Cambridge English: Centenary 1913-2013

2013 was a special year for Cambridge; it marked the 100 year anniversary of Cambridge English exams, coincided with the change of the name to Cambridge English Language Assessment as well as with the introduction of the revised Proficiency Test (spring 2013), the first Cambridge exam, which was administered in 1913.

The test has reached the grand old age of 100, and, as every big birthday dictates, a programme of events was staged around the world such as: Centenary Competitions for schools; Centenary Exams Centres Awards, the Centenary Birthday Celebration in Cambridge, which was attended by selected people from all over the world; regional receptions etc.

In Greece the big birthday was celebrated on the 29th of August, at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Athens.

The event was like a ‘family’ reunion since it gave the chance to people who played a key role in the development and growth of the Cambridge exams to be together again. 

The celebration opened with the welcome speech of the British Ambassador Mr John Kittmer. Michael Carty, Development Manager Greece, Cyprus and Adria, followed. 

Anastasia Spyropoulou (anastasia@eltnews.gr)

Last but not least Roger Johnson, Director Assessment and Operations Group, stepped on the podium and gave a short presentation focusing on some key aspects of the history of Cambridge Exams.

“UCLES started in 1858 to test students wanting to enter the university. The first ESOL test was Proficiency in 1913. Back in 1913 Proficiency was over 12 hours long. It attracted three candidates and all three failed. 

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