On September 17, the final selection for the Star Team Yakutia program was held. More than 70 applications were received.
The second season finalists were selected in several stages. To participate in the program, applicants had to fill out an application form, take AS Math and AS Writing English tests at the website of the project partner Crimson Education (an educational organization helping students who want to enter universities around the world), and indicate their academic achievements. It is worth to remark that for the project committee, it was important to see not only the high academic achievements and extracurricular activities of the children. Another important criterion was also their personal motivation.
Kids who passed the tests in two subjects received an individual link to take the Versant online test. It comprises four basic parts: Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Reading.
Crimson Education experts and Star Team Program Manager Anastasia Ammosova conducted interviews in English with the participants whose levels of English language proficiency were equal to or higher than B2 (Upper-Intermediate), according to the test. During the personal interview, the selected children chose an additional subject that they will study in the A-Level program in addition to the basic ones, English and mathematics.
The A-Level is a British Diploma Program designed to educate talented upper-form pupils aged 16 to 18 on the Pearson Edexcel system. Graduates of the Crimson Global Academy online school have the opportunity to enter British universities directly.
In October 2019, the school launched an innovative form of remote learning, allowing kids to get an A-Level qualification from anywhere in the world. At the same time, schoolchildren can focus on learning with the opportunity for personal interaction with teachers and classmates.
They will combine the online school and studies at their local schools. The Part Time program provides training for about 12–15 hours per week, including co-curricular activities and homework. Schoolchildren will master three subjects in the A-Level program (Math, English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Economics). At least three A-Level grades are required for admission to the world’s top universities.
Based on the results of all stages, 8 participants are included in the A-Level and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) programs.
Next year, the project is planned to cover advisory services to prepare the future students. A whole team will work with kids: strategists, IELTS and SAT coaches, motivational essay and interview consultants, etc.
As a reminder, Star Team is a nonprofit program of Sinet Spark aimed at preparing schoolchildren in developing countries to enter the world’s leading universities with the opportunity to earn an international A-Level diploma, which increases the chances of entering the world’s best universities and receiving educational grants.
The main goal of the program is to train a new generation of modern and enlightened leaders focused on making a positive contribution to the world and the development of their region.