» Please tell us something about Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and its worldwide networking with educational institutions.

CIE is 150 years old institution and works closely with schools and Ministries across over one hundred and fifty countries. We are the world's largest provider of International education for 14-19 year old students. Our best known qualifications are the IGCSE at Standard 10 and International A Level at Plus 2.

» Can you please elaborate on how Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O level, Cambridge International A, AS Level and the new Cambridge International Primary Programme fit into Indian scheme of school education?

Over two hundred schools across India are Cambridge International Centers and we are continuously witnessing a surge in demand of international qualifications from schools. Parents are aware of the importance of international standards in education and CIE qualifications are recognized throughout the world. The IGCSE qualification has an excellent reputation across the globe and prepares students not only for rigorous higher academic studies, but also for employment in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. It worth mentioning here that the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) also acknowledges that Five IGCSEs grades A-C plus two to three A Levels are accepted for entry for non-professional courses, whereas, medical and engineering courses require Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths Subjects are required to sit in the Common Entrance Tests.

The Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP) can be taken up alongside any existing system. Indian schools are adopting the CIPP in great numbers as it ensures an international standard for each year of primary education besides providing a firm foundation for secondary studies.

» What makes CIE different from other international examinations? How your association with Cambridge University also adds to the value of your programs?

CIE has been at the forefront of international educations for 150 years. We work with ministries such as Singapore where Singapore Cambridge is the state qualification for students in secondary school.

We are a dynamic board that constantly updates curriculum to respond to the changing needs of our students, academic institutions and employers.

Our association with Cambridge University ensures that our qualifications reflect the very best and latest educational research and resources available in the world.

»  What CIE feels about Indian system of schooling and qualifications. What more Indian policy makers should be doing to bring Indian system of education at par with global standards?

I believe that education is held in great importance throughout India and Indian parents strongly believe that a good education can change the lives of their children. India is now firmly part of the global market and is benefiting greatly from increased trade with the rest of the world. International education reflects this drive towards international standards and an increasing awareness of global labour mobility. Qualifications are a currency for opportunity and should therefore be accepted throughout the world.

At CIE we encourage pupils to understand, think critically and problem solve. Education based purely on repetition of knowledge is increasingly less useful - students need to deal with the problems they encounter and will therefore have to think for themselves. The teaching styles we advocate are student-centered with children at the core of the learning process. In this way, students are encouraged to be life-long learners who use their knowledge as a 'tool-kit' to solve problems.

» What CIE feels about Indian style of school-curricula development? Is it in tune with global requirements?

Mr. Ian Chambers Region Manager, South Asia, University of Cambridge International Examinations

Curricula and teaching skills should be constantly developing as the demands on students are always changing. There is a danger that the value of education is reduced if it does not reflect changing demands. Education is essentially a preparation for the world so if the assessment does not examine a range of skills and qualities then it will fail.

At the same time, teachers must be dynamic - they should adapt approaches to suit the needs of all learners within the class. Each student will learn differently so there should be a range of activities and tasks to cater for this. Merely standing at the front of the class lecturing and making students read chapters from a book and answer questions is only a small part of teaching. CIE's Cambridge International Certificate for Teachers and Trainers (CICTT) and Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers (CIDTT) are widely regarding as excellent professional development qualifications. In fact, the Gujarat government awards two incremental point to any teacher completing the Diploma.

»  Out of your long relationship with India, would CIE share any notable development pertaining to Indian school education?

As I commented earlier, the economic development of India and the fact that within this generation, India will be leading the world economy surely affects education. The business world of India is responsive to change and is aware of its role in development. In a sense, Indian education is in a period of 'catch-up' with what is happening to India.

»  How promising are Indian youths,? In your view, what are the areas of improvement they should work on? 

If I look at IGCSE results for India, year on year, India is ahead of the rest of the world. This says a great deal about the teachers in our schools and most importantly the students themselves. There is great drive, inquisitiveness and ambition in Indian pupils that just needs to be unlocked and directed. At the same time, there is great parental support and expectation. This combination of school, pupil and parent working towards a common goal is a real recipe for success.

» Any piece of advice would you like to give to Indian students both from academic point of view and otherwise.

Education is not about 'the book' or the teacher. Education is about learning about the world - therefore, as a small child, you should always ask questions and see learning as an enriching and enjoyable experience.