Egyptian MP Ayman Mahsab has submitted a parliamentary question to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education regarding the introduction of national identity subjects in international schools. The move has raised concerns among parents about additional financial burdens and the impact on students' academic paths. The MP's question comes after the Minister of Education issued a decision in 2024 to include national identity subjects, such as Arabic and history, in the curriculum of international schools.
The decision, which affects students in the second and third years of secondary school in systems like IGCSE and the American Diploma, has sparked concerns about the evaluation and grading system. The MP noted that the decision has also raised questions about the future of students applying to Egyptian universities. According to the decision, Arabic and history will each account for 10% of the total score for the international certificate equivalent to the Egyptian secondary school certificate.
The MP highlighted that the Administrative Court has issued rulings to cancel the decision to add Arabic and history to the total score. However, the Ministry of Education has appealed these rulings before the Higher Administrative Court. This has created uncertainty about the current legal status of students and the rules that will be applied until a final judgment is made.
The MP emphasized the importance of resolving the issue, particularly for students who have already started their studies under international systems. The total score for the international certificate is linked to opportunities for admission to Egyptian universities, which requires clarity and stability in the rules for calculating the score and admission criteria.
The MP requested that the government clarify the current executive and legal status of the decision, in light of the Administrative Court's rulings and the appeals before the Higher Administrative Court. He also asked about the legal basis for calculating Arabic and history as 10% each of the total score for the international certificate.
The MP inquired about the procedures taken by the Ministry to ensure that families are not burdened with additional financial costs as a result of the decision. He also asked if the Ministry had conducted a study on the impact of this system on students in IGCSE and American Diploma systems, given the differences in evaluation systems for each certificate.
The MP requested clarification on the measures taken to ensure the integrity and unification of examination and correction standards in all international schools. He also asked about the fate of students' results in schools where violations have been proven, and how to protect students who have already started their secondary studies under international systems from any effects resulting from changes or instability in the rules for calculating the total score.
Key points
- The Egyptian MP Ayman Mahsab has questioned the Minister of Education about the implications of introducing national identity subjects in international schools.
- The introduction of national identity subjects has raised concerns among parents about additional financial burdens and the impact on students' academic paths.
- The MP has requested clarification on the current executive and legal status of the decision and the procedures taken by the Ministry to ensure that families are not burdened with additional financial costs.
