IGCSE Examinations
What are IGCSE Examinations?
IGCSE examinations are tests of academic attainment and are taken in individual subjects. Currently, at Dar El Tarbiah, there are around 20 subjects offered.
Dar El Tarbiah requires that a student be successful in at least five IGCSEs to continue into the Sixth Form. In reality, most of our students take a greater number of subjects than this: indeed, in the 2011 examination session, 34% of the Form Five candidates gained 9 IGCSEs and above.
Students at the end of Form Three select their IGCSE options and are helped to make their choices by their subject and form teachers, the Head of the Intermediate School, and the IGCSE Coordinator. English Language, Spanish Language, Mathematics, and Physical Education are compulsory subjects that all students take.
Students then select five options from such areas of the curriculum as the Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Creative Arts. The aim is that students take a broad range of subjects which will intellectually test and develop them as fully as possible.
Students then follow a two-year course of study in Forms Four and Five based on the IGCSE syllabi, which are determined by UCLES. At the end of the two-year period, students are entered for the relevant examinations.
These examinations are prepared and marked by UCLES, who subsequently issue the grades. These, therefore, are external public examinations. Some Dar El Tarbiah students do take some subjects early, and not at the end of Form Five.
At Dar El Tarbiah, we have consistently enjoyed great success in Mathematics and Spanish as a Foreign Language, achieving 100% pass-rates with students in Form Four and even Form Three.
The Format of IGCSE Examinations
The format of the examinations depends on the subject. With the exception of Art and Design, they all involve at least one written paper. Second Languages includes a short oral examination that is recorded and sent to Cambridge. Language comprehension examinations involve questions on pre-recorded CDs that students listen to and answer. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics require practical examinations. Various subjects include coursework written during the course and sent to Cambridge to be included in the final grade.
The emphasis in IGCSE examinations is on the ability to analyse and use factual material, to develop hypotheses and test ideas, rather than on simply recalling factual information. It is not necessarily what one knows that is considered important at IGCSE, but rather, how one uses acquired knowledge to achieve an analytical outcome.
frequently asked questions
At Dar El Tarbiah Schools, we understand that parents and students may have many questions when it comes to academics, admissions, and daily school life. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page is designed to provide clear, detailed, and reliable information to help families make informed decisions and feel confident throughout their journey with us. Whether you are inquiring about the admissions process, tuition fees, academic programs, or extracurricular activities, this section is a quick and accessible resource to guide you.
We have carefully gathered the most common questions from parents and students and provided straightforward answers to address them. Our goal is to make sure you can easily find the information you need without unnecessary confusion or delays. If your question is not listed here, we encourage you to reach out directly to our school administration, who will be more than happy to assist. The FAQs page is regularly updated to reflect new policies, events, and opportunities—ensuring that you are always informed about what’s happening at Dar El Tarbiah Schools.
Have Any Question ? Find More AnswersBoth are examples of UK exam boards. There is no difference in the level or degree of difficulty between them. The differences are only in the way questions are asked and the format of the examsBoth are examples of UK exam boards. There is no difference in the level or degree of difficulty between them. The differences are only in the way questions are asked and the format of the exams
No, there are 3 levels:
1. Ordinary Level (O level)
2. Advanced Subsidiary (AS level)
3. A2 Level(The AL consists of the AS+A2)
NO. AS & A2 forms a complete A Level subject and they should be the same board
- Edexcel offers exam sittings in May/June and in January.
- Cambridge offers exam sittings in May/June and in November.
It differs according to the faculty you wish to join, but the minimum requirement is 8 O-Level subjects. (See Our Recommendation)
The British Council in Egypt is the one who determines the deadlines but usually registration for May/June session is in the previous December, for January session is in the previous October, registration for November session is in the previous August.
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What Our Parents Say's
At Dar El Tarbiah Schools, we believe the true measure of our success lies in the experiences of our students and their families. Parents play a vital role in our community, and their voices reflect the impact of our educational approach, values, and nurturing environment. Here, you’ll find heartfelt testimonials from parents who have entrusted us with their children’s education, sharing their journeys, achievements, and the positive difference Dar El Tarbiah has made in their lives.
Your distinguished head, Dr. Nawal El Degwi, had already been recognized both at home and abroad, including in the United States, for her achievements in education.
One year later Carrie came back to Egypt as a student in AUC ,she studied Arabic and oriental studies.In an official visit , the deputy of foreign affairs minister.
I am confident that you are graduates who will be knocking down doors of opportunity as you join the young leaders of Egyptian society.
I would like to offer my very warmest congratulations to all the people who graduated and to your staff who helped them to get through their exams.
On seeking a nomination, one name was presented, and that name was a person called respectfully MAMA NAWAL.
Looking at a letter from Cambridge University, which is my own university, about the achievements of your school, they are frankly astonishing in comparison with the best anywhere in the world, including in the United Kingdom.
Mrs. El Degwi is the example of what we are all inspired to be. She is involved in the very basic system of finding ways to bring education to as many people as possible.
Looking at the results you have achieved, I can say with absolute confidence that the future of Egypt is in very good hands indeed. Thank you very very much indeed.
With the best delivery system of quality educational opportunities for persons of many ages and personal situations.
