Achieve Autumn 2008

Welcome to Achieve, which brings you Cambridge IGCSE gains in global popularity Government initiatives the latest news from Europe’s largest Worldwide entries have risen by 13 percent. More than 250 Our fourth parliamentary research seminar sparks assessment agency, Cambridge Assessment. UK schools now include IGCSEs in their curriculum. lively debate among education professionals and MPs. see page 3 Î see page 6 Î

Biggest global gathering of education experts

Almost 500 assessment and education experts from 58 countries gathered in Cambridge to exchange the latest research, ideas and experiences of their countries’ education systems at the 34th International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) conference.

Sylvia Green, Director of Research at Cambridge Assessment introducing the panel – Yoav Cohen, President of the IAEA, Simon Lebus, Group Chief Executive at Cambridge Assessment and Leonard Orban, Commissioner for Multilingualism.

Hosted by Cambridge Assessment as part of its 150th Multilingualism, Leonard Orban, also addressed the maintaining standards, to whether emotional and social anniversary celebrations, IAEA 2008 brought together conference and praised Cambridge ESOL’s work in creating abilities predict differences in attainment at secondary internationally recognised education thinkers to present a European language indicator to show the general level of school. challenging views on the way assessment has changed and foreign language knowledge of pupils in the Member States the directions it may take in the future. The conference of the European Union. Group Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment, theme – ‘Re-interpreting Assessment: Society, Measurement Simon Lebus, said: “We very much enjoyed welcoming and Meaning’ – prompted debate on technical More than 140 parallel paper and poster presentations ran participants to Cambridge by hosting this prestigious measurement issues and on questions about the way alongside the main conference, which featured a total of event. By sharing knowledge and experience in this way assessment results are used in the wider world. 72 hours of presentations. we are able to ensure that assessment continues to enrich lives, broaden horizons and shape futures throughout the Professor Robert J Mislevy, of the University of Maryland, Cambridge Assessment’s research division presented 14 world despite ever changing requirements.” and Professor Dylan Wiliam, of the Institute of Education, papers on topics ranging from the reliability of on-screen London, were keynote speakers. Commissioner for essay marking, evaluating the rank-ordering method for Turn to pages 4 and 5 for more about IAEA 2008.

Cambridge Assessment is a department of the University www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk of Cambridge, and a not-for-profi t organisation. MPs get the Cambridge Approach...

With the UK Government’s legislative programme for 2009 certain to contain a Bill which will set the new English qualifi cations regulator – Ofqual – on an independent statutory footing, qualifi cations and assessment will come to the political fore. Cambridge Assessment took its message on the road this autumn – to Bournemouth, Manchester and Birmingham – venues for the main political parties’ conferences.

Left L–R: David Laws MP, the Liberal Democrats Spokesperson on Children, Schools and Families, with Lib-Dem party member Peter Downes and Greg Watson, Chief Executive of OCR.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Below: Ann Puntis, University of at the Department for Cambridge International Examinations Children, Schools and Families. Chief Executive, met with Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband MP and British Education Minister, Jim Knight MP, after hearing the Prime Minister speak at the Labour Party Independence: Conference in Manchester. L–R: David Miliband MP, Jim Knight MP and Ann the key to public Puntis. confi dence in Cambridge Assessment welcomes the establishment of Ofqual. It looks forward to a system in which it is exams clear that there is independent oversight and in which there can be well-informed discussion on the nature of This year, the Cambridge Assessment standards – something which the, relatively politicised, Group celebrates 150 years of raising QCA has been unable or unwilling to foster. education standards. When the legislation that set up the QCA was passed We all know that assessment and tests in 1997 there was little debate around standards. In are vital tools for teachers if they are to fact, Parliament has not really addressed the issue help pupils of all ages do the best they directly since the establishment of the National can. Curriculum in the late 1980s.

But independent exam boards are also It is clear that many in the education sector, share vital to making sure that there is fair Cambridge Assessment’s desire to ensure that there is and accurate assessment and that all a full discussion, both inside and outside Parliament, pupils work to common and comparable about how Ofqual is constituted and empowered. Fair standards. assessment and secure standards demand nothing less. Over the past 150 years, Cambridge Left L–R: Michael Gove MP Assessment has been at the forefront of Shadow Secretary of State the world of educational assessment. for Children, Schools and Families, Greg Watson, Chief Back in 1858, 370 candidates in eight Executive of OCR and Sam UK towns and cities were the fi rst to Freedman, Head of Education take the forerunners of our modern at the think tank Policy exams. Exchange.

