Edexcel, in collaboration with British Council, conducted its 3rd Academic Award on December 13 at the Hall of Fame of Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, for students who achieved outstanding results in their international GCSE and A' Level examinations in 2014. Awards were presented to students who obtained a minimum of 7 A Grades in International GCSE, 4 A Grades in A' Level in one sitting and obtained World Highest marks in individual subjects. Moreover, this year there were special awards for junior students who attained excellent results in their first ever PLSC (Primary and Lower Secondary Curriculum) exams.

In the welcome speech, Saidur Rahman, Country Manager of Edexcel Bangladesh, proudly acknowledged the success of the 505 awardees present that day. Mr. Simon Young, Regional Director of Pearson Edexcel, further praised the “phenomenal performance” of students of 2014 exams despite it being one of the most difficult examinations in the world.  He went on to say to the students, “Your results not only define your future, but it also determines it for the future generations.” On a similar note, Mr Brendan McSharry OBE, Acting Director of British Council, Bangladesh, told the students: “Today is your day.”

Manos Kapterian, Senior Vice President of Pearson Qualifications International, described the event as an “incredibly important milestone”. He believed it was necessary to acknowledge the journey these students embarked upon – thinking back on how hard they worked and the depth of knowledge they had gained. He gave the students some advice, emphasizing the significance of being confident and taking risks. Concluding his motivational speech, he said, “Never go home regretting what you did, or worse, what you didn't do.”

Following this speech, Robert W. Gibson, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, addressed the students: “You can't rest too long, because the competition for success is huge – it is global.” Chief Guest, Professor Dr. A.K. Azad Chowdhury, Chairman (State Minister), University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, reflected on the vitality of education and called upon the students to bring honour and glory to their nation.

After the speeches there was a dance performed by students of Maple Leaf International School. Upholding the celebratory spirit, all the high achievers were invited to the stage one by one to receive their certificates and medallions. Once all the students were presented with their awards, Deep Adhikari, Director of Examinations, British Council, Bangladesh, took the stage to make a speech. “This is only possible because of your schools, teachers and parents. So turn around and thank them for your success.” Abdullah Al Mamun Liton, Regional Development Manager, Edexcel Bangladesh, was the last to grace the stage and express his thanks to everyone present.

Every year, there are more than 16,000 students sitting for these examinations in Bangladesh. This annual event of Edexcel is expected to encourage students, parents and schools to achieve even greater success in the future. Edexcel has also been providing support to organise The Daily Star Award Ceremony every year for high achievers. 

PHOTOS: DARSHAN CHAKMA