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To gain global acceptance

Started by nithyasubramanian, Jan 13, 2009, 08:08 PM

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nithyasubramanian


Not all foreign universities accept higher secondary certificates from India for admission to undergraduate programmes. The discussion on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in the previous columns had touched that.

But one can obtain internationally accepted qualifications at the Plus Two level in the country or abroad. The International Baccalaureate (IB) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) are the important ones.

IB world schools
These schools offer three levels of programmes: Primary Years Programme (ages 3-12); Middle Years Programme (11-16); and Diploma Programme (16-19).

The two-year Diploma Programme enables students to join undergraduate programmes in foreign universities. Many Indian universities do recognise the qualification.

The IB is popular among U.S. public schools because its international focus helps students to work with, and benefit from, increasingly multicultural student populations. The programme emphasises quality in learning and skill development. More than 6,58,000 IB students are there, attached to 2,405 schools in 129 countries. Forty-five schools in India offer the diploma programme ( www.ibo.org/country/IN/ index.cfm).

The diploma programme contains six subject groups, together with a compulsory core made up of three parts. Students can choose a subject from each of the following groups:

•Group 1: first language (English)

•Group 2: second language (Hindi, French and so on)

•Group 3: individuals and societies (history, economics, business and management, philosophy and so on)

•Group 4: experimental sciences (biology, chemistry, physics and environmental systems).

•Group 5: mathematics and computer science.

•Group 6: the arts

The subjects in three of the groups are studied at a higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours) and the remaining at the standard level (150 teaching hours).

The core has:

•Extended essay: This has a limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest and acquaints students with independent research and writing skills expected at university.

•Theory of knowledge: This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

•Creativity, action and service: Participation in this programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, foster awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena. Education in IB schools is costlier than in regular schools. For details of the programme, visit www.ibo.org.

GCE
The GCE provides the student with basic qualification for entrance to higher and professional studies in the U.K. and other countries.

The GCE examinations are conducted at the following levels: O (ordinary; GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education); A (advanced); and AS (Advanced supplementary) levels.

Features
Candidates not based in the U.K. can take the O-level examinations, generally after 10 years of study at the age of 16. Though not compulsory for a candidate with secondary education qualifications, some universities insist on the qualification.

Normally, O levels in five subjects qualify a student to go on to A levels. You can take any number of O levels, depending on the qualifications your chosen institutions ask for. Most students in U.K. schools take up to nine O levels. After finishing the O levels, you study for two years and take the A levels, which pave the way for entrance to undergraduate studies in universities and colleges. You can take any number of A levels. Normally, a minimum three A-level subjects are required. However, the entrance requirements of universities may vary.

The AS-level examinations are generally shorter with half the content of the A level at the same standard. Two AS level qualifications are equivalent to one A level. This is accepted in lieu of one A level for university entrance. For details, contact any British Council offices ( www.britishcouncil.org/ india-where-we-are. htm).

CIE
The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) provide international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. These include the following: Middle Secondary (ages 14-16; Cambridge IGCSE -International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and Cambridge O Level (Upper Secondary; ages 16-18; International A and AS levels).

The examinations are conducted twice a year. These qualifications have worldwide acceptance for academic admission. The CIE operates in 150 countries. For details, see www.cie.org.uk.

The acceptability of these qualifications for admission should be confirmed before joining these programmes. Boards and universities have varying clauses for recognition of certificates from the CIE.

The CIE examinations are being conducted by the British Council Division, British Deputy High Commission, L&T Chambers, First Floor, 16-Camac Street, Kolkata 700 017 (ph: 033 22825370; britishcouncil.org/India).

The division also conducts the Edexcel examinations. Edexcel is a U.K.-based large "awarding body" offering academic and vocational qualifications used by schools, colleges and employers at the international level. Some of their qualifications are GCE O level, GCSE and IGCSE. For details, see www.edexcel.com
Thanks and Regards
- Nithya Subramanian
Kenvivo Communications
http://nithya-subramanian.blogspot.com/

ganeshbala

Hi

Thanks for the very usefull information

Good post

:acumen