【Z-kai Group】
Z-kai Group to operate Cambridge English Examinations from March 2016
November 21, 2015
Globally recognized qualification for the improvement of the four English language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
November 2nd, 2015 – Zoshinkai Publisher Inc. (Headquarters : Sunto-gun, Shizuoka, Japan; CEO Takaaki Fujii, “Zoshinkai”) and its subsidiary The 21st Century Learning Research Institute, Inc. (Headquarters : Mishima-shi, Shizuoka-ken; CEO Hiroshi Kawajiri, “Learning Research Institute”) today announced that the two companies will operate as an authorized examination centre for Cambridge English Examinations from March 2016. Zoshinkai, which through its group company Z-kai Inc. (Headquarters: Sunto-gun, Shizuoka, Japan; CEO: Takaaki Fujii, “Z-kai”) has been providing English educational services for over 80 years will contribute to the improvement of English language skills, by offering the globally-recognized Cambridge English Examinations set by Cambridge English Language Assessment, the world’s leading authority on English language education.
Cambridge English Examinations, the world’s most widely-recognized qualification
Background
In recent years, we have seen more and more globalization and Japanese people are now facing a revolution in English language education. Our objective is to improve English language skills to enable people to communicate and cooperate in the global community. The realisation of this objective necessitates the acquisition of all of the four English language skills. Assessment of learners’ achievements in comparison with the international standard during the learning process is also important. The Learning Research Institute has decided therefore to offer Cambridge English Examinations in order to reach our objective.
About Cambridge English Examinations
◆Cambridge English Language Assessment, a non-profit part of the University of Cambridge and a division of the Cambridge Assessment Group, develops and operates Cambridge English Examinations. It offers the most appropriate examinations for junior and high school students wishing to acquire excellent communication skills. It helps prepare IELTS（International English Language Testing System）, required for studying abroad or for immigration procedures. Each year over 5 million people in 130 countries sit Cambridge English Examinations. Since offering its first examination for non-native English language learners over 100 years ago, Cambridge English Language Assessment has developed a unique approach to teaching, learning and assessing English language ability.
◆Cambridge English Examinations are globally recognized, including for admission to top-ranked universities and for evaluation of language skills by companies and governments both in Europe and around the world.
◆The Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) plays a central role in the establishment of policies for the learning, teaching and assessment of foreign languages. Cambridge English Language Assessment was involved in the development of the CEFR and all Cambridge English Examinations are aligned with the levels described by CEFR, from A1 for beginners up to C2 for proficient users. The wide range of examination levels helps learners to find the most suitable level for them.
◆In the Speaking test, two candidates have a conversation. This interactive communication indicates the candidate’s ability to use English not only as an oral exercise but for communication in a real-life situation.
About The 21st Century Learning Research Institute, Inc.
◆Zoshinkai founded the Learning Research Institute as a group member. The objective of the Learning Research Institute is “basic research” focusing on the competencies and learning abilities needed in present-day society, and the provision of assessment services.
◆The Learning Research Institute, Inc., defines “Basic Learning Competencies” as the knowledge, reasoning and expressive skills that encourage people to be active and to confront the changes arising from globalization or the spread of ICT. These competencies are called in general “global-mindedness” or “skills needed in the 21st Century”. Z-kai Group has since its foundation provided educational materials and teaching to improve reasoning skills. The Learning Research Institute, Inc. utilizes this know-how in the improvement of “Basic Learning Competencies”.
Our Perspectives
◆The Learning Research Institute will offer and promote Cambridge English Examinations as part of its strategy to improve “Basic Learning Competencies”. The examinations will be offered not only to individuals but also to public-sector schools in order to help promote Cambridge English Examinations.
◆The Learning Research Institute will open an authorized exam center in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture in March 2016, and the Tokyo (Chiyoda-ku) center will open in June 2016. A wide range of examinations, including CBT (computer-based testing) will be offered not only for junior and high school students but also for university students and business-related learners.
