Young scholars with interest in learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) within a high-level, English language based secondary education program will soon have the chance to pursue these goals in Latvia. Starting next autumn, the RTU International School of Science and Technology (ISST) will offer prestigious STEM curriculum in accordance with the Cambridge A and AS level programs.
Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Every year, nearly a million students from 10,000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with Cambridge International.
Following a Cambridge International AS & A Level program helps students develop abilities which universities value highly, including a deep understanding of their subjects, higher order thinking skills – analysis, critical thinking, and problem solving, presenting ordered and coherent arguments and independent learning and research.
Young scholars will study English (the school’s language of instruction), mathematics, physics, chemistry, and information technology, along with another foreign language. Students can pursue the subjects they love and that they’re best at, while earning an internationally recognized academic qualification that corresponds with the Cambridge Assessment International Education.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop research skills at both the ISST campus and RTU laboratories. A special program is also being created to help improve students’ personality and leadership skills and provide the individual support to help students continue their academic careers at the most appropriate higher education institution. Graduates of the school will have the opportunity to study at the most prestigious universities in the world, given their excellent level of knowledge that meets international standards.
The ISST application process will take place in June 2024. Potential students will be required to take an entrance exam and participate in an interview, which will be held in English.
Studies will begin in September. ISST welcomes students from Latvia and other countries of the region who have high academic achievements and aspire to build their careers and academic dreams with a STEM education. Those interested can acquire more information about the school on the website or by contacting the school director Uldi Kamolu - .
A grand opening for the new school will be held at 16:00 on Thursday, September 28 at Kronvalda Boulevard 1. RTU Rector Tālis Juhna and RTU Vice-Rector for Development and Finance Artūrs Zeps, a member of ISST's Board, will both speak and provide perspective about this latest example of great things happening at Riga Technical University. A to-be-announced Cambridge representative and Paul Brummell, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Latvia, will also participate.
Interested students and their families will be able to view the future school premises and visit with the ISST teaching staff by filling out the registration form.
In 2015, RTU founded a similar secondary education institution—RTU Engineering High School (IZV), giving talented young Latvians the opportunity to learn exact and natural sciences at a particularly high level.
Over the past eight years, IZV students have lived up to the founders’ expectations by demonstrating their academic excellence at both the local and international level. For several years, IZV alumni have enjoyed great success at the city and state Olympiads—including top podium finishes and receiving the “Big Owl” traveling award (small school division) of the Ata Kronvald Foundation. And with double-digit applicants for one study place, the interest in IZV only continues to grow.