Today, 15 million exam papers are dispatched by the group every year to Below L–R: Nick Gibb, Conservative Spokesperson schools and colleges in no fewer than for Schools, Andrew Povey, 150 countries around the world. Chairman of Conservative Education Society and Bene’t And I know that Cambridge Assessment Steinberg, Head of Group is committed to continuing to go from Public Affairs, Cambridge strength to strength – its work on Assessment. e-assessment is just one way that it is preparing for the future.

So, many congratulations to everybody who has helped Cambridge Assessment reach this major milestone. With a new independent regulator in Ofqual, and the commitment of assessment agencies like Cambridge Assessment, we can protect and build on public confi dence in standards and make sure pupils of all ages get the qualifi cations they need to achieve their ambitions.

2 Achieve Š Autumn 2008 Š Cambridge Assessment 3 . dence in the system, Kathleen Kathleen dence in the system, gures in the world of education in the world gures www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk a rich resource provide Assessment seminars Cambridge with everyone and for assessment professionals for are seminars The in assessment issues. an interest eminent fi by presented debate lively encourages and their participative format issues. on key To underpin public confi underpin To called for: all those involved from • Openness and transparency in the debate about standards An engagement • bodies awarding for of Conduct Code A Professional • in schools or working whether assessors and for of Ethics. with a Code together externally, in full or to download the presentation watch To visit paper, Kathleen’s nd them to be a good cation is also growing in popularity in the popularity in cation is also growing The head of the new exams regulator for England, Ofqual, has called for greater greater has called for Ofqual, England, for regulator exams head of the new The openness in assessment matters. It’s all about relationships all about It’s Speaking at a recent Cambridge Assessment seminar, Assessment seminar, Cambridge Speaking at a recent presented Chair, Ofqual’s Tattersall, Kathleen of on the relationship perspective an historical and with schools and colleges, boards examination of the past could the experience discussed whether the future. for a direction help provide board CEO of the exam is also former who Kathleen, and the importance the issue of trust of raised AQA, She in the system. teacher engagement professional had shaped the ways changes of radical said a number These interact. teachers and boards the exam in which a of the national curriculum; the creation included: a shift bodies; of awarding in the number reduction to schools; local authorities from of responsibilities and the Government; from control central greater and targets. of national strategies arrival entries in June 2008 show that schools that that educate 2008 show in June entries choosing examinations IGCSE are students bilingually to assess students. qualifi The include IGCSEs UK schools than 250 now More UK. fi They in their curriculum. the a means of increasing and A level for preparation students. to of choice offered level “Cambridge said: CIE Chief Executive, Ann Puntis, the simple popular with students for hugely IGCSEs are and relevant interesting, that the syllabuses are reason IGCSEs are that Cambridge know They challenging. of as proof the world around and accepted recognised academic achievement.” dence and dence rst time rst cation. Another cation. rming cate. cate. secondary cation for

Palestinian teachers taking Cambridge ESOL’s Teaching Teaching ESOL’s taking Cambridge teachers Palestinian Test. Knowledge British Council is currently in discussion with the is currently Council British departments on university heads of the three modules to two the remaining to deliver how the them to be awarded for in order the lecturers TKT certifi ESOL Cambridge After taking a 20 hour preparatory training course, course, training taking a 20 hour preparatory After to language on the background focused which lecturers teaching 17 English language and learning, Bethlehem and Hebron Al Quds Open, from are They TKT. completed Module 1 of Universities the techniques to employing looking forward now to carrying out lectures when learned on the course their students. The course aims to boost teachers’ confi aims to boost teachers’ course The on the core focusing by enhance their job prospects of primary, teachers needed by teaching knowledge worldwide. secondary or adult learners teach English have universities Palestinian Three Council with the British collaborated Teaching ESOL’s Cambridge to offer the fi (TKT) for Test Knowledge Palestinian teachers Palestinian teachers all is an ideal test for TKT in the region. of English and potential teachers current of other languages. to speakers Cambridge helps Cambridge helps Cambridge IGCSE is designed to avoid cultural bias, bias, cultural IGCSE is designed to avoid Cambridge English students with good making it accessible for The English speakers. not native are skills but who factor is that schools are taking advantage of the wide of the wide taking advantage schools is that are factor year their IGCSE curriculum extending by subject range subjects. more for students and entering on year students. the in growth is partly due to the rapid increase The the qualifi of schools that offer number Cambridge IGCSE’s status as the premier status as the premier IGCSE’s Cambridge international qualifi Worldwide entries for the June 2008 for entries Worldwide session examination IGCSE Cambridge confi 13 percent, by risen have Cambridge IGCSE gains in global popularity in global gains IGCSE Cambridge 4 Cambridge Assessment Š Autumn 2008 Š Achieve

