LAHORE - Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Chief Executive Michael O’Sullivan has assured all-out support to better local examination boards.
“During a meeting with the Punjab Examination Commission, it was discussed how CIE can support the commission. Assistance to Punjab examination boards was on, while the KP government is in contact for the purpose,” he said in an interview with The Nation after conference titled ‘Building a Curriculum that Equips Learners for the Future’ Tuesday. Representatives of more than 134 schools working with Cambridge joined in.
Michael O’Sullivan said the conference was aimed at discussing learners’ need in this changing world.
“It is a different world so we have to adopt new ways of learning,” he said, adding that the CIE was not only responsible for examinations but also for curriculum development.
“Technology has impact on everything including education so digital tools are being used to benefit the students,” he held.
Answering another question about papers leak in the past, Michael O’Sullivan said they had made improvement in examination security. He said students who took Cambridge examination had been growing every year.
Responding a query that is the CIE specifies any age limit to take the examination, he said that how can they stop anyone for taking exam due to his/her age but also did not encouraged this trend. He also said that race for securing maximum numbers in exam had negative side as it minimise physical and cultural activities in schools.
Earlier, addressing the conference, the CIE chief executive summarised the conference. The conference was opened by Cambridge International Examinations Country Director Uzma Yousaf with her welcome remarks. Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan also spoke on the occasion.
CIE Director Education Dr Taristian Stobie talked on ‘The Cambridge approach to equipping learners for our changing world’. He discussed the idea of learning, saying that learning was linked with self awareness.
British Council Director Peter Opton talked on ‘Preparing young people for the future in Pakistan: the skill challenge.’
Dr Faisal Bari discussed ‘The importance of providing and supporting reflective and creative professional development for teachers.’