Cambridge University Press (CUP) unveiled two new digital learning solutions in Bangalore on February 16. According to CUP spokespersons, the digital solutions will make learning maths and upgrading English-learning skills enjoyable for class III-VIII students.

Introducing the learning solutions to representatives of schools, Manish Doshi, vice president (education) of CUP, said Cambridge HOTmaths, originally an Australian product, has been thoroughly customised for Indian students and is mapped with the CBSE maths syllabus. “It enables teachers to keep tabs on students’ progress through continuous testing and assessment,” said Doshi speaking on the occasion.

Likewise, Communications 360 degrees — the English learning solution — develops listening and speaking skills through auditory and physical activity-based (kinaesthetic) learning aids and programmes.

British delegation at Inventure Academy

A high-level British delegation including James Brokenshire, UK’s immigration minister, Dominic McAllister, British deputy high commissioner in Bengaluru and Leighton Ernsberger, the British Council’s skills development expert, visited the CIE, UK and CISCE-affiliated Inventure Academy, Bangalore on February 19.

The objectives of the visit were to understand the key factors determining student choice to study abroad, including the UK; identify any perceptions or issues specific to the UK and visa policy; and to share key messages around visa policy and processes with students

“The facilities are fantastic, but what really impressed me are the ethos and values of the school which have made a real impact on students. I was lucky to meet a group of very talented and bright class XII students about to leave the school for university. They are great ambassadors for the school and I am sure these hugely talented, inspiring young people will go on to do incredible things,” said Brokenshire, after the day’s visit.

MPS student winners

Sailesh Ranjan and Nirmal Kumar — class X students of the Mother’s Public School (MPS), Bhubaneswar — were adjudged winners at the National CBSE Science Exhibition 2015-16 held in Delhi from February 8-10. Their project Wonder D-Rone, a robotic wheelchair for the specially abled with visual and loco-motor disabilities, was awarded first prize. The Wonder D-Rone was designed by the students at the Creya XEL Design Studio established within the MPS campus.

“This is an honour not just for our school but for all east zone CBSE schools. Our special thanks to our project mentors at Creya for their support in allowing our students to use their studio to build their prototype model,” says Poly Patnaik, director of MPS.

NPSC annual conference

The Delhi-based National Progressive Schools’ Conference (NPSC, estd.1973) conducted its 43rd annual conference on February 16-17 in Delhi based on the theme ‘Learning Revolution for Sustainable Development Goals’.

The conference presided by Ashok Pandey, principal of Ahlcon International School, Delhi, and NPSC chairman, was attended by principals of 150 member schools and addressed by a galaxy of academics and education leaders including Prof. C. Raj Kumar, vice chancellor of Jindal University, Sonipat, Dr. Yajulu Medury, vice chancellor of Bennett University, and Prof. Anant Aggarwal, the US-based CEO of edX — the global Moocs (massive open online courses) platform promoted by MIT (Boston) and Harvard University.

“Focusing on sustainable development goals is an attempt to not only acknowledge the pressing needs of the global environment, but also to renew our commitment towards achieving them. Through the day’s deliberations, we focused on promoting peace, creativity and innovation, integrating and perpetuating India’s art and cultural heritage, and learning to accept diversity,” said Pandey, speaking on the occasion.

ITARI inaugurates new facility

ITARI (Indus Training & Research Institute), Bangalore has launched a new training and research centre sited on the campus of the top-ranked Indus International School, Bangalore (IIS-B, estd.2003). The new facility was inaugurated by Prof. Kevin Mattinson, associate dean and head of the School of Education, Birmingham City University, and Sushil Mantri, chairman of the Indus Trust.

The academic programmes offered by ITARI in association with reputed British universities and syndicates including Cambridge International Examinations (CIE, UK) and Birmingham City University, UK, are recognized in 140 countries.

During the past six years, ITARI has certified 662 teachers with 75 percent of graduates placed in premier international schools countrywide. “One of the prime factors behind the growth of international schools in India whose number has increased from 11 in 2003 to 107 currently, is that they encourage creativity and free thinking. ITARI seeks to fulfill their demand for excellent teachers by developing a professional learning community with teaching and leadership skills,” said Sarojini Rao, principal of IIS-B and advisor of ITARI, speaking on the occasion.