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Daily Mail, 09/09/2008 dence dence cation system the conference. Bottomright: Delegates enjoying thegala dinneratKing’s College, Cambridge. Top: Delegates engrossed atIAEA2008. Bottomleft: Cambridge Assessment’s Group ChiefExecutive, SimonLebus, addressing www.iaea2008.cambridgeassessment.org.uk For information further andtowatch highlightsfrom theIAEA2008, visit: achievement ofmutual goals. IAEA hasconsultative statuswithUnited NationsEducational, Scientifi • • • • primary objectives are: appropriate toimprove applicationofeducationalassessmenttechniques thequalityofeducation. Its around theworld. The broad purpose ofIAEAistoassisteducationalagencies inthedevelopment and Founded in1975, theIAEAisanot-for-profi About theInternational Association for Education Assessment (IAEA)

educational agencies around theworld. To engage inotheractivitiesfor theimprovement andtheirappropriate ofassessmenttechniques useby To cooperate withotheragencies having complementaryinterests. problems. To make more in assessmenttechniques readily expertise available for the solutionofeducational cooperative research, training, andprojects involving educationalassessment canbeundertaken. professional through expertise conferences andpublications, andby providing aframework withinwhich To improve communication amongorganisations involved ineducationalassessmentby sharing t, non-governmental associationofmeasurement agencies c andCultural Organisation inthe Achieve Š Autumn 2008 Š Cambridge Assessment 5

lters lters Active Results Active Active Results Active is also breaking new new is also breaking www.ocr.org.uk Active Results Active , which is currently in pilot stage, has stage, in pilot is currently which , cate from Anna University and the Anna University cate from rst phase involved the development of training of training the development phase involved rst liated colleges of Anna University. The teachers teachers The Anna University. of liated colleges rm RM and data experts Forvus. rm RM and data experts Forvus. Indian students improve their English Anna 19,000 students from Nearly region Coimbatore in India’s University of English their knowledge improving are Language Business ESOL’s with Cambridge as part of their Service (BULATS) Testing semester examinations. www.cambridgeESOL.org The BULATS exams form part of a collaborative project project part of a collaborative form exams BULATS The Laboratories EBEK Language Anna University, between ESOL. Ltd and Cambridge Pvt. said that outsourcing R Radhakrishnan Vice-Chancellor the unique for subject made the project an entire of the level students enter colleges, “When country: Also possess is not known. they English knowledge Sometimes the to classrooms. English is restricted language [a Dravidian Tamil subject itself is taught in in India and the north-eastern predominantly spoken an important to play have Teachers Lanka]. of Sri region outsourced The with this practice. in doing away role approach.” a practical subject will involve will receive the exams take successfully Students who a joint certifi of Cambridge. University the second phase of the project. are exams BULATS The fi The in the of English staff the Faculty for programmes affi syllabus and the the new for training received involved the EBEK. from teaching methods required visit: information, more For Teachers will be able to review the exam the exam will be able to review Teachers candidates of individual performance and free schools using a new or whole OCR. service from analysis Results Active Results analysis Results been developed by OCR with education software OCR with education software by been developed fi similar systems, In a departure from takes into account value added progress measures measures added progress into account value takes such including important candidate information by achievement. and prior as background reporting for The ground, having been designed in close consultation having ground, using fi can be analysed Data with teachers. and other such as gender categories on several as providing as well candidate information, question and topic. by of results breakdowns “OCR wants said: OCR chief executive, Watson, Greg intelligent to deliver technologies to use developing what and that is teachers, support for will be designed to do.” visit: information, more For

