Cambridge IGCSE 20th Birthday Essay Competition attracts interest in more than 30 countries

University of Cambridge International Examinations

Press Information
4 March 2006

Cambridge IGCSE 20th Birthday Essay Competition attracts interest in more than 30 countries
Students aim for top prizes

Cambridge IGCSE students from more than 30 countries have expressed interest in University of Cambridge International Education’s (CIE) essay competition. Students and schools from around the world can win fabulous prizes, including travel vouchers to use for a trip of a lifetime and electronic, interactive whiteboards. The competition closing date is 7 April 2006, so there is still time for students to enter.

Students need to write a short essay, between 500-1500 words, on the title: ‘Modern Developments: Learning from the Past and Looking to the Future’. The essay competition is part of the celebrations that highlight CIE was the first exam board to develop the IGCSE qualification 20 years ago.

The essay competition is open to Cambridge IGCSE students across the globe. Students can choose any aspect of human life and society that reflects the speed of modern developments. Their essays will explore what it was like 20 years ago, how it has changed and what it might be like in 2025.

“Essay competitions give students a chance to use their thinking skills by analysing the past and realising the implications of global change for the future,” says Tom Eason, CIE’s Director of Regional Development. ‘We’ve received some exciting entries from students who have vividly identified the impact of certain world issues on their country and the world.”

Essays will be judged by a panel, including Mike Baker, BBC Education Correspondent.

Mike said: “It is encouraging to know that students are able to write with such passion and insight on this topic. I’m very much looking forward to reading essays from students around the world.”

To learn more about the Cambridge IGCSE 20th Birthday Essay Competition, visit www.cie.org.uk/igcse

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

About CIE
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. CIE offers a broad range of qualifications, created for an international audience. CIE’s qualifications include Cambridge IGCSE and International A/AS Level. CIE qualifications are taken in 150 countries and recognised by universities, educational providers and employers across the world.

CIE is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a non-teaching, not-for-profit organisation and part of the University of Cambridge. CIE has a strong pedigree in development and research – it was the first exam board to develop the International GCSE 20 years ago. We constantly review our provision and introduce new subject areas and qualifications. CIE offers unrivalled support to its network of registered Centres.

About Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE is designed for students across the world. It uses international examples and avoids terminology used only in the UK. Its flexibility allows it to meet many different needs: coursework is optional and variety of subjects is large – 60 and counting. Teachers around the world find that Cambridge IGCSE is an excellent preparation for success at the next stage, such as A/AS Level or the International Baccalaureate. Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Cambridge IGCSE is the most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds in the world.

For further information please contact:

Media contact:
Sweet Gill, PR/Marketing Co-ordinator
University of Cambridge International Examinations
1 Hills Road
Cambridge CB1 2EU, UK
+44 (0)1223 553547
Gill.S@cie.org.uk