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Key Stage 5 at EGIS

In the UK, Key Stage 5 or Sixth Form represents the 2 years of post-IGCSE academic education, where students prepare for their AS/A Level examinations. The term sixth form describes the school years Year 12 and Year 13, which are called the Lower Sixth (L6) and Upper Sixth (U6) respectively.

The graduation/leaving year in Egypt is Year 12. Egyptian students should complete 12 years of schooling in an international system. Anyone wishing to apply to Egyptian universities should therefore complete 6 years of “Ebtedeya” or Primary school (Y1-Y6) / plus 3 years Lower Secondary (or middle school) also referred to as “Edadeya” Preparatory (Y7-Y9) and 3 years of Upper Secondary “Thanawiya” (Y10-12). Each university will choose the highest IGCSE grades according to the requirements of each faculty, in line with the decisions of the Supreme Council of Universities in Egypt.

In KS5 we prepare students for success, whether in exams, higher education, or life in general; and realising every student’s highest academic potential has always been at the heart of our goals, we also believe that the senior year is the time to build personal qualities that bring success in university and adult life. 

We view our Sixth Form students as young adults who have already achieved a great deal in their school life. We offer them privileges, such as: no longer abiding by the EGIS school uniform, but following their own unique dress code and we expect that they conduct themselves as mature and responsible young ladies and gentlemen. In addition, the tuition fee is based on the number of courses/exams taken (maximum of 4, over this number, the full year fee applies). This decision was made in 2018 to encourage more students to aim higher and have high expectations, and to carefully plan out their courses of study.  We ask Year 12 & 13 to be role models for younger students and representatives of the school to the wider world. We expect them to take more responsibility for organising their studies and time; we provide them with opportunities to take on responsibilities in and outside school; and we raise their awareness of the world around them and guide them in finding ways to make a positive contribution.

By the end of Year 12, students must finish at least 8 IGCSEs with a minimum grade C/4 or above, in order to be considered a candidate for high school graduation in Egypt. Most of our students graduate and get admission to universities after Year 12, after having successfully finished 8 IGCSEs, as well as, optional 2 AS Levels or 1 A-Level depending on the degree and Egyptian university of choice.

APPLICATIONS TO EGYPTIAN UNIVERSITIES:

Please note that this information may be subject to change and is included for guidance purposes only. Each student should check the entry requirements at the specific university that they would like to enter.

New Numerical 9-1 Grading System IGCSE

Equivalency

Letter Grade system scale  AS/A Levels

9

Highest Grade in the Egyptian System

A*

8

100%

A

7

95%

 

6

88%

(85%)  B

5

82%

 

4

70%

C

Enrollment in Egyptian universities requires passing in the mandatory subjects, this will apply to students as follows:

Eight IGCSE subjects with a minimum Grade 4 or C, plus one A level subject with a minimum Grade D.
(8 IGCSEs + 1 A level) or (8 IGCSEs + 2 AS) 
This applies for Faculties with theoretical components.

In addition to the above, Egyptian students are required to study and pass Arabic Language, Religion, Civics/Citizenship Studies and attend Thanawiya Amma Exams set by the Ministry. If a candidate does not pass these subjects at school, he/she must re-sit the supplementary exam set by the university or else will not be conferred the degree.

All students are entitled to register for the examination in their chosen subjects provided that they meet the basic requirements of the course which means a minimum of 85% attendance rating in the course, or completed coursework and controlled assessment (Mock exam) with a minimum grade of 6/B in IGCSE or a C in AS/A Levels.

With good organisational planning, we have had some exceptional students who were able to complete 3 A-Levels at the end of Year 12.  Students may also opt to continue to Year 13 to complete 3 A-Levels in order to satisfy the admission requirements for universities in the UK and parts of Europe.  AS level qualification is equivalent to half of A Level. The AS subjects are then carried into the A2 year (the dropped AS being “cashed in” as a qualification) and further exams are taken at the end of Year 13. The marks attained in both sets of exams are converted into UCAS points, which must meet the offer made by the student’s chosen university if applying to UK universities.

We are proud of the positive relationships our students enjoy with each other and with their teachers and we value highly the happiness and well-being of each student in our care. Supportive and positive relationships are of key importance in our culturally diverse and often transient international community and it is vital that students settle quickly, and feel at ease in their school life and new environment.