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Leading education experts from the UK discuss from ‘e’ allthe things reliability of on- screen essay marking to whether marking images of essays on-screen retain marker confi

Ofqual’s Paul Newton, explores the idea of comparability betweenAs the subjects. regulator for public examinations in England, Ofqual has a role in leading the national debate on standards between subjects. In his presentation, he identifi different perspectives from which comparability can be understood, and a number of quite distinct defi to explain why there is no necessary relationship between methods for investigating comparability and defi be explained in different ways.

and how to measureThey conclude it. from a preliminary study that it is likely that Researchers AQAfrom highlight the issue of public trust in high-stakes assessment public trust is a contributing factor in trends such as the increase in marking enquiries. Thursday 11 September • However, perform are also an important factor. •

the National Foundation for Educational Research. He discusses the Government’s Single level tests hit the headlines following research presented byWhetton Chris from progress so far in developing the new alternative assessment system to the National Curriculum testing system, outlining what has been achieved and the issues that Tuesday 9 September remain to be resolved. • ‘standards’ are rising or falling or whether it is simply changes resulting from the Oxford University Centre for EducationalAssessment debates whether or not examination and reporting process.

•

• The week that was… The week No papers are presented. Delegates get the chance to explore and enjoy some and enjoy the chance to explore get Delegates presented. are No papers of the sights England has to offer!

•• Wednesday 10 September 10 September Wednesday IAEA 2008 conference and refl IAEA 2008 conference characteristics; and what makes Cambridge distinctive; looking at how the University’s 800 the University’s looking at how distinctive; Cambridge makes and what characteristics; think about teaching and learning. we history has shaped how year The Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, Professor Alison Richard, offi Alison Richard, Professor University, of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor The

Friday 12 September Friday •• In his keynote presentation, Professor Robert J Mislevy from the University of Maryland of Maryland the University from J Mislevy Robert Professor presentation, In his keynote face we tackle the assessment problems can we “how poses the question, (USA), and opportunities of expanding challenges in a world the exciting He considers today?” better assessments. can develop we how capability and explores technological we need to “weave measurement into the activity of learning”. measurement “weave need to we a strategy EU multilingual trails Multilingualism, for EU Commissioner Orban, Leonard on Survey work ESOL’s to Cambridge reference He makes published. it’s before week of foreign level the general indicator designed to show language Lang – a European Union. of pupils in the Member States of the European knowledge language The conference is offi conference The conference is an “apt refl is an conference

