Latest news with #Pearson


Boston Globe
a day ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Red Sox remain focused on pitching in MLB Draft, select 12 more pitchers on Day 2
'We had targeted a group of college pitchers that we really liked, and I think a lot of the bats that we liked as well went early,' said Sox amateur scouting director Devin Pearson. 'We were able to get a couple of bats that we had valued highly throughout the draft, but were really intentional with what bats we circled.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Of the eight pitchers the Sox drafted inside the top 300, seven hailed from SEC programs, and all were at least 6 feet, 2 inches. Advertisement 'Big frame, big [velocity], and stuff. That's kind of how we prioritize pitchers as we work throughout the draft,' Pearson said. 'And certainly, we got a lot of those guys. I know there's a lot of SEC players this year. That was, I guess, where all the big guys with stuff and [velocity] are.' The Sox' approach was epitomized by their fifth-round selection, Christian Foutch, a 6-3, 245-pound fireballer from Arkansas who averaged 98 miles per hour on his fastball and touched 101. Advertisement Foutch had a monster sophomore campaign in 2024, posting a 0.81 ERA, 20 strikeouts and one save in 20 appearances, and opened his junior season as the Razorbacks closer before losing the job because of a 4.09 ERA in 21 appearances, struggling with his secondary pitches. 'We saw some optimization opportunities there,' Pearson said. 'Definitely the velo, definitely the size and just the chance to get to really good secondaries and pairs that all together could give him a shot to be pretty interesting.' Similarly, in the ninth round, the Sox selected another of the SEC's hardest-throwing relievers in LSU flamethrower Jacob Mayers. The 6-5, 220-pound righthander has a sinker that sits at 96-97 miles per hour and has touched 102, with nearly 23 inches of induced vertical break — one of the best marks in the country. But in his junior season at LSU, Mayers posted a 4.80 ERA over 15 innings with a concerning 27.8 percent walk rate. 'Just a fun arm with some upside,' Pearson said. 'And we were excited to get him.' The Sox opened Monday with the fourth-round selection of Mason White, a power-hitting infielder from Arizona. White hit .327 with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs in 65 games as a junior, and cut down on his strikeout rate from 35.6 percent as a sophomore to 25.3 percent as a junior — albeit still a high number 'He cut down his lift rate a lot, and has just continued to get better. Gets the ball near the pull side with some power,' Pearson said. 'He fits what we do here, well, and especially at a premium position, with a guy we didn't want to miss on.' Advertisement In the 13th round, the Sox selected Jack Winnay, a Newton product who played at Belmont Hill. Winnay played the infield and the outfield over his three seasons at Wake Forest, mashing 20 home runs as a sophomore and 15 as a junior. The Sox also spent only one draft pick on a high school prospect, coming with the selection of Fabian Bonilla out of Christian Military Academy (Puerto Rico) in the 19th round. 'It's a result of how the board went,' Pearson said of the lack of high school selections. 'We've had a lot of success with high school hitters recently. And if there were ones we could access that we really like, we certainly would have taken them.' Matty Wasserman can be reached at


Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Pearson Advances English Language Assessment with Enhanced PTE and New Express Test - Middle East Business News and Information
Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announces updates to its English language testing portfolio. These include enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the launch of the Pearson English Express Test, bringing new advances in secure, accurate, and trusted assessments. Together, they demonstrate Pearson's commitment to improving the testing experience for governments, universities, and test takers worldwide. With over 30 million expatriates in the Middle East, English fluency is becoming essential for career and economic advancement. Driven by demand for international education, global job mobility, and digital transformation, the region is placing growing emphasis on English proficiency. According to Pearson, 85% of learners believe English is vital for professional growth, and in Saudi Arabia, fluent speakers can earn up to twice as much as their peers. In response, regional stakeholders are ramping up efforts to deliver effective language training, digital learning solutions and standardized assessments for the future workforce. Enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Starting in August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: 'Respond to a Situation' and 'Summarize a Group Discussion'. These additions precisely assess how test takers communicate in real-world situations, demonstrating key skills needed for academic and professional success. The scoring model is also being enhanced, with advanced AI working alongside human experts to better detect copied or unoriginal responses. To help test takers perform at their best, Pearson has introduced new preparation resources tailored to the enhanced PTE Academic, including scored practice tests, PTE expert courseware, test taker webinars, and video content. Trusted fundamentals remain The core features of PTE remain: it is fully computer-based, primarily AI scored, and delivers fast results, typically within two days. The test continues to be trusted by more than 3,500 institutions and millions of learners worldwide. Growth in global test center network PTE's secure test center network continues to expand worldwide, with 