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Egyptian schools are raising English language standards, says Cambridge ESOL

18 November 2011

Egypt’s schools are playing a pivotal role in raising English language standards – says an expert from Cambridge University. Speaking as a professional development seminar for teachers in Cairo got underway at the end of October, Dr Hanan Khalifa from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), said:

“School programmes where different subjects are taught in English are increasingly achieving high standards in Egypt which is really encouraging. English Language learning is high on the agenda for the Egyptian government and through these programmes students can increase their education, employability and mobility. This all plays a huge part in raising the standards of English in Egypt and across the world.”

The issues and challenges associated with preparing students for Listening and Speaking exams for Cambridge English: Key for Schools and Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools were discussed at the Cambridge English for Schools Professional Development Seminar on 30 October. Cambridge ESOL’s Dr Khalifa, who introduced the seminar, stressed the importance of pitching English language assessment at the right level:

“It’s very important that schools integrating English language learning into their curriculum choose classroom activities and assessments that are appropriate and engaging. This encourages students to learn in a positive environment and helps them to use English effectively in real-life situations. It’s also essential that language assessments used are fair and linked to internationally recognised standards.”

Cambridge ESOL has been working in Egypt for a number of years. Recent projects include a collaboration with their sister organisation, Cambridge International Examinations, they worked on a pioneering programme with Egypt’s Education Development Fund to develop a new bilingual school system which is accessible to the average household.

The Cambridge English for Schools Professional Development Seminar was led by Annie Broadhead who is an ESOL teacher trainer, test writer and developer and ELT author based in Cambridge and Jose Blanco, Cambridge ESOL’s manager for the school sector and an experienced trainer. Over 100 delegates from private schools in Egypt attended the event at the Marriott Hotel, Cairo (30 October).