While Cambridge exams have been available in Russia for several years, a number of exciting new developments are contributing to their ever increasing popularity.
Motivating children to learn English
Thanks to the British Council, the Young Learners English Tests are now available in state and private schools across Russia. These tests are already used all over the world by institutions looking for an enjoyable and non-threatening way to assess the English language of seven to twelve year olds. They provide a gentle introduction to public exams and research shows that children find the tests highly motivating.
The tests have been enthusiastically received in Russia by teachers, parents and children alike. Late last year, Chris Scott-Barrett, Cambridge ESOL’s Development Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, experienced this enthusiasm first hand when he handed out certificates at an awards ceremony in Ekaterinburg in the Urals region of Russia. Here, for the first time, over 40 candidates from two primary schools in the city had taken the Young Learners tests and were delighted to receive their awards.
Encouraging career development for teachers
The TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) centre in Moscow – the Open Education Institute, which is part of the Moscow City Education Department – was approved last year and has been active in promoting the tests in the Russian capital. 100 tests were taken at the first exam session in December, covering all three modules. Russians travel long distances to take exams and there are reports of teachers from Siberia travelling to Moscow to take the test. It is expected that more TKT exam centres will be set up in other parts of the country in coming months.
Providing local support
There are now two ESOL consultants based in Russia – Julia Skugarova in Moscow and Irina Kolesnikova in St Petersburg. Both have been busy visiting schools and universities and giving presentations to teachers, students and parents. This has meant that students of all ages are showing more interest in taking Cambridge ESOL exams, rather than simply following preparation courses.
The Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow is one of the institutions which is now actively preparing their students for FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and BEC (Business English Certificates). The Rector of this institution has encouraged HSE affiliates in St Petersburg and other regional cities to enter candidates for the exams.
Working with the Ministry of Education
Cambridge ESOL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Institute of Educational Measurement. This is the quality assurance arm of the Russian Ministry of Education, which is involved in developing the new standardised national school-leaving examination in Russia. A number of joint projects are now being considered.