Hong Kong Children Pioneer New Computer-based Cambridge English Test

CAMBRIDGE, England, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

At the end of March, 48 children from Hong Kong sat the first ever computer-based Cambridge English: Young Learners test which was developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment. The test used the latest computer-based technology to measure the children's English language skills in listening, reading, writing and even speaking where they have to interact with a computer-generated animated character.  To celebrate their success, the children were invited to a ceremony at the British Consulate in Hong Kong where they were presented with their certificates.

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"The children all did really well thanks to the support from their parents and teachers," commented Deshini Chetty, Assistant Director of Business Development at Cambridge English Language Assessment. She continued: "They showed a high level of commitment to English language learning and a good grasp of technology. The computer-based Cambridge English Young Learners test is ideal for the hi-tech generation and provides really great structure for effective learning. The children found the test to be a fun experience which is really encouraging to hear."

ESF Educational Services - a well-established provider of quality extra-curricular language and sports courses in Hong Kong - hosted the first test on 24 March. Chris Uphill, ESF's Examinations Manager, commented:

"The first test went really well and it's great to see the children back celebrating their success. I'm sure computer based Cambridge English Young Learners will be really popular in Hong Kong as it's a very hi-tech place where children have excellent education aspirations. The test meets the high standards that students and parents expect from Cambridge with the added advantage of being in an interactive format that children are comfortable with."

The test was developed in collaboration with Chinese testing services and technologies specialists ATA.  Mr. Kevin Ma, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ATA, stated: "We are delighted to see our testing technologies serving and pioneered by Chinese speaking English learners through working with Cambridge. This is an exciting moment to see our technologies being implemented throughout the world and enabling children to learn English more effectively."

Further dates will be issued across Hong Kong and the test will also be launched globally later in the year. A version for iPads and tablets will also be launched later in the year. 

Celebrating its centenary year, Cambridge English Language Assessment is the world's leading provider of language assessment for learners and teachers of English, with over four million candidates a year in 130 countries. It is a part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge, which is regularly placed No. 1 in rankings of the world's universities.

Notes to the Editor

Cambridge English Language Assessment:

Cambridge English Language Assessment (Cambridge English) is a department of the 800 year-old University of Cambridge, England - recently ranked the world's number one university by the prestigious QS Topuniversity.com listings.

Cambridge English exams are taken by over 4 million people every year in 130 countries and recognized by more than 11,000 universities, employers and government departments. They are backed by a world-leading program of academic and practical research and by quality management systems certified to international standards.

Cambridge English exams include a wide range of general, academic and professional language qualifications such as the Cambridge English: Advanced Exam, as well as qualifications for language teachers and special tests designed to motivate and encourage children who are learning English. Cambridge English also produces the IELTS tests, which are widely used by US universities.

SOURCE Cambridge English