Horizon students shine at Edexcel exam

Horizon College International ( HCI), set to mark its fourth anniversary in January 2012 since venturing into the field of education, has once again in this short period of time, achieved a remarkable feat at the Primary and Lower Secondary achievement tests for those within 8- 14 years in English, Mathematics and Science conducted by Edexcel. The students who sat the exam brought honour to themselves as well as the school as the results showed 100 per cent succes, achieved by the students who were put through their paces by their dedicated and diligent teachers who work to ensure that the students under their guidance are given the best, scholastically.

This was the first time that Edexcel, which is the largest awarding body for academic and vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom that provides students access to universities and career opportunities in over 90 countries worldwide. Edexcel held this specialty test in the given subjects so as to recognise the standard of education that students reach through their respective educational institutes. As such, Horizon College International can be justifiably proud that within four years, all 20 students who sat this special exam passed in all three subjects while some went on to reach greater heights by winning special awards.

At the High Achievers’ Award Ceremony 2012, which was endorsed by Pearson Qualifications International and held at the Museus Auditorium on November 26, 2012, Punsara Tennekoon won the Primary Award for Mathematics and Science, and was also placed 7th in the world in both subjects. She was further recognised for Best Performance June 2012 at the Primary achievement, based on the highest average. Thus this double winner – Punsara – ( a student of Horizon from the very inception), has proved that the education and mentoring that students at Horizon College International receive are on par with the

At the High Achievers’ Award Ceremony 2012, which was

endorsed by Pearson Qualifications International and held at the Museus Auditorium on November 26, 2012, Punsara Tennekoon won the Primary Award for Mathematics and Science, and was also placed 7th

in the world in both subjects

best available, anywhere in the country.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, four other students too were Best Performers – at the Primary level it was Sakshi Vyas, and in the Lower Secondary, Nirasha Kav i n d i Jayasekera, Maneth Fernando and Tharushi Ratnayaka were so recognised.

Encouraging students to sit this international exam, the management of Horizon College informed the parents to submit the application if they so desired since there is a fee involved. Students whose parents so responded got the opportunity to sit an exam conducted at international level, at the Horizon complex as the officials of Edexcel, having vetted the environment and the facilities available at Horizon’s purpose built school, approved its examination hall as a suitable venue to conduct the exam with a senior officer being the invigilator.

The Edexcel exam was conducted under the aegis of the British Council in Colombo. Premila Paulraj, assistant vice president, Pearson Edexcel, Indian Subcontinent, said that this is the first time that Edexcel has recognized Primary and Lower Secondary students for their performance at the achievement tests held this year. “These achievement tests are held in several countries and provide Sri Lankan stu- dents the opportunity to sit for public exams and compete at an international level from a very young age. These tests will no doubt strengthen the competency level of students between 8- 14 years, and help them improve their performance at international GCSE’s and beyond,” she said. While congratulating the winners and their teachers for all the hard work that led to these remarkable achievements, she added that the exceptional growth in the number of students who sit these Edexcel exams is a clear indication of the high level of performance Sri Lankan children are capable of at world class examinations.

Also adding his sentiments was Tony Reilly, OBE, country director, British Council, Sri Lanka who said that acquiring an international recognised qualification from the UK opens up a wealth of opportunities, not only educational and professional but personal as well. The results achieved by the Sri Lankan students are not just impressive by local standards but shows that these students are among the best in the world. As such, all these achievers should be extremely proud, he said.

From the very beginning in January 2009, Horizon College International had set its targets and goals – for without a goal one would not know in which direction to proceed.

Thus, with sheer dedication and diligence, underscored by a professional approach, and at the same time being conscious of the correct values, the management and staff at Horizon College International has strived to inculcate the best in the children who came under their care and guidance.

And as they go on to mark their fourth anniversary in a few weeks, they have been able to mould the students to accept good values that can make them good human beings who know what is right and what is wrong, so that they become responsible citizens who would one day not only serve, but perhaps even lead their country.