ASTANA – The Ministry of Education and Science plans to introduce a new curriculum in all schools of Kazakhstan. This program, called "Orientation to the Future," will be piloted starting from September 2025 and fully implemented in 2026.
Foundations of the New Program
The new educational program is based on three main directions:
- Digital Literacy – mastering modern technologies
- Practical Skills – knowledge applicable in real life
- Creative Thinking – developing innovative approaches
"We must prepare our students for the challenges of the 21st century. The new program is aimed at developing students' creative thinking, critical analysis abilities, and digital skills" – Minister of Education and Science Gani Beisembayev
Main Changes
1. Digital Technologies
The use of digital tools in all subjects will become mandatory. Each school will receive modern computer classrooms, interactive boards, and laptops. Students will master programming basics, robotics, and 3D modeling skills.
2. Project-Based Learning
Along with traditional lessons, students will work on group projects. This develops their teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Each quarter, students will defend projects on topics of their choice.
3. Language Program
Mastering three languages (Kazakh, Russian, English) is now mandatory. The program uses a communicative approach – learning languages through practice. Each student should be able to speak fluently in three languages upon graduating from 11th grade.
4. Personal Development Plan
An individual development trajectory is created for each student. Teachers identify students' strengths and help develop them. Gifted children will have the opportunity to attend additional courses and participate in olympiads.
Teacher Training
To implement the new program, all teachers will undergo special training:
- 3-month retraining courses
- Digital technology mastery trainings
- Advanced methodological seminars
- Experience exchange with foreign teachers
The Ministry will ensure teachers have access to new textbooks, methodological tools, and online resources.
Material and Technical Base
To implement the program, the government will allocate 500 billion tenge to education in 2025-2027:
- 300 billion tenge – for technical equipment
- 100 billion tenge – for textbooks and materials
- 100 billion tenge – for teacher training
Pilot Project
Starting from September 2025, a pilot project will begin in 100 schools. These schools were selected from all regions of the country. Their results will be analyzed and necessary corrections will be made.
Pilot schools:
- Astana – 15 schools
- Almaty – 15 schools
- Regional centers – 50 schools
- Rural districts – 20 schools
Parents' Opinion
The Ministry held consultations with parents. Most supported the new program, but there are some concerns:
- Increased study load
- Additional expenses
- Technical capabilities
The Ministry addressed all concerns, clarifying that there will be no additional expenses, and all materials will be provided free of charge through schools.
Expert Assessment
Education experts positively assess the reform. Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Asem Kulmagambetova:
"This reform is very necessary and timely. Our education system needed to be updated to meet modern requirements. The new program is developed in the right direction, but it is important to provide great support to teachers during its implementation."
International Experience
When developing the new program, the experience of advanced countries was studied:
- Finland – student-centered approach
- Singapore – priority on mathematics and science
- South Korea – extensive use of technologies
- Canada – multicultural education
Expected Results
According to the Ministry's forecast, the new program will lead to the following results within 5-10 years:
- Improvement of Kazakhstan students' rating in international assessment (PISA)
- Increased level of university applicants
- Better adaptation of young specialists to the labor market
- Development of innovative thinking abilities
- Full integration into the global education space
Conclusion
Education reform is an investment in Kazakhstan's future. The new program prepares students for modern life, develops their creativity, critical thinking, and digital skills.
The success of the reform depends on the active support of teachers, parents, and society. We must provide our children with advanced education and raise them as successful citizens of the 21st century.
