Latest news with #IBCC
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA panel to probe CIE paper leaks
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Education has expressed lack of confidence in the Cambridge examination system and decided to investigate the alleged leak of papers during the recent CIE exams. The committee — which met with MNA Azeem Zahid in the chair — expressed serious concerns over the declining credibility of CIE in Pakistan due to repeated incidents of paper leaks. Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, an MNA from Faisalabad, shared purported video evidence provided by students that allegedly confirms the leak of papers from the May 2025 O and A Level exam series. While the malpractice may have benefitted only a small group of students, Cambridge's response — either cancelling exams or relying on average-based grading — could unfairly penalise a large number of students. He urged Cambridge to consider re-administering the affected papers or adjusting the grade thresholds. The committee also questioned the oversight mechanism for CIE in Pakistan. A representative from the Ministry of Federal Education clarified that the ministry does not regulate Cambridge assessments, placing responsibility with the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). However, IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Malah said that he had not been formally assigned any such oversight responsibility. He revealed that authorisation had previously been granted — without IBCC consultation — to allow Cambridge exams to be conducted by private schools in addition to the British Council. Dr Malah referred to a similar incident last year, when a paper was cancelled due to a leak, Cambridge failed to share the results of its internal investigation with IBCC. Instead, the committee learnt of the developments through legal notices. In the end, the committee decided to set up a subcommittee to independently investigate the leaks. The subcommittee comprises Dr Aleem, Zaib Jaffar, Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, and Dr Ghulam Ali Malah. It has been tasked with reviewing the circumstances of the exam breaches and, if required, will seek to engage with Cambridge representatives based abroad due to the limited mandate of local officials, including Cambridge's Pakistan representative, Uzma Yousaf. The investigation is scheduled to begin after June 16, following a request from Yousaf. During the meeting, she attempted to shift attention by criticising the performance of Pakistani education boards, suggesting that many students opt for Cambridge due to their shortcomings. However, committee members rebuffed her remarks, saying that not all Pakistani boards perform poorly and that her focus should remain on addressing the issues within the Cambridge system. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in academic assessments and stressed the importance of protecting students from the consequences of administrative lapses.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
VE Day 80th celebrations in Lincolnshire
Celebrations are to take place across Lincolnshire to mark Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. On 8 May 1945, people around the world celebrated Germany's surrender, which had been agreed the previous day. Victory in Europe (VE Day) comes ahead of Victory in Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August, which commemorates the end of the 1939 - 1945 conflict. Here is a selection of events being held across the county to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The memorial Spire is at the heart of the International Bomber Command Centre [IBCC] A thanksgiving service will be held at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) , The Spire, Lincoln on 11 May at 10:30 BST. The IBCC is dedicated to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two. Skegness flypast Events in Skegness include a ukulele band, a standards parade, flags raised and thanksgiving speech from the mayor between 10:00 to 12.30 BST on 8 May. On 10 May, The Skegness Branch of the Royal British Legion and Skegness Carnival are hosting an event which includes vintage military vehicles, stalls, 1940s music and local choirs from 10:00 to 16:00 BST. Both events will be held at Tower Gardens in Skegness, include a Battle of Britain Memorial flypast and are free of charge. Boston events Organised events include The Haven VE Day Celebrations at White House Lane in Boston from 10:30 to 18:00 BST on 8 May. A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council said: "We're inviting everyone to come together for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today." Grantham celebrations On 8 May, military exhibits will be on display at Wyndham Park's visitor centre, alongside music and dance from Grantham School of Dance, followed by a beacon lighting at 21:30 BST. South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, Councillor Phil Dilks, said: "It's vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms." Beacon lighting In Burgh le Marsh, celebrations begin with a service at the parish church from 16:30 BST on 8 May, followed by a BBQ, games and a school choir performance at Windmill restaurant. The event will conclude with the lighting of the town's beacon at 21:00. In Wellingore, there will be a beacon lighting event on 8 May at 21:30 followed by a VE Day anniversary evening at Wellingore Memorial Hall on 10 May, featuring a 16-piece big band. Waltham picnic A 1940s themed picnic will be held at Waltham Windmill on the 10 May from 11:00 to 15:00 BST. The free event includes face painting, food stalls, evacuation train rides, a quiz and balloon-modelling. Live music and dancing will top off the event and a prize for the best 1940s outfit. South Holland events Veterans will be in attendance when South Holland District Council raises the flag outside its council offices on Priory Road, Spalding, at 11:00 BST on 8 May. In Carters Park in Holbeach lamps of peace will be lit, food stalls, music and the lighting of the beacon will take place on 8 May from 17:00 to 22:00 BST. Branston vehicles Food, music and games will kick off events at Branston and Mere Village Hall from 12:00 to 18:00 BST on 10 May. A range of vehicles from the 1940s and military will also be on display. Dambusters hotel event Blind Veterans UK charity is holding a day-long event at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa on 8 May. The building was the headquarters of the 617 Dambusters RAF squadron in World War Two. Around 50 blind veterans will attend the event which features a parade of military vehicles, readings from local schoolchildren, food and music. The Battle of Britain memorial flight fly over the hotel with Spitfires and Hurricanes. Events start at 11:00 BST with the military convoy and the flypast is scheduled at 16:00. Are you planning a VE Day event? Let us know. Email looknorthemail@ Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. More related stories Related internet links
