Latest news with #GCE
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Will CIE lose its edge?
Once regarded as a gold standard in academic assessment, Cambridge International Education (CIE) is now facing increasing scrutiny in Pakistan. Following a recent shift that allowed private schools to independently conduct O and A Level examinations - previously handled solely by the British Council - reports of paper leaks, and lack of accountability have cast a shadow over the system. Stakeholders are questioning whether the integrity and global standing of Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan are being compromised. Until just two years ago, the British Council was the sole authority overseeing these exams in Pakistan. Now, over 20 private schools in Karachi and Islamabad are conducting the exams themselves. This decentralisation has raised serious concerns about transparency and security. Reports of exam paper leaks are on the rise, causing distress among thousands of students and their parents. Recently, an AS-level Physics paper was reportedly leaked and widely circulated on social media before the scheduled exam. Similar claims have emerged regarding other subjects. As more schools gain the authority to conduct exams independently, the risk of compromised exam integrity appears to grow proportionally. Cambridge International has acknowledged some of the leaks in a public Facebook statement, urging students to stay focused and promising investigations. However, the lack of transparency around these investigations - particularly the absence of shared findings or any disclosed disciplinary actions - has left stakeholders dissatisfied and concerned. Parents and students fear that ineffective preventive measures could lead to more leaks in the future. The decision to let private schools conduct exams reportedly stemmed from a former official at the Federal Ministry of Education. However, the ministry now appears to be powerless in addressing the fallout, including the ongoing paper leak scandal. While CIE administers the General Certificate of Education (GCE) O and A Levels in Pakistan, it's worth noting that these programmes were phased out in the UK in 1986 and have not been part of the official education system there for nearly four decades. Another point of contention is the continued use of the outdated alphabetical grading system (A* to E), as opposed to the numerical system (1 to 9) now standard in the UK. Some education experts argue that this inconsistency places Pakistani students at a disadvantage when competing globally for academic and professional opportunities. Pakistani parents spend an estimated Rs 30 billion annually on Cambridge exams. When papers are leaked and exams are not rescheduled, students are often graded based on predicted scores instead of their actual performance - undermining the entire purpose of standardised assessment. As a result, Cambridge is not only losing its academic superiority in Pakistan but also facing growing criticism from students who feel that the organisation's standards are now limited to curriculum design. With exam execution resembling local board practices, the credibility and perceived value of Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan is diminishing. When contacted by The Express Tribune, a Cambridge spokesperson said, "Cambridge has strict security protocols in place to safeguard exam materials, and these protocols apply equally to our partner institutions and schools." In response to questions about the outdated O-level system, the spokesperson added, "The qualification is internationally recognised and accepted by leading universities worldwide. The exams offer students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through written, oral, and practical assessments." Regarding the paper leaks, the spokesperson said: "We conduct prompt and thorough investigations into all evidence to ensure fairness in results. However, we can not comment on specific allegations during the exam period in order to keep students focused on their exams."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Education Department walks back $37.7M fine against Grand Canyon University
This story was originally published on Higher Ed Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Higher Ed Dive newsletter. The U.S. Department of Education walked back a $37.7 million fine levied against Grand Canyon University under the Biden administration, the large Christian institution announced Friday. When the Education Department announced the fine in October 2023, it accused the university of misleading thousands of current and former students about the costs of its doctoral programs. Grand Canyon University quickly appealed the decision. The agency's Office of Hearings and Appeals has now ruled in Grand Canyon University's favor, dismissing the case 'with no findings, fines, liabilities or penalties of any kind,' according to the institution. The office dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be reconsidered. When Grand Canyon University announced its intention to appeal the $37.7 million fine, it cast the financial penalty as government overreach and the Biden administration as targeting it for being a Christian institution. Grand Canyon University also said at the time that the Higher Learning Commission, its accreditor, deemed its disclosures 'robust and thorough' in a 2021 review — a point it reiterated last week. 'The facts clearly support our contention that we were wrongly accused of misleading our Doctoral students and we appreciate the recognition that those accusations were without merit,' Brian Mueller, the university's president, said in a Friday statement. The Education Department confirmed the news Monday. 'Unlike the previous Administration, we will not persecute and prosecute colleges and universities based on their religious affiliation,' Ellen Keast, a department spokesperson, said in a statement. The university has notched other victories amid the handful of legal challenges it has faced in recent years. Just a few months after the Education Department fined Grand Canyon University in 2023, the Federal Trade Commission sued the institution over similar allegations regarding its doctoral programs. The lawsuit accused the university of telling applicants that they would only have to pay the equivalent of 20 courses to finish accelerated doctoral programs, even though almost all required more. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit's claims against the university in March. However, the FTC's case is still ongoing against Grand Canyon Education, a for-profit company that provides marketing and enrollment services to the institution. Grand Canyon University was a part of GCE until 2018. When it split off from the company, the university entered a 15-year contract for educational services in exchange for about 60% of its tuition and fee revenue. Mueller also serves as the CEO of GCE. Last September, the FTC filed an amended complaint alleging that GCE has falsely advertised Grand Canyon University as a nonprofit institution, made 'abusive telemarketing calls,' and misled students about how long it would take to complete the university's doctoral programs. Although the IRS considers Grand Canyon University a nonprofit, whether the Education Department does as well was the subject of a long-running legal battle. In 2019, the Education Department denied Grand Canyon University's request to be considered a nonprofit for federal financial aid purposes. But a federal court ruled late last year that the agency applied the wrong legal standard when making that determination and ordered it to reconsider the university's request under the correct statute. Grand Canyon University said Friday it hopes that process will be completed soon. In Friday's announcement, Grand Canyon University described the ongoing allegations against GCE as 'the same manufactured nonprofit and doctoral disclosure claims that have been refuted, rejected and dismissed.' Late last year, Mueller predicted during one of GCE's earnings calls that the company would face a friendlier regulatory environment under the Trump administration. In Friday's announcement, Grand Canyon University also pointed to a 2023 appeals court ruling that in part dismissed allegations from a former student, Donrich Young, who had argued in a class-action lawsuit that the institution breached its contract by making it impossible to finish doctoral programs in 60 credits as promised. In its ruling, the appeals court wrote that the university did not make such a promise and that enrollment documents said 60 credits was the minimum needed to complete a doctoral program. Young further argued that the university breached its contract by not providing the faculty support he was promised to complete his dissertation. A three-judge panel overturned a lower court's decision to dismiss that claim and sent the case back to it for further proceedings. The student and the university agreed to end the lawsuit in late 2023. GCE faces another major lawsuit alleging the company has engaged in a racketeering scheme by misleading students about the cost of the university's doctoral programs. Earlier this month, a federal judge rejected GCE's motion to dismiss the case. Recommended Reading Grand Canyon CEO expects a friendlier Education Department under Trump Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scots fairground CLOSES after waltzer car flies off track with three children inside as carnival firm issues statement
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FAIRGROUND bosses have issued an apology after a waltzer car at a Scots carnival flew off the tracks with three children onboard. Today, the firm, Galactic Carnival Edinburgh (GCE), said it is "truly sorry" after the terrifying incident in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, on Saturday night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The carnival in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, has now been closed amid an ongoing investigation Credit: Alan Simpson 2 Screams can be overheard in terrifying footage ,captured by one the youngsters Credit: Facebook Kevin McNulty was in the car behind his three kids - aged seven, 12 and 13 - when the ride derailed at high speed and careered into the waltzer he was in. He told how his kids were "very, very lucky" not to have suffered any serious injuries during the dramatic ordeal. In footage, filmed by one of the youngsters, their terrified screams can be heard as the ride swerves off the rails and ploughs into a nearby speaker. Mr McNulty shared his experience on social media, writing: "It then smashed about the place crashing into the side off the track, thankfully there was a heavy large speaker that they collided with or they would have been through the whole thing and then the ending would have been a completely different story ( a thought I can't stop thinking about). "The shows continued to go (not the Waltzers) but place should have been shut down for a full inspection. "It was like something you see in the movies and my kids are very, very lucky that they managed to get out of this still walking." GCE said it "sincerely apologises" to the families impacted by the incident and insisted that it is "working tirelessly to assist in the ongoing investigation" into what happened. Officials have since decided to shut the event down to allow third-party investigators to take a closer look. In a statement, GCE said: "We are truly sorry for the distress caused by the incident at our event. Public safety at our events has always been, and continues to be, our top priority. "All rides at our events undergo extensive safety testing in line with government guidelines, including daily safety checks, and are also inspected by an independent third party safety inspection body (the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme, or Adips). Watch terrifying moment cable car ride collapses at Christmas fairground in front of shocked onlookers in Mexico "This incident is now being investigated by third-party inspection bodies and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). "We have decided to close the event to allow for investigation to take place. "All tickets purchased for future dates will be refunded automatically through our ticketing agent, Skiddle. "Once again we are truly sorry for the distress this has caused." An HSE spokesperson said: "HSE is aware of the incident and is making inquiries."