•• •• •• Monday 8 September Monday 6 Cambridge Assessment Š Autumn 2008 Š Achieve “pan-European language test”, covering reading, writing ofthistaskisthedesignwhat hecallsa the heart learning achievements across different countries”. At Neil says itwillbe “very diffi the project’s Vice-Director. ESOL, which willundertake theproject. NeilJones is bodies, ofexpert consortium coordinated by Cambridge time –sixyears justtoget totheannouncementof Achieving aconsensus onaimshastaken quitesome lingua franca to make countries lessdependentonEnglishasthe Union’s desire topromote multilingualism, andperhaps Language Competences. Itemerged from theEuropean The fullnameoftheproject istheEuropean Survey on languages. are harder tomaster, andwho isbestatlearningwhich language learningmethodswork best, which languages vital questions. For example, we mightlearnwhich fascinating dataandshouldhelppolicy-makers answer European Union. Itwillprovide researchers with language competencyofpupilsthroughout the It isambitious. The aim: toestablishtheforeign European Commission. Europe-wide survey oflanguage learningfor the taken upby Government. appear benefi makers andexplored thereasons why someideasthat coming outofinstitutionscanbeadoptedby policy- They alsodiscussedhow thebestcuttingedge research initiatives succeedandtake root inmainstream practice. different perspectives onwhat makes Government Burroughs Lange andPhilipDavies. They gave each their Select Committee. Speakers includedKathy Sylva, Sue the HouseofCommons Children, andFamilies Schools The event was chaired by BarrySheerman, theChairof knowledge ofleadingexperts. picture’ topics andenablepolicymakers toaccessthe wide range ofprofessionals ineducationtolookat ‘big The series ofseminars isdesignedtobring together a professionals and MPs. was attendedby 60key senioreducation initiatives succeedorfail’. The seminar was ‘what makes Government education Commons. The topicunderdiscussion research seminarattheHouseof Assessment’s fourth Parliamentary education policyatCambridge There was alively debateongovernment Why Governmenteducationinitiativeswork–ordon’t is excited abouthisinvolvement in “Nothing like thishasbeendonebefore”. NeilJones largest survey oflanguage competence. Education journalistMike Baker talkstoNeilJones, ofCambridge ESOL, aboutEurope’s Pioneering pan-Europeantestwillboostlanguagelearning cial from aresearch perspective are not ofEurope. cult tocompare language SurveyLang , a , a England berelegated? learning? Will Germany fi ofChampionsLeaguelanguagecompetence –asort will there befootball-style leaguetablesoflanguage will beascore for language country. each ineach So European Framework ofReference for languages. There The results intermsoftheCommon willbereported both paperandcomputer-based tests. authoring ofabanktestquestionsandtheiruseas statistical methodology. Hesays itwillhandlethe English asaforeign language andmoved onto withteaching the culminationofacareer thatstarted “sophisticated” according toNeil, for whom thisis The assessmenttoollooks “exciting” and second round. meant thatoral skillswillnotbetesteduntilthe survey. Likewise, says Neil, “practical issues” have what isactually feasible inthisfi between thewiderlistofEuropean languages and limited range is “a compromise”, according toNeil, English, French, German, ItalianandSpanish. This languages mostcommonly taught, from: chosen countrywillteststudentsintwoEach foreign member countries. at around 1500students, aged 15to 16, ofthe ineach background information, thesetestswillbetargeted and listening. Alongside questionnaires thatwillgive uptake oftheReading Recovery programme. outlined herexperiences intryingtoencourage the Dr SueBurroughs Lange oftheInstituteEducation ongoing –asacasestudy. Education Project, commissionedin1996–andstill together. SheusedtheEffective Provision ofPre-School researchers andpolicymakers canwork effectively Professor Kathy Sylva talked aboutmodelsfor how Big BenandtheHousesofParliament. nish above France? Will rst round ofthe professional life.” This iswhat Ihave beeninterested inallmy proper linkbetween andassessment. learning, teaching discussions forward ataEuropean level aboutthe work onthispioneering project, which “should move Meanwhile, hehaseagerly grabbed to thechance on every learningcontext. doesn’t meanimposingthesameaimsof methodology and having acommonframe ofreference certainly no “harmonisation” remit withrespect toeducation, language curriculum? Neilsays theCommission has Could thisbethefi But what abouttherole oftheEuropean Commission? ofthemembercountries”.based policy-makingineach language teaching. “I hopeitwillleadtoevidence- of theexercise”. The purpose, hesays, istoimprove can’t p Neil acknowledges “there willbeleaguetables, aswe Review TV which canbeaccessedfrom Q&A sessionwhich followed thepresentations, onPolicy The seminarisavailable tolisteninfull, includingthe based policy-making. gave apresentation basedonhisexperiences ofevidence who served in theStrategy Unit attheCabinetOffi Philip Davies ofthe American Institutesfor Research, www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk revent others doingthat, butitisnotthepoint rst steptowards asingleEuropean and Validationdepartment. of Cambridge ESOL’s Research Neil Jones, Vice Project Director ce, Achieve Š Autumn 2008 Š Cambridge Assessment 7

