Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8 March 2010- Two of the UK's leading educational examinations institutions are to host a one-day conference in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC), on student-centred learning in the Emirate.

More than 250 school principals and heads of department are invited to attend the one-day interactive conference that explores the latest research into student-centred approaches to learning. This approach has been shown to improve learners' overall progress and can lead to better performance in examinations.

The conference is hosted by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

His Excellency Dr Mugheer Al-Khaili, Director General, ADEC, will welcome delegates to the conference and share the vision of ADEC to implement student-centred learning approaches in schools across Abu Dhabi.

Conference organisers are delighted that four world-leading educators will speak at the conference. Reflecting the conference theme, delegates will participate in interactive workshops after the presentations which will focus on the practical application of student-centred education in the classroom.

John MacBeath, Professor Emeritus at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education, will talk about the development of a genuinely student-centred classroom. Professor MacBeath is an expert on school leadership and school self-evaluation and has acted in a consultancy role to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO and ILO (International Labour Organisation), the Bertelsmann Foundation, the Prince's Trust, the European Commission, the Scottish Executive, the Swiss Federal Government, the Varkey Group in Dubai and the Hong Kong Education Department. He was a member of the UK Government Task Force on Standards from 1997-2001 and was awarded the OBE for services to education in 1997.

Dr Lynne Pierson, Head of Schools Development at ADEC will explore the rationale behind ADEC's strategy for a student-centred learning environment and how the strategy will be implemented across schools in Abu Dhabi - benefitting the students of today and tomorrow.

CIE and Cambridge ESOL international qualifications are very popular throughout the world and rapidly growing in the UAE. Ann Puntis, CIE Chief Executive and Dr Michael Milanovic, Cambridge ESOL Chief Executive, will provide an insight into the Cambridge approach to education, and the underlying principles that make it so successful.

CONFERENCE EVENT:

Date: Monday 15 March, 2010

Time: 09.30 (registration from 08.30)

Location: Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: A press briefing, round table discussion and media interactions will take place on Sunday 14 March.

-Ends- 

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

CIE has a strong pedigree in development and research and offers unrivalled support to its network of registered centres.

CIE is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organisation and part of the University of Cambridge.

For more information, please visit www.cie.org.uk 

About University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (ESOL)
ESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. It has its headquarters in the historic city of Cambridge, and also has offices in Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, USA and Vietnam. Cambridge ESOL's commitment to excellence is supported by 300 permanent staff around the world, plus 10,000 trained examiners.

Cambridge ESOL's systems and processes for designing, developing and delivering examinations and assessment services are certified as meeting the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2000 standard for quality management.

Cambridge ESOL is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organisation and part of the University of Cambridge.

For more information, please visit  www.cambridgeesol.org  

About Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC)
CIE and ESOL are honoured to be holding this event under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

ADEC was established in accordance with law No. 24 of 2005, issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Chairman of ADEC is H H Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and the Vice-Chairman is H H Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Council seeks to develop education and educational institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, implement innovative educational policies, plans and programs that aim to improve education, and support educational institutions and staff to achieve the objectives of national development in accordance with the highest international standards.

For further information, please visit  www.adec.ac.ae 
 

Media Enquiries:
Houry Mayissian
Four Communications
+971 55 9024706
Email: houry.mayissian@fourcommunications.com                                                                

© Press Release 2010