Chennai: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Cambridge Assessment English, a part of the University of Cambridge’s not-for-profit organisation involved in developing and producing the most valuable range of qualifications for learners as well as teachers of English, worldwide, is planning to introduce skill and communication development programme at elementary school level in Tamilnadu.

A pilot project is likely to be implemented by the end of this year and will become a full-fledged one from the next academic year, 2019-20.

Speaking to News Today, Regional Director – South Asia of the organisation, T K Arunachalam, said, “The idea popped up when I saw students, who completed school, struggling at an education fair even to express what they really needed. They think English as a mandatory part of employability, which actually it is not. But still, I thought this would be our responsibility to ensure they excel in communication skill.”

The programme, as Arunachalam said, would be focusing on children who belong to class one to five. “It is at this early age of life that they can be coached. Already, students of higher secondary classes are busy with competitive exams like NEET,” he added.

“Students from economically weaker sections lack confidence to speak in English. So, we chose to reach out to elementary classes,” said Cambridge Assessment English Deputy Director – Global Network, Liam Vint.

“The programme will be totally free where we first train the faculty members and proceed to students in affordable schools and government institutions,” he added.

Elaborating, Liam said, “We will be finding out organisations, NGOs and stakeholders interested in supporting us. The entire project will be activity-based and they will also be issued certificates for each level on a periodical basis. During the pilot programme this year, aspiring sponsors can visit the sessions and decide on tying up with us.”

According to statistics offered by Cambridge English, over 5 million Cambridge English exams are taken each year in more than 130 countries.

More than 20,000 universities, employers, government ministries and other organisations rely on Cambridge English exams and qualifications as proof of English language ability.

Cambridge English qualifications are in-depth exams that make learning English enjoyable, effective and rewarding. The qualifications are based on research on effective teaching and learning. They motivate people of all ages and abilities to learn English and develop practical skills for the real world.

The unique approach encourages continuous progression with a clear path to improving language skills. Each of the qualifications focuses on a level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), enabling learners to develop and build speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.