University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is becoming popular in India. One of world's largest provider of international qualifications, CIE has long recognised that a `one size fits all' approach to education is not appropriate One main reason why schools and training centres choose CIE examinations is because the Cambridge curriculum is international and does not simply demand recalled knowledge

The real process of education should be the process of lear ning to think through the application of real problems," said John Dewey, one of the greatest philosophers.  That is exactly what University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) offers to their students.

Every educated Indian household believes in giving the best education to their children. World-renowned Cambridge University, which is almost 800 years old, had reached the length and breadth of many countries through their various innovative educational endeavours. In India, the ICSE Board is t h e m o d e r n ve r s i o n o f S e n i o r Cambridge Board, which was popular in 1970's. Later, CIE, which came in, made a revolutionary change in the educational field.

One of the world's largest provider of international qualifications, CIE is part of Cambridge Assessment, a notfor-profit organisation and a department of the University of Cambridge.  In international education, CIE has long recognised that a `one size fits all' approach is not appropriate. Therefore, Cambridge offers a range of qualifications and programmes for students aged five to 19.

This global syllabus (CIE) has slowly spread its roots in India. This is a programme, which runs from Standard I to XII. However, from standard X, the students follow IGCSE. Many schools in India co-opt CIE along with their syllabus ie, schools that has ICSE and CBSE also has CIE syllabus running parallely .

WhileDhirubhaiAmbaniInternational School, Mumbai, Hebron School, Ooty, Delhi Public School, Delhi etc runs exclusively on CIE, Good Shepherd International School, Ooty, St John's Inter national Residential School, Chennai, Bangalore Inter national School, Bangalore has co-opted CIE to their main stream.

Why is CIE so popular?

According to Ian Chambers, Regional Manager, South Asia CIE, the system is recognized not just in India, but also all through out the world. It is more application based unlike the textbook mode of questions.InCIE,classroombecomes more student centred. "Students are part of a learning process, rather than a bystander," says Ian. He also adds that CIE is more interactive than any syllabuses available.

Every year, millions of students are entered for CIE examinations in over 150 different countries. One main reason why schools and training centres choose CIE examinations is because the Cambridge curriculum is international and does not simply demand recalled knowledge. More importantly, it develops the acquisition of critical thinking and problem solving skills.

CIE qualifications are recognised by universities and employers world wide and give students both broad knowledge and core learning skills that will last them a lifetime.Faculty Anyone with a graduation and is qualified to teach according to the Indian standard norms is eligible to teach at CIE affiliated schools. Every year, there is a phase-to-phase training for these faculties. This two-day subject training is being conducted at various centres in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Pune.  They can also take a six week on-line training programme. CIE also offers certificates and diploma for teachers.

According to Ian, Indian students have proved themselves smart by performing well in the exams. On a global average, 17 percent of the top scorers are Indian students. With 25 percent growth in India alone and 40 new schools approaching for CIE, it seems to be the most sought out curriculum.

Each classroom accommodates a maximum of just 25 students.  Initially, CIE was available only in the metros, now it's spreading dramatically across state borders. In Tamil Nadu alone, they have centres in Tiruchy, Puducherry, Coimbatore, Ooty, Kodaikanal and Chennai.

"The bottom line of this curriculum is that, the students are able to think for themselves; skills and knowledge is developed for them," says Ian.  To know more about CIE, log onto www.cie.org.uk -- Edex