Himali Boarding School, Kurseong (Darjeeling district) was formally inaugurated as the first Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) centre in north-east India by Mark Bartholomew, regional manager, South Asia of CIE on May 16. With the Himali Boarding-CIE link established, from the year 2006 HBS students will have the option of writing the A and AS level examinations of CIE. “On May 16, 2005 we have entered the chronicles of educational history. By becoming a component of an internationally accepted and esteemed university, Himali Boarding School will offer the eastern Himalayas and whole of eastern India something no other institution in this region has done in the past, a global playing field where the children not only of our region, but of seven neighbouring states and three neighbouring countries will have an opportunity to compete and be accredited by a university that is without an iota of doubt, one of the finest in the world. The A level and AS level examinations are internationally recognised, allowing children who graduate from Indian schools easy access into universities worldwide,” says Robindra Subba, director of HBS. Himali Boarding School was promoted by Major T.B. Subba and Mrs. Subba in 1978 with 39 boarders and 15 dayscholars. It was affiliated to the Delhi-based CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) in 1998 and currently has 957 students in classes K-XII on its rolls. Also read: Himali Boarding School Kurseong Podar International’s CIE programme The Mumbai-based Podar International School has been declared the first Indian School to offer the new primary programme of the Cambridge International Examinations board. “By offering the primary programme of CIE, Podar International will be bringing best practices in international early education to students in Mumbai. As India is advancing towards globalisation it has become imperative that our children learn the true spirit of internationalism- glocalisation to “think global act local”, says Vandana Lulla director of Podar International School. Podar International School has been managed by the Anandilal & Ganesh Podar Society since 1927 and recently completed its platinum jubilee. A public charitable trust, it has a long history of meritorious service to the citizens of India. Also read: Podar International School, Navi Mumbai IISc-Cardiff cooperation agreement The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and Cardiff University, Wales (UK) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 3, under which the two institutes will cooperate in the fields of science and technology, with particular emphasis on the engineering sector. “Cardiff University has established itself as one of the leading education and research institutions in the UK, with links with other global institutions, an international student base, meaningful exchange programmes and relationships with commercial organisations around the world. This partnership with IISc is a strategic decision which we are sure will be mutually beneficial to both institutions. The recent announcement by the Indian ministry of finance on the allocation of funds for investment in IISc to develop it along the lines of leading global institutions of higher education and research and development organisations, has further…
