School representatives get insight into varsities’ admissions process

Students benefit from Cambridge curriculum’s ‘universal recognition’, say experts.

KARACHI: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in association with its partner, the British Council, recently hosted the Cambridge Principals Forums across the country. The events were attended by over 300 principals and representatives of Cambridge-associated schools.

The events, which took place in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, discussed important developments in the Cambridge curriculum, including O' Levels, IGCSE, and AS' and A' Levels, which are taken by students of 560 schools in Pakistan.

The key session at the forums, 'Global Recognition of Cambridge Qualifications', was led by Val Sismey, head of recognitions at CIE. With her extensive experience of working with international universities, Val provided insights into requirements and admissions procedures of universities in the US and UK, two of the most popular destinations for Pakistani students.

Speaking to the gathering about Cambridge programmes and qualifications, CIE Country Director Uzma Yousuf said, "CIE is a global thought leader in international education with over a million students in 10,000 schools across 160 countries. Cambridge not only provides exceptional prospects for students, but also develops their analytical and critical thinking skills. The universal recognition of Cambridge programmes enables students to pursue studies at top universities around the world".

Murray Keeler, director examinations services for British Council, provided an update on new services for schools, and emphasised that a key part of the British Council's role is to ensure that candidates have the opportunity to perform their best during exams. Sharing his thoughts at an event, Asim Yaqoob, regional director of Beaconhouse School System, said "Cambridge O and International A Levels are knowledge-intensive qualifications from which students gain immense information." The Cambridge curriculum has more research-based courses like global perspectives, computing and media studies, which is an exciting prospect for many students, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2016.