30 centers opened so far in 2025, bringing the total to 517 locations. New openings across Canada, China, Australia, India, Vietnam, and 12 other countries are supporting growth in key migration and study abroad markets. In the UAE, leading universities including the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah already accept PTE Academic as part of their admissions process. Introducing the Pearson English Express Test Responding to demand for a trusted, accessible test for US-bound learners, Pearson is launching the Pearson English Express Test, a new online assessment to expand access to secure testing. The one-hour test can be taken anytime, anywhere, offering an affordable alternative for those without access to a test center. Results are available within minutes, with a certified report delivered in under 48 hours. Meeting university needs The Pearson English Express Test addresses the growing demand from universities for secure and accurate English proficiency assessments. Institutions can set scores using Pearson's Global Scale of English (GSE) proficiency scale and receive results through the same secure platform used for PTE Academic. Universities will receive samples of written and spoken responses for added assurance. Security features leverage Pearson's 30 years of expertise, and include identity and equipment checks, human oversight, and dual-camera monitoring of the test environment. Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, said: 'Across the Middle East, demand for high-quality English language assessment is growing rapidly as learners pursue global education, career, and migration opportunities. We are investing in the future of assessment. We know that English tests must reflect the skills people need to thrive in academic and professional settings and deliver results institutions can trust when the stakes are high. We're responding with enhanced test security and new tasks that better reflect real-world communication. And because these are life-changing moments for test takers, we're providing new preparation tools to help them feel confident and ready on test day.' Helping more learners take the next step Pearson's latest investments meet the different needs of governments, institutions, and learners worldwide, as part of an ongoing programme of innovation and development. Enhancements to PTE Academic take effect from 7 August 2025, with further information available on our website. The Pearson English Express test will be available from Q4 in Brazil, Mexico, the US, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, with additional markets to follow in 2026.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Pearson advances English language assessment with enhanced PTE and new express test
Dubai, UAE – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announces updates to its English language testing portfolio. These include enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the launch of the Pearson English Express Test, bringing new advances in secure, accurate, and trusted assessments. Together, they demonstrate Pearson's commitment to improving the testing experience for governments, universities, and test takers worldwide. With over 30 million expatriates in the Middle East, English fluency is becoming essential for career and economic advancement. Driven by demand for international education, global job mobility, and digital transformation, the region is placing growing emphasis on English proficiency. According to Pearson, 85% of learners believe English is vital for professional growth, and in Saudi Arabia, fluent speakers can earn up to twice as much as their peers. In response, regional stakeholders are ramping up efforts to deliver effective language training, digital learning solutions and standardized assessments for the future workforce. Enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Starting in August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: 'Respond to a Situation' and 'Summarize a Group Discussion'. These additions precisely assess how test takers communicate in real-world situations, demonstrating key skills needed for academic and professional success. The scoring model is also being enhanced, with advanced AI working alongside human experts to better detect copied or unoriginal responses. To help test takers perform at their best, Pearson has introduced new preparation resources tailored to the enhanced PTE Academic, including scored practice tests, PTE expert courseware, test taker webinars, and video content. Trusted fundamentals remain The core features of PTE remain: it is fully computer-based, primarily AI scored, and delivers fast results, typically within two days. The test continues to be trusted by more than 3,500 institutions and millions of learners worldwide. Growth in global test center network PTE's secure test center network continues to expand worldwide, with 30 centers opened so far in 2025, bringing the total to 517 locations. New openings across Canada, China, Australia, India, Vietnam, and 12 other countries are supporting growth in key migration and study abroad markets. In the UAE, leading universities including the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah already accept PTE Academic as part of their admissions process. Introducing the Pearson English Express Test Responding to demand for a trusted, accessible test for US-bound learners, Pearson is launching the Pearson English Express Test, a new online assessment to expand access to secure testing. The one-hour test can be taken anytime, anywhere, offering an affordable alternative for those without access to a test center. Results are available within minutes, with a certified report delivered in under 48 hours. Meeting university needs The Pearson English Express Test addresses the growing demand from universities for secure and accurate English proficiency assessments. Institutions can set scores using Pearson's Global Scale of English (GSE) proficiency scale and receive results through the same secure platform used for PTE Academic. Universities will receive samples of written and spoken responses for added assurance. Security features leverage Pearson's 30 years of expertise, and include identity and equipment checks, human oversight, and dual-camera monitoring of the test environment. Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, said: 'Across the Middle East, demand for high-quality English language assessment is growing rapidly as learners pursue global education, career, and migration opportunities. We are investing in the future of assessment. We know that English tests must reflect the skills people need to thrive in academic and professional settings and deliver results institutions can trust when the stakes are high. We're responding with enhanced test security and new tasks that better reflect real-world communication. And because these are life-changing moments for test takers, we're providing new preparation tools to help them feel confident and ready on test day.' Helping more learners take the next step Pearson's latest investments meet the different needs of governments, institutions, and learners worldwide, as part of an ongoing programme of innovation and development. Enhancements to PTE Academic take effect from 7 August 2025, with further information available on our website. The Pearson English Express test will be available from Q4 in Brazil, Mexico, the US, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, with additional markets to follow in 2026. About Pearson At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at


Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
All is well with Sophie Turner, boyfriend Peregrine Pearson
Things seem pretty fine between the 'Game of Thrones' star Sophie Turner and her boyfriend Peregrine Pearson after the rumours of their split made rounds recently. The actress, 29, and the British aristocrat, 30, were spotted enjoying a PDA-filled walk through London's Notting Hill neighborhood, reports 'People' magazine. Photos show Turner pulling Pearson in close for a kiss and the couple embracing in a hug. Other snaps show them taking a stroll with their arms around each other and holding hands. As per 'People', for the outing, Turner wore a midriff-baring gray long-sleeve shirt and sweatpants, while Pearson wore a blue button-up shirt and dark pants. Both kept it casual, accessorizing with sunglasses and sneakers. Sophie Turner and Peregrine Pearson. Photo: @sophiet/Instagram The couple's latest outing comes after split rumors began to swirl earlier this year. Speculation that the pair had broken up surfaced in April 2025 when fans noticed that Turner had unfollowed Pearson on Instagram. Despite the unfollow at the time, photos of Turner and Pearson together remained on her page, including her birthday tribute for him in October 2024. "Happy birthday my angel pie', she wrote alongside romantic photos of them in the post's caption. "30, flirty and thriving'. As of this article's posting, Turner follows Pearson again on Instagram. Turner and Pearson were first linked in October 2023. At the time, they were photographed kissing in Paris, where they were attending the Rugby World Cup Final. The sparks continued to fly when they were spotted kissing on an outing in London in December 2023, and Turner shared photos from a ski trip with Pearson on Instagram in January 2024. In July 2024, Turner and Pearson attended the British Open Polo Championship in England together at Pearson's family estate. Pearson was photographed giving Turner a piggyback ride. Indo-Asian News Service


NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Sophie Turner, Boyfriend Peregrine Pearson Dismiss Split Rumours With A PDA-Filled Stroll In London
Los Angeles: Things seem pretty fine between the Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and her boyfriend Peregrine Pearson after the rumours of their split made rounds recently. The actress, 29, and the British aristocrat, 30, were spotted enjoying a PDA-filled walk through London's Notting Hill neighborhood, reports 'People' magazine. Photos show Turner pulling Pearson in close for a kiss and the couple embracing in a hug. Other snaps show them taking a stroll with their arms around each other and holding hands. As per 'People', for the outing, Turner wore a midriff-baring gray long-sleeve shirt and sweatpants, while Pearson wore a blue button-up shirt and dark pants. Both kept it casual, accessorizing with sunglasses and sneakers. The couple's latest outing comes after split rumors began to swirl earlier this year. Speculation that the pair had broken up surfaced in April 2025 when fans noticed that Turner had unfollowed Pearson on Instagram. Despite the unfollow at the time, photos of Turner and Pearson together remained on her page, including her birthday tribute for him in October 2024. "Happy birthday my angel pie', she wrote alongside romantic photos of them in the post's caption. "30, flirty and thriving'. As of this article's posting, Turner follows Pearson again on Instagram. Turner and Pearson were first linked in October 2023. At the time, they were photographed kissing in Paris, where they were attending the Rugby World Cup Final. The sparks continued to fly when they were spotted kissing on an outing in London in December 2023, and Turner shared photos from a ski trip with Pearson on Instagram in January 2024. In July 2024, Turner and Pearson attended the British Open Polo Championship in England together at Pearson's family estate. Pearson was photographed giving Turner a piggyback ride.