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
British Council suspends exams in Lahore due to escalating tensions
Listen to article The British Council has cancelled all scheduled afternoon examinations in Lahore on Thursday, citing heightened security risks amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision affects GCE, IGCSE, IELTS, and University of London assessments set to take place in the city's venues during the PM session. In a statement released on social media, the British Council said the move was made in coordination with examination boards to 'prioritise the safety and security of candidates.' Students have been urged to stay in touch with their schools for further updates, while private candidates are advised to contact the British Council's Customer Services centre. The organisation did not confirm whether the exams would be rescheduled but noted that all official updates would be provided through its verified channels. Lahore, among other cities, has been placed under heightened security alerts, with intermittent flight suspensions also reported. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared a state of emergency in the entire province. She directed all security institutions, including the police, to remain on high alert. The chief minister cancelled the leaves of doctors and other medical staff of all hospitals in Punjab and directed all employees to resume their duties immediately. She also directed the district administrations across Punjab to remain on high alert. Latest tensions between Pakistan and India The latest escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan follows the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in 26 fatalities. India immediately accused Pakistan-based elements of orchestrating the attack, although no evidence was provided. Islamabad has strongly rejected these allegations. In retaliation, India closed the Wagah land border on April 23, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and revoked Pakistani visas. Pakistan responded by labeling any disruption to water flow as an "act of war" and closed the Wagah crossing on its side. The situation escalated further on Wednesday, as reports from various cities in Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Muridke, and Bahawalpur, detailed multiple explosions. Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that Indian airstrikes had targeted multiple locations within Pakistan. In response, Pakistan launched swift air and ground operations. Within the first hour of retaliation, Pakistan announced the downing of five Indian fighter jets, including four Rafale aircraft, which India had recently acquired from France to strengthen its air defenses following the failed Balakot operation in 2019. "Pakistan could have shot down 10 Indian fighter jets," Lt Gen Chaudhry said during a press briefing. "But Pakistan chose to exercise restraint." Despite the scale of the response, Indian media remained largely silent on the losses. The Hindu, a prominent Indian newspaper, initially reported that three Indian jets had been downed but later removed the article, likely under pressure from the Indian government to avoid further embarrassment. An American commentator on CNN stated that the potential loss of Rafale jets would severely damage India's claim to air superiority, which it had built around the induction of these advanced French warplanes. Some experts speculated that the confrontation served as a test of Chinese and Western military technologies, particularly after Pakistan acquired J-10C jets from China in response to India's Rafale fleet. A senior French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that one Rafale jet had indeed been shot down by Pakistan, marking the first time that this sophisticated French aircraft had been lost in combat. In another development, the Pakistan armed forces confirmed the neutralization of 25 Israeli-made Harop drones used by India in recent cross-border activity. A statement issued by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday confirmed that these drones were shot down using both electronic countermeasures (soft-kill techniques) and conventional weaponry (hard-kill systems) after they were detected flying over multiple areas across Pakistan. The ISPR described the drone incursions as a "desperate and panicked response" by India, which came after Pakistan's retaliatory operations on May 6 and 7, in which five Indian fighter jets were downed and several military posts were struck.
Saba Yemen
18-04-2025
- General
- Saba Yemen
Inspecting basic certificate exams in Shu'ub district in capital, Sana'a
Sana'a - Saba: On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Hamoud Al-Naqeeb, Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee of the Local Council of the Capital Secretariat of Sana'a, made an inspection visit to the progress of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCE) exams at the November 30 and Salem Al-Sabah centers in the Sha'ub District. During the visit, he reviewed the conditions at the two centers and listened to an explanation from those in charge of the exam process. He praised the level of discipline and the efforts made by the teaching staff to create a suitable environment for the success of the exams. Al-Naqeeb emphasized that the success of the GCE exams reflects the resilience of the educational front and the continuity of the educational process. He praised the determination of teachers and educational administrations to continue the school year despite the current challenges. Facebook Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
