A forum organised by Cambridge English Language Assessment brought together school owners, directors, school principals, heads of English Language department, education professionals and policy makers in the UAE to discuss the importance of setting and achieving English language standards. Over 150 delegates representing 7 different curricula from the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern Emirates were represented at the event.
The event focussed on sharing best practices from the UAE and beyond highlighting ways in which schools can compare themselves against international benchmarks, when it comes to English language. Local and international case studies were presented at the event that focussed on how management in the school can support both students and teachers in primary and secondary schools.
According to Zara Shahid Khan, Marketing Manager for Cambridge English Language Assessment in UAE, "Schools across the UAE are playing a huge role in helping to raise the standard of English and preparing students to excel at university by using external measures of assessment. Lots of schools in the UAE use Cambridge English qualifications to give students real life English skills as well as preparing them for formal high stakes tests such as the IELTS and Cambridge Advanced. The enthusiasm for learning English and the quality of teaching has helped make this a success. There are still many challenges ahead but the work that Abu Dhabi Education Council and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority is doing to raise awareness of using external assessments is really encouraging."
Speaking at the event, Ms Suzie Hachez, Director of Additional Education Needs at Cambridge International School said, "The introduction of Cambridge English Language Assessment program has enabled us to be able to support a wide range of students in the school. The Cambridge English program has provided us with additional information regarding student literacy levels that has enabled us to critically reflect on the work that is happening elsewhere within the school and to develop strategies in class to support our students".
Ms Nahla ElHawary, Head of English Language Department at Al Nokhba Model School for Boys (Cycle 1) added that, "external examinations such as the Cambridge English tests have a positive impact on students attitude towards learning English and sets a strong foundation which helps them as they progress to higher grades. I would like to encourage all schools in the UAE to use Cambridge English tests as it will help their students to be better prepared for high level exams like IELTS or Cambridge English Advanced."
Mr David McLaughlin, Director Cambridge Schools at GEMS Education said that such events should be held more often as it enables schools to share best practice and aim for excellence.
To learn more about Cambridge English qualifications please visit: www.cambridgeenglish.org
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About Cambridge English Language Assessment:
Cambridge English is a unique approach to teaching, learning and assessing English, driven by world-class research and a profound commitment to delivering educational value for the benefit of learners, teachers, educational institutions, employers and society as a whole. Cambridge English combines the experience and expertise of two world-leading departments of the University of Cambridge - Cambridge English Language Assessment and Cambridge University Press.
Cambridge English Language Assessment is a part of the University of Cambridge. We develop and produce the most valuable range of qualifications for learners and teachers of English in the world. Over 4 million people take Cambridge English exams each year in 130 countries. More than 13,500 universities, employers, government ministries and other organisations rely on our exams and qualifications as proof of English language ability. Cambridge English exams are backed by the work of the largest dedicated research team of any English language assessment provider, including some of the world's leading experts in the field of language assessment, dedicated to the development and quality control of our examinations.
Media Enquiries:
Zara Shahid Khan
Marketing Manager
Telephone: +971 (0) 4 294 9989
Email: shahidkhan.z@cambridgeenglish.org
© Press Release 2013
