IELTS — Grades 10–11:
Contents
SAT and IELTS preparation at Astana Garden International School
The goal is not simply to help students pass exams, but to build a strong academic foundation, develop critical thinking skills and foster confidence that will remain valuable far beyond the examination hall.
Applying to an international university begins long before submitting applications. One of the key elements of this journey is preparation for international standardized examinations — SAT and IELTS. At Astana Garden International School, preparation for these exams is integrated into the academic curriculum and delivered systematically starting from Grade 9.
What is the SAT and why does it matter?
The SAT is an internationally recognized standardized examination accepted by universities in the United States and many other countries worldwide. It evaluates critical thinking, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning and analytical skills — the very competencies essential for success at university level.
A high SAT score strengthens a student’s university application, increases access to scholarship opportunities and serves as proof of academic readiness regardless of the country in which the student plans to study.
The SAT is an internationally recognized standardized examination accepted by universities in the United States and many other countries worldwide. It evaluates critical thinking, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning and analytical skills — the very competencies essential for success at university level.
A high SAT score strengthens a student’s university application, increases access to scholarship opportunities and serves as proof of academic readiness regardless of the country in which the student plans to study.
SAT at AGIS: Grades 9–11
How the course is structured
SAT preparation at AGIS follows a gradual and systematic progression. The course begins in Grade 9 with mathematics instruction appropriate to the students’ level and steadily develops into a comprehensive SAT program in grades 10–11, covering both sections of the exam — Math and Verbal.
The curriculum is based on Digital SAT Prep Plus by Kaplan and is regularly supplemented with materials from open educational platforms such as Khan Academy and College Board, as well as premium resources including Test Innovators. The question bank is continuously updated, allowing students to work with the latest exam formats and question types found on the actual SAT.
SAT preparation at AGIS follows a gradual and systematic progression. The course begins in Grade 9 with mathematics instruction appropriate to the students’ level and steadily develops into a comprehensive SAT program in grades 10–11, covering both sections of the exam — Math and Verbal.
The curriculum is based on Digital SAT Prep Plus by Kaplan and is regularly supplemented with materials from open educational platforms such as Khan Academy and College Board, as well as premium resources including Test Innovators. The question bank is continuously updated, allowing students to work with the latest exam formats and question types found on the actual SAT.
Course format:
- Interactive classroom tasks and discussions
- Pair and small-group work
- Practice with authentic SAT-style questions
- Analysis of strategies and common mistakes
- Regular mock examinations under exam-like conditions
- Individualized feedback based on practice test performance
What SAT preparation develops
At AGIS, SAT preparation is more than preparation for a single examination. It is a course designed to establish the academic foundation every high school student needs:
These competencies remain valuable throughout university studies, professional careers and any field that requires analytical thinking and informed decision-making.
At AGIS, SAT preparation is more than preparation for a single examination. It is a course designed to establish the academic foundation every high school student needs:
- Critical and logical thinking
- Advanced reading skills across various text types, from scientific articles to analytical essays
- The ability to identify key information quickly, interpret data and construct well-reasoned arguments
- Mathematical flexibility in algebra, functions, graph analysis and statistics
- Academic discipline, time management and strategic problem-solving under time pressure
These competencies remain valuable throughout university studies, professional careers and any field that requires analytical thinking and informed decision-making.
AGIS graduate results
The average SAT score of Astana Garden International School graduates is 1320.
The average SAT score of Astana Garden International School graduates is 1320.
What is IELTS and why does it matter?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world’s most widely recognized English language proficiency examinations. Its results are accepted by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States and many other countries — by more than 11,000 institutions worldwide.
For admission to most international universities, an IELTS certificate is a mandatory requirement. In addition, a high IELTS score often influences scholarship opportunities and admission offers.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world’s most widely recognized English language proficiency examinations. Its results are accepted by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States and many other countries — by more than 11,000 institutions worldwide.
For admission to most international universities, an IELTS certificate is a mandatory requirement. In addition, a high IELTS score often influences scholarship opportunities and admission offers.
IELTS at AGIS: Grades 10–11
How preparation is conducted
IELTS preparation at AGIS is integrated into the Academic English curriculum and takes place in grades 10–11 alongside SAT preparation. This approach enables students to develop academic English proficiency while preparing for both examinations simultaneously, as many of the core skills overlap: reading comprehension, analytical thinking, academic writing and argumentation are equally important for both exams.
IELTS preparation at AGIS is integrated into the Academic English curriculum and takes place in grades 10–11 alongside SAT preparation. This approach enables students to develop academic English proficiency while preparing for both examinations simultaneously, as many of the core skills overlap: reading comprehension, analytical thinking, academic writing and argumentation are equally important for both exams.
Preparation covers all four sections of the examination:
- Listening — developing listening comprehension skills in both academic and everyday contexts
- Reading — working with academic texts, information retrieval and data interpretation
- Writing — producing essays and analytical reports in accordance with Task 1 and Task 2 requirements
- Speaking — developing confident spoken English, structured responses and discussion of abstract topics
Academic English: a foundation for IELTS and university admission
The Academic English program at AGIS extends far beyond standard exam preparation. Students learn to produce academic writing ranging from structured essays to university application materials. This directly contributes to two major outcomes: strong IELTS Writing performance and compelling university applications.
The Academic English program at AGIS extends far beyond standard exam preparation. Students learn to produce academic writing ranging from structured essays to university application materials. This directly contributes to two major outcomes: strong IELTS Writing performance and compelling university applications.
- Academic writing: structure, argumentation and style
- Writing and editing Personal Statements
- Working with various genres of academic texts
- Expanding academic English vocabulary
- Critical analysis of sources and formulation of independent viewpoints
AGIS graduate results
The average IELTS score of AGIS graduates is 7.0, corresponding to the level required for admission to most leading universities worldwide.
The average IELTS score of AGIS graduates is 7.0, corresponding to the level required for admission to most leading universities worldwide.
At AGIS, SAT and IELTS preparation are designed as one integrated academic system rather than two separate courses. The skills developed in one area reinforce achievement in the other:
This integrated approach allows students to allocate their efforts efficiently and approach final examinations with confidence in both areas.
- Academic reading practice for the SAT strengthens IELTS Reading and Listening performance
- Argumentative writing in Academic English directly supports the Writing sections of both examinations
- SAT mathematical reasoning develops analytical thinking beneficial across disciplines
- A unified academic vocabulary supports success in both formats simultaneously
This integrated approach allows students to allocate their efforts efficiently and approach final examinations with confidence in both areas.
SAT and IELTS together: an integrated approach
These results reflect a systematic academic approach built on a strong educational foundation established long before the examinations themselves.
- IELTS — 7.0
- SAT — 1320
Average results of AGIS graduates
BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR
