contribution to Cambodia’s education sector by training students to both national and international standards. The ceremony featured performing arts from GGAS students and a celebration of outstanding students, who received commendation letters.

During the event, Director Heng Sokunthea made the exciting announcement that the school is now partnered with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which will further GGAS students’ ability to compete on the world stage. The program will be implemented in the 2023-24 school year and will be applied to primary through high school levels. The school has also become a member of the College Board, which offers courses for students to prepare and qualify for America’s SAT tests online.

The International Baccalaureate is a global leader in international education—developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. IB programmes empower students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes quickly.

Secretary of State for the Ministry of Education, Kim Sethany, praised the introduction of the IB program to train Cambodian students in 21st century skills. She praised GGAS for being one step ahead of STEM by advancing towards STEAM studies (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).

The Secretary of State stated that educational institutions can only provide quality education through the collaboration of students, teachers, parents and educational programs that provide knowledge, skills and behavioural models. She noted that all of these things are available at GGAS.

GGAS was established in 1996 and offers education from the kindergarten level to high school graduation. The school offers courses in English, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, computer skills, marketing, administration, and accounting.

In 2009-2010, the school began offering general education classes in Khmer, English and Chinese for secondary education. They employ academic staff and teachers with strong educational backgrounds and their curricula are in line with the standards of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Upon graduation from GGAS, students receive two certificates: one from the Cambodian Department of Education and the other a USA-certified high school diploma.