Ministry of Education accredits University of Cambridge International Examinations Year 9 programme Pre-IGCSE

The programme is designed for Year 9 students.

The programme known as Pre-IGCSE will help prepare students for Cambridge IGCSE, an internationally recognised qualification for secondary students. The accreditation will be formally announced on June 19, by H.E the Minister of Education, Yosri El Gamal, at the Ministry of Education.

The reintroduction of Year 6 to the primary stage of the Egyptian education system means that students stay in the education system a further year before beginning their Cambridge IGCSE studies. Through the new Pre-IGCSE programme students can complete the equivalent of their school leaving certificate, which includes elements of the local curriculum such as social studies, Arabic and Religious Education, while also studying Maths, English and the Sciences in preparation for Cambridge IGCSE.

At the end of Year 9 they will get the equivalent of their school leaving certificate and a Pre-IGCSE certificate. Students can then choose whether to continue their studies for the full Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.

Magda Mohyeldin, CIE's Senior Business Development Manager, Middle East and North Africa, said: "As part of our commitment to enhancing the Egyptian education system, Cambridge has developed the Pre-IGCSE not only to meet international standards, but also to uphold the focus on local curriculum subjects. We are pleased to have achieved an excellent balance between local and international education."

Cambridge IGCSE, originally developed by CIE, is now offered worldwide and is the most popular qualification for 14-16 year olds.

Teachers in Egypt will be provided with a wide range of support materials such as sample papers and teacher training.