(Info) Introduction of Competency based vocational courses at Senior Secondary level 2011

Subject: Introduction of Geospatial Technology, Food Production, Food & Beverage Services, Mass Media Studies and Media Production as Competency based vocational courses at Senior Secondary level.

As you are aware, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), keeping in view the acute shortage of trained professionals and development of employability skills among the students, has been offering a number of courses under vocational Education at Senior Secondary level. In recent years, the CBSE has started collaborating with various industries/ institutions for introducing competency based joint certification courses as per the present needs of society and the relevant industries. In pursuance to this policy of exploring the new domain of knowledge and skills that have bright employment prospects as well as career opportunities, the Board has introduced the following new Vocational courses at senior secondary level.

• Geospatial Technology.
• Food Production (Hospitality and Tourism)
• Food and Beverage Services( Hospitality and Tourism)
• Mass Media Studies and Media Production.

The aforesaid courses were introduced in few selected schools in class XI from the Academic Session 2010-11 on pilot basis. Based on the feedback received from the Pilot schools and on the basis of overwhelming response from the other independent schools, the Board has decided to open it to all affiliated schools in the country and abroad form the academic session 2011-12 for class-XI. The detailed objectives and the salient features of such courses are enclosed at Annexure-I to III. The schools that are interested in introducing those new courses in class-XI from the academic year 2011-12 may fill in the proforma enclosed at Annexure-IV and may forward to “ Sh. S.K. Jena, Asstt. Education Officer (Voc & Edusat), CBSE, Shiksha Sadan,17, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi-110002 on or before 5th March 2011 or Email to cbse.edusat@rediffmail.com copy to skjena.cbse@gmail.com The letter of willingness in Annexure – IV should reach by 5th March 2011 to enable the Board for processing the applications further.

Website: www.cbse.nic.in

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The Cambridge way to test your English proficiency

The Key English Test, Preliminary English Test, First Certificate in English, Certified Advanced English and Certificate of Proficiency are the various certificates available under this examination.

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Various English proficiency tests are being taken up for gaining entry into academic institutions, acquiring work experience abroad and for immigration purposes. Certification examinations equivalent to these one-time tests are conducted by the University of Cambridge which also conducts IELTS, one of the most popular tests for assessment of proficiency of the English language.

Assessment

The IELTS follows the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), a uniform system with which the teaching, learning and assessment of all European languages for non-native speakers is assessed.

It has three broad divisions that categorises the test-takers as A – basic speakers, B – independent speakers and C – proficient speakers. The IELTS profiles the candidates and tells them, based on scores, at which level within the entire band they stand.

A range of other language certifications and assessments provided by the University of Cambridge also test listening, speaking, reading and writing skills (see graphic) using the same parameters.

The Cambridge Main Suite Examination is a general English exam, available in different levels.

The Key English Test, Preliminary English Test, First Certificate in English, Certified Advanced English and Certificate of Proficiency are the various certificates available under this examination.

Unlike the IELTS which is valid for two years, these tests provide certification of achievement. These certificates can be substituted for IELTS scores in many universities.

Business English

The Business English Certification is a qualification taken up by professionals and students who want to improve their job prospects or study business courses overseas. This course is also available at the Preliminary, Vantage and Higher levels.

“Employees of various organisations including Hewlett-Packard, HSBC, World Bank take up the test for better communication and delivery at workplace,” says TK. Arunachalam, development Manager, University of Cambridge EOSL Examinations.

Young learners

At the school level, the Cambridge Young Learners English Test is offered for students in the age group of 6 to 12 years.

The three tests assess the student's proficiency at the basic level.

“We have been supporting educational institutions by providing training to teachers since it is free of cost,” says Mr. Arunachalam. It helps students develop their communication skills rather than the structural knowledge of the language.

source: http://www.hindu.com/edu/2011/01/24/stories/2011012450030200.htm