NEW DELHI: Cambridge University Press and Assessment hosted its 2nd annual South Asia Cambridge Schools Conference, bringing together around 400 educators, schools and thought leaders from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives.
The conference aimed to support schools, teachers and learners in adapting to the evolving education landscape. According to the official statement, the event addressed the growing global demand for 44 million new teachers by 2030.
Cambridge University Press and Assessment introduced new professional development programs and qualifications including upskilling courses, pre-service teacher training and short-term e-learning modules to enhance the region’s teaching capacity.
Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge emphasized Cambridge’s dedication to preparing learners for a rapidly changing world. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting teachers through professional development, introducing digital exams to modernize assessment and integrating AI to enhance learning.
He also acknowledged South Asia’s emergence as a hub of educational excellence and expressed pride in collaborating with schools to develop new initiatives such as Cambridge Early Years and Climate Quest which aim to shape the future of education in the region and beyond.
In addition, Cambridge introduced other initiatives including:
- Climate Quest: To strengthen climate resilience.
- Cambridge Connect: A program designed to align with national high-stakes examinations.
- March Exam Series: To meet local admission requirements.
- Integrated Learning and Assessment: To develop English as a skill.
- Young Pioneers: To nurture an entrepreneurial mindset.
Recently, Cambridge University Press and Assessment partnered with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) to enhance the academic skills and professional growth of students pursuing bachelor’s and diploma degrees at the institution.
Cambridge School Recognition Awards
Vinay Sharma, Senior Vice President of International Education, South Asia, reiterated Cambridge’s unwavering commitment to making international education accessible while maintaining the highest standards of quality. He emphasized the importance of empowering schools to build a strong foundation in learning, teaching and assessment. Sharma noted that the conference aimed to explore new ways to equip learners to not only adapt but also excel in an era marked by rapid technological, societal and economic shifts.
Prominent speakers including Mark Winterbottom, Professor of Education, University of Cambridge; Sarah Hughes, Head of Research, International Education, Cambridge; Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education, India; Lindsay Nadin, Director of Digital Products and Services, International Education; and Sue Brindley, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, participated in the panel discussions.
The discussions covered key topics such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, digital high-stakes examinations and future career pathways. Interactive sessions also addressed topics such as fostering mindfulness in the classroom, rethinking college-readiness for evolving career pathways and ensuring equity in access to quality education.
During the conference, Cambridge University Press and Assessment recognized several schools for their academic excellence through the Cambridge School Recognition Awards.
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