The Tutor System

Each student is part of a Tutor group which is cared for by a Form Tutor. Students meet their tutors every morning and have further contact with them as part of the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme. The tutor oversees the social and academic progress of their Tutor group and is a first point of contact to help with worries or concerns, as well as, to celebrate achievements and successes during monthly assembly.

The work of our team of tutors is led by the Head of Secondary (Pastoral care), in conjunction with the Deputy Principal, who together provide further sources of support and advice for both students and parents.

Student Responsibilities in the University Application Process:

For students in Year 12 and 13, the university application process is the first step towards individual independence. It is a complicated, demanding and time-consuming process. It can also be an exciting and enriching experience. You will have to do a lot of research and spend a lot of time filling out applications and writing personal essays. However, this will give you a chance to look at who you are, what you value and what you want to do with your life. You will have to make some important decisions, develop self-reliance and confidence, and perhaps for the first time think about life on your own, outside the environment of your family life. 

Suggestions for students in Year 11:

Choosing IGCSE/AS/A Level Courses – Make sure to do some research regarding what you’d like to study at university in order to make informed decisions about which courses to take. Make an appointment to talk to course teachers and the Deputy Principal to see what the best options are for you.

Suggestions for students in Year 12:

  • Create a “shortlist of universities”
  • Meet the Deputy Principal about your choices and fill out the College Readiness Form. Narrow your list of universities/colleges to between 5 and 10.

Create a Master list or Calendar that includes:

  • Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines
  • College application due dates
  • Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines
  • Other materials you’ll need (Recommendations, Record of Grades/Transcripts, etc.), do not wait till the last minute to request them.

Prepare “Early Decision/Early Action” or “Rolling Admission” applications as soon as possible:
October 15 of your Year 12/13 year is the deadline for Oxbridge applications and applications for Medicine/Veterinary in the UK

Nov. 1–15: Colleges/Universities may require test scores and applications between these dates for early decision admission in the US.

Suggestions for students in Year 13:
All students interested in applying to universities abroad should be completing this process from September to December. There are exceptions and differences for each region and country so do your research early!

For EXAMPLE:

  • To apply to UK Universities, a website called UCAS.com is used. EGIS has been designated as a UCAS centre since 2019, so the Deputy Principal will have a “Buzzword” that you will need in order to apply.
  • To apply to universities/colleges in the United States, CommonApp.org is a website that MOST universities use, other colleges may have a different platform, and others still will require you to apply through their own website. You will need to complete the SAT or ACT requirements for most colleges, unless you are applying to a college that is “test optional.”
  • For Universities in Europe, you will need to apply through the website directly, and some will ask you to have a CV prepared. For the Netherlands, you will have to submit your application through the Dutch joint application system called Studielink
  • For Universities in Ontario, Canada you apply through OUAC.on.ca, but in some cases it is better to apply to the university DIRECTLY.
  • All Egyptians students can apply to universities in Egypt which should be done directly with chosen university starting from February for private universities and much later in August, upon receiving the required qualifications (8 IGCSEs and relevant AS/A Level requirements) for state universities depending on the degree of choice. 

Basic items that should be taken care of for applications are:

  1. Asking for letters of Reference from teachers of relevant subjects and following up on submitting/receiving them.
  2. Completing the TOEFL or IELTS test, and giving yourself time to repeat it if necessary.

Students can register and take the TOEFL exam through AMIDEAST.org

IELTS can be taken through the British Council. Both exams contain a speaking, reading, writing and listening component.

  1. Filling out the applications for the universities that you are interested in applying to and communicating with the university’s admissions center if more details or information is needed to complete the application.

Where do you want to study?

When asking this question, you should first realise that the AS/A Level is a rigorous and demanding programme that provides you with a first-class preparation for your future after EGIS. Students follow a course of study with a reputation for academic excellence, and universities throughout the world recognise the AS/A Levels as an entrance qualification to higher education degree courses. In some countries, such as the United States or Canada, the A Level certificate qualifies students for academic credits.

Resources for researching courses and universities:

  • The official UCAS (University Counseling webpage): Students applying to UK universities must apply through the UCAS site for most courses. This site has all the information students need to research courses, universities, get advice for writing personal statements, and more.
  • University websites: Every college and university maintains its own website offering all information on courses, programmes, course and application requirements, and even virtual tours of the campus.
  • Eunicas is a website which can help search all university programmes in Europe which are taught in English. Please note that fees quoted are for EU citizens/residents. It is not recommended that you apply through Eunicas, but just use it as a reference tool.