University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) reports rise in demand for international school curriculum

New Delhi: Worldwide entries for the Cambridge IGCSE June 2009 examination session are up by almost 20% on the same session last year. The strong growth confirms the status of Cambridge IGCSE as the world's, and India's, most popular international curriculum for 14-16 year olds.

University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) launched Cambridge IGCSE over twenty years ago. It is known for developing skills in enquiry and problem solving, and encouraging students to become independent learners.

This approach is gaining favor in India, where over 200 schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and over the past quarter over 20 more schools have registered as IGCSE centers. The IGCSE course is centered on application of concepts in real-world contexts. In turn, the curriculum and assessment leads to a more student-centered classroom where the teacher facilitates, rather than leads, learning. Enabling life-long learners is a core objective of Cambridge IGCSE and one which has gained considerable support from Indian parents and educationalists.

Ian Chambers, CIE's Regional Manager, South Asia said that "CIE has received new registrations from over 20 Indian schools in recent months, and demand for the Cambridge International Curriculum is rising." He added "The crisis in the global economy means that it is even more important for students to have a good education, and gain the skills valued by universities and employers. The growth in the number of Cambridge Centres in India shows that parents are prioritising their children's education despite current economic pressures."

Some of the recent inclusions in the list of IGCSE affiliated schools with their locations are:
- Padamshi Soni International Junior College – Mumbai
- Obeoroi International School- Mumbai
- Ajmera Global School – Mumbai
- Thakur International School – Mumbai
- Bright start fellowship International School – Mumbai
- Podar International School – Navi Mumbai
- The Cathedral Vidya School – Lonavala
- Aamby International School - Aamby Valley 
- Kit International School – Bhubaneshwar 
- Gateway- the complete School – Podur, Chennai
- APL Global School – Chennai
- Mahatma Gandhi International School – Ahmadabad 
- Westwood International School – Vizag
- Canadian International School – Bangalore
- Center for learning – Bangalore
- SMT PS Shivashankarappa English Residential School – Tooparan – Andra Pradesh
- Shreenidhi International School – Hyderabad
- Chirec Public School
- Cambridge International School – Darya, Punjab
- Jankidevi Public School – Jaipur
- Amity Global School – Gurgaon
- Doon Public School, Paschim Vihar New Delhi
- Step by Step – Noida
- Kasiga School – Dehra Dun

Dr. Mrs. Vandana Lulla, Director of Podar International School, Mumbai said she was pleased with the impact that the Cambridge programme has had on her students' development. She said "I chose to bring the Cambridge International Curriculum to my students because, as a school, we wanted to give our students a global platform and holistic development. The students have truly enriched themselves as "global learners"."

About CIE
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world's largest provider of international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. CIE offers the Cambridge International Curriculum for 5 – 19 year olds, professional qualifications for teachers and vocational qualifications for adult learners. CIE qualifications are taken in 150 countries and recognised by universities, educational providers and employers across the world.

CIE is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organization and part of the University of Cambridge. CIE has a strong pedigree in development and research and offers unrivalled support to its network of registered centres. Learn more! www.cie.org.uk