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Poppy display for VE Day moves visitors to tears
An installation of more than 20,000 ceramic poppies has been unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), in Lincoln. Each poppy has been handcrafted, and some have been laid out in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber. Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: "People are stunned. It has great impact. They're very moved. We've had people in tears." Military personnel laid some of the final poppies at the installation on Friday. There are 617 handcrafted poppies on the Memorial Spire, in honour of 617 Squadron (the Dambusters). The display is part of VE80 Lincoln, a project marking VE Day. It was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who moved to Lincolnshire in 1998. He said he was pleased with people's reactions to the display, and added: "I have put my heart and soul into this." Ms van der Drift said she hoped it would show people the "power of remembrance". She added: "Now more than ever, with everything that is going on in the world, we need to remember why we need to avoid war, and do everything within our reach to find peaceful solutions." The installation will be on display until the end of August. Each poppy will be sold to raise money for the IBCC, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and the Wooden Spoon Trust. VE80 Lincoln is a collaboration between the IBCC, Francourt Events, Sage Blue and Lincoln Rugby Club. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. VE Day 80th celebrations in Lincolnshire King and Queen to host VE Day tea party for war veterans International Bomber Command Centre
BBC News
25-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
VE Day display moves visitors to tears at Bomber Command Centre
An installation of more than 20,000 ceramic poppies has been unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), in poppy has been handcrafted, and some have been laid out in the shape of a Lancaster van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: "People are stunned. It has great impact. They're very moved. We've had people in tears."Military personnel laid some of the final poppies at the installation on Friday. There are 617 handcrafted poppies on the Memorial Spire, in honour of 617 Squadron (the Dambusters).The display is part of VE80 Lincoln, a project marking VE was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who moved to Lincolnshire in 1998. He said he was pleased with people's reactions to the display, and added: "I have put my heart and soul into this."Ms van der Drift said she hoped it would show people the "power of remembrance".She added: "Now more than ever, with everything that is going on in the world, we need to remember why we need to avoid war, and do everything within our reach to find peaceful solutions." The installation will be on display until the end of poppy will be sold to raise money for the IBCC, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and the Wooden Spoon Lincoln is a collaboration between the IBCC, Francourt Events, Sage Blue and Lincoln Rugby Club. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
BBC News
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
VE Day 80 celebrations in Lincolnshire
People in Boston are being encouraged to join or organise a street or garden party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on 8 May to mark the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in events include The Haven VE Day Celebrations at White House Lane in Boston from 10:30 to 18:00 BST.A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council said: "We're inviting everyone to come together for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today." A thanksgiving service will be held at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) , The Spire, Lincoln on the 11 May at 10:30 IBCC is dedicated to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two. Skegness flypast Events in Skegness include a ukulele band, a standards parade, flags raised and thanksgiving speech from the mayor between 10:00 to 12.30 BST on 8 10th May, The Skegness Branch of the Royal British Legion and Skegness Carnival are hosting an event which includes vintage military vehicles, stalls, 1940s music and local choirs from 10:00 to 16:00 events will be held at Tower Gardens in Skegness, include a Battle of Britain Memorial flypast and are free of charge. Celebrations in Grantham commence on 4 May with a raising of the flag, tea dance, followed by lighting of a beacon in Wyndham Grantham House, Soldiers From The Sky exhibition, which tells the story of how two of the biggest battles involving paratroopers were planned in Lincolnshire, will be on display. The free event, from 10:00 to 16:00 BST, will also include memorabilia displays from historic airfields, World War Two jeeps and military 8 May, military exhibits will be on display at Wyndham Park's visitor centre, alongside music and dance from Grantham School of Dance, followed by a beacon lighting at 21:30 Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, Councillor Phil Dilks, said: "It's vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms." Beacon lighting In Burgh le Marsh, celebrations begin with a service at the parish church from 16:30 BST, followed by a BBQ, games and a school choir performance at Windmill event will conclude with the lighting of the town's beacon at 21:00 BST on 8 May. Live music A 1940s themed picnic will be held at Waltham Windmill on the 10 May from 11:00 to 15:00 BST. The free event includes face painting, food stalls, evacuation train rides, a quiz and music and dancing will top off the event and a prize for the best 1940s outfit. Veterans will be in attendance when South Holland District Council raises the flag outside its council offices on Priory Road at 11:00 BST on 8 Carters Park in Holbeach lamps of peace will be lit, food stalls, music and the lighting of the beacon will take place on 8 May from 17:00 to 22:00 BST. Food, music and games will kick off events at Branston and Mere Village Hall from 12:00 to 18:00 BST.A range of vehicles from the 1940s and military will also be on display. Are you planning a VE Day event? Let us know. Email looknorthemail@ to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