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C Comments from previous delegates: previous from Comments continue to love and I would day valuable • very “A speech and inspirational. keynote good • “Good focus, sense of real been on; ever • I have day “Best training o e o o ve conferences for teachers on AfL, featuring well- featuring AfL, on teachers for conferences ve OCR’s free series of events of events series free OOCR’s happening what’s tto explain fi tto GCSEs for been hugely SSeptember 2009 have ppopular. which than 1,500 people attended the events More Manchester and Coventry, held in Newcastle, were to meet subject experts and got Visitors London. all aspects of part covering in presentations take qualifi GCSE accredited 93 newly OCR’s subjects. 52 different Visit GCSEs. about the revised a lecturer in the Educational Leadership and School Leadership in the Educational a lecturer at of Education team in the Faculty Improvement presentation Her plenary University. Cambridge Assessment in process the central “Feedback: as an AfL of an overview provided Learning” for of feedback the features to exploring introduction delegates the day, During on learning. and its effects in developed could be sustained and AfL discussed how practitioners. experienced led by in workshops schools, be will again Assessment Network Cambridge The for Learning conference Assessment for an offering and further 2009, and November in March teachers in the conferences details of these will be available section of our website, GCSE changes explained Assessment for learning learning for Assessment continues assessment Classroom-based the recent the spotlight with to be in Departmentpublication of the for Assessment Schools and Families’ Children, (AfL). Learning strategy for run has already Assessment Network Cambridge The fi names in the fi known to refl of implementing it in the classroom. ways practical have at the conferences speakers keynote Previous in the fi leaders included inspirational the Institute of from Wiliam, Dylan as Professor Paul and Professor of London, University Education, King’s the Department from of Education, Black, London. College Sue Swaffi led by was conference most recent The cial organisations around the around cial organisations rms our commitment to education cations Framework. Framework. cations ciency across its entire workforce. workforce. its entire ciency across cations in professional English. Further Further English. cations in professional cations have been taught in South Asia been taught in South cations have www.cambridgeesol.org/recognition QCA is one of a growing number of commercial, of commercial, number QCA is one of a growing and offi professional range ESOL’s Cambridge recognised that have world of qualifi at: can be found recognition on information The BULATS exam can be a real advantage advantage can be a real exam BULATS The companies as it tests key to multinational business in real-life skills required communication will help the platform Its multilingual situations. of to establish common standards organisation profi language method of assessing language and accurate fast The benchmarking and training, recruitment, skills for an increasingly has made BULATS development staff companies. popular choice for in more run and is jointly developed was BULATS Alliance the ESOL, Cambridge by than 30 countries and Goethe-Institut (Germany) (France), Française de Salamanca (Spain). the Universidad for more than 90 years. William Bickerdike, CIE’s CIE’s Bickerdike, William than 90 years. more for and Africa North Middle East, for Manager Regional that students to ensure wants “CIE said: Pakistan, the best receive the CIE curriculum following opportunities to succeed in higher education and to with Engaging the modern world. skills for develop a plays and listening to their views directly teachers this aim.” in helping CIE achieve vital role symposium reaffi it,” trying to devalue that is increasingly in a world he said. CIE qualifi

le companies such as Airbus, Eurocopter Eurocopter Airbus, le companies such as

cial accreditation in the UK of the multilingual in the UK of the multilingual cial accreditation The dedication of all the teachers who took part who of all the teachers dedication The Dr David to the success of the event. contributed praised College, of Edwardes Principal Gosling, to share teachers for a forum providing CIE for “The of education. their concerns about the future The interactive event in Cambridge enabled teach- in Cambridge event interactive The of the Cambridge their experiences to share ers Director Samina Rahman, International Curriculum. symposium “The said: School, Grammar of Lahore with other me the opportunity to engage has given CIE facili- Pakistan. in A and O-levels schools offering schools together.” bringing of ideas by tates a sharing University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) demonstrated its (CIE) demonstrated Examinations International of Cambridge University principals for a symposium it hosted when in Pakistan to education commitment the summer. leading schools during the country’s from QCA has formally accredited Cambridge ESOL’s professional English exams from its from English exams professional ESOL’s Cambridge accredited QCA has formally National Qualifi as part of the UK’s range, Work of World and MBDA – will use BULATS to assess the initial – will use BULATS and MBDA German, in English, of its employees level language language begin they before Spanish and French adoption involves this new Initially, courses. training but could be and Germany EADS sites in France to further sites. extended units in other European EADS Defence and Security – which comprises comprises – which and Security EADS Defence high-profi A global leader in aerospace, defence and and defence A global leader in aerospace, Cambridge services has integrated related Service Testing Business Language ESOL’s for strategy its worldwide into (BULATS) training. language

training strategy BULATS choice for global language BULATS Business Language Testing System (BULATS) opens the (BULATS) System Testing Business Language employment for in other countries to recognition way it easier for It will also make in the state sector. of the test. the value to understand employers Offi in the UK World of work English gets accredited World

