Newsroom
150 years of ‘Examining the World’
14 February 2008
A unique insight into the history of exams – from the introduction of the first Cambridge school examinations in the UK to their adoption around the world – has been captured in a book; Examining the World: A History of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.
The book was unveiled at a special ceremony in Cambridge on 11 February 2008, 150 years to the day that the Syndicate – now known as Cambridge Assessment – was formally established. Created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Cambridge Assessment, the book explains how, during a period of immense changes in examining, the organisation has evolved into a leading world authority on assessment, delivering examinations to millions of learners worldwide.
Examining the World describes the development of Cambridge examinations from the early days to their present form, by authors associated with Cambridge Assessment and other parts of the University. Reflecting on wider changes in world politics as well as education, it also draws on archival material, including photographs and evidence of the impact of two world wars.
The book is published by Cambridge University Press and available from www.cambridge.org.
The launch of the book coincides with the opening of a special ‘150th anniversary’ archive exhibition from Cambridge Assessment. More than 40 archived documents and photographs feature in the exhibition, which can be viewed at www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk.
