Examining the World
A History of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate

The first full-length history of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.

Sandra Raban (Edited by)

9780521709422, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 January 2008

216 pages, 50 b/w illus. 1 map
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.354 kg

Examinations are deeply embedded in our culture and govern the career prospects of millions of people around the world. The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, now Cambridge Assessment, was at the forefront of introducing public examinations for schools with the aim of raising standards in education. Examining the World explains how the organisation, established in 1858, has evolved into a world authority on assessment with three areas of operation: international examinations, home examinations, and English examinations for Speakers of Other Languages. This is the first full-length history of the organisation, describing the development of its examinations from the early days to their present form, by authors associated with Cambridge Assessment and other parts of the University. It sets the history of Cambridge examinations in their context as a department of the University and the immense changes which have taken place in examining in the UK and the wider world.

List of illustrations
Map
Abbreviations
Foreword
Introduction Sandra Raban
1. The University Elisabeth Leedham-Green
2. Cambridge local examinations 1858–1945 Andrew Watts
3. Home examinations after 1945 Helen and John Patrick
4. International examinations after 1945 Greg Lacey
5. English language examinations Peter Falvey
6. Research and development Gillian Cooke
Appendix 1. Chronology
Appendix 2. Secretaries of the Syndicate
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Organization & management of education [JNK], Education [JN], Colonialism & imperialism [HBTQ]