Delegates and CIE staff outside the Møller Centre in Cambridge. outside the Møller Centre and CIE staff Delegates Pakistan principals progress principals Pakistan Watch this space… VQ Day celebrations

Developing enterprise OCR supported VQ Day, which took place on 23 July, as a celebration of vocational success. On the day itself, students, colleges and employers across the country came together in Zambia to celebrate the achievements of students who have studied hard to gain a vocational qualifi cation. Cambridge Assessment Group is working in partnership with Judge Business School and Camfed, a leading charity in the fi eld of girls’ education in Africa, to launch a leadership and enterprise course in Zambia in December 2008.

Over 100 young women will participate in the course, which involves 250 hours of active learning, and two intensive residential courses. It will be accredited by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

The objective of the programme is to create entrepreneurial African women leaders with the capacity to transform their lives and those of their communities. Celebrity Alesha Dixon, who hosted VQ Day, with OCR’s Chief Executive, Greg Watson. It is being sponsored by Goldman Sachs in the context of their 10,000 Women initiative. Look out Clara Kenyon, Director of Qualifi cations at OCR said: “In for more details in the next issue of Achieve. today’s world, there is a greater range and variety of jobs VQ success story: than ever before. Accordingly, new and different skills are often needed. It would be foolish to think that ‘one size fi ts Student Lisa Wilson gained an OCR National all’ when it comes to qualifi cations, and both vocational in Health and Social Care. She said: “Because and general qualifi cations have a valued place in preparing I knew I wanted to work in midwifery, I was individuals for their chosen career paths. OCR is pleased looking for a course that provided me with Contact us to be supporting VQ Day in recognising the worth of plenty of practical hands-on experience. This vocational qualifi cations, not just to the individual, but to was the appeal of OCR Nationals. I was able Please feel free to phone, write or email society and the economy as a whole.” to undertake a number of work experience at any time: placements at a holiday camp for disabled VQ Day was hailed a great success in raising the profi le of people and at a nursery. This meant I got to grips Bene’t Steinberg or Paul O’Donnell vocational qualifi cations, with events across the country with practical aspects of the course as well as Public Affairs and a fl agship event hosted in London by singer and Strictly the theory. This combination will stand me in 1 Regent Street Come Dancing winner, Alesha Dixon, whose practical great stead for my degree and future career.” Cambridge qualifi cation led to success in music and broadcasting. CB2 1GG

Tel: +44 (0)1223 556018 (direct) [email protected] First lessons get underway for Cambridge Pre-U

A radical alternative to A-levels and the International Baccalaureate has just been launched in 50 state and independent schools in the UK.

The fi rst teaching of the new post-16 qualifi cation, Cambridge Pre-U, began in September.

Developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), Cambridge Pre-U is designed to equip students with the knowledge and independent study skills they need to make a success of their studies Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of at university. An additional 100 schools are already the University of Cambridge Local Examinations planning to offer it within the next 2–3 years. Syndicate, a department of the University Schools are adopting Cambridge Pre-U in several of Cambridge. Cambridge Assessment is a ways. Some schools are teaching a large number of not-for-profi t organisation. Cambridge Pre-U subjects, while others are starting A pupil at Coloma Convent Girls’ School in Croydon, one of with one or two subjects, mainly because they favour © 2008 University of Cambridge Local fi rst state schools to offer Cambridge Pre-U. the content of the Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses. Examinations Syndicate Kevin Stannard, CIE Director, said: “We are working A number of schools are offering GPR (Global closely with the adopting schools to ensure that Designed and printed by Perspectives and Independent Research), the core students embarking on these courses are fully Cambridge University Press. component of the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma. Students supported. The aim of Cambridge Pre-U remains that www.cambridge.org/printing can gain the Diploma by taking GPR and three of providing schools, teachers and, through them, Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. They may also students, with a framework within which they can substitute up to two A Levels for Principal Subjects to become truly engaged and interested, stretched and achieve the Diploma. challenged.” Cert no. SA-COC-1527 Photograph of Big Ben Corbis

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