The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced a new educational program for high school students. This document is a significant step towards reforming the education system.
In particular, the program allows students in grades 10-12 to independently choose their educational path.
Choosing a Learning Profile. Students can determine a package of subjects and courses that correspond to their chosen profile. For example, by selecting a science profile, a student will focus on in-depth studies of natural sciences.
Choosing Additional Courses. Students can select subjects and courses that will help expand and deepen their knowledge in the chosen field. For instance, this could include an ecology course for a science profile.
Choosing Subjects for General Development. Students can also choose courses that fall outside their main profile for holistic development. For example, a student on a science profile might take a painting course.
Additionally, the program includes mandatory subjects for all students, which are necessary for passing the state certification after grade 12 (in the form of ZNO/NMT) and will be studied over three years.
What Else is New in the Standard Educational Program:
- The ability to form dynamic groups for studying elective subjects.
- A reduction in the number of mandatory subjects. Previously, students in grade 11 had to study at least 14 subjects, but now in grade 12, this list can be reduced to 5-8 (depending on the profile). This is especially vital for schools implementing integrated learning.
- Schools will have the ability to independently develop programs for non-core subjects and elective courses.
How Many Hours Will Be Allocated for Different Educational Areas
The standard educational program includes educational plans (tables listing hours) for three main clusters:
- Literary
- Social-Humanitarian
- STEM
Within these clusters, educational institutions will be able to form various profiles.
Grade 10 — Adaptation Cycle (students can change profiles)
- The number of hours for mandatory components in the first semester of grade 10 will be the same for all students. This will allow students to catch up on possible knowledge gaps.
- In the first semester, students will have hours for elective subjects.
- In the second semester, the number of hours for profile subjects will increase.
Grades 11-12 — Profile Cycle
- The educational plan will include more hours for studying the chosen profile and elective subjects.
- Every year, the number of hours will increase, while the number of hours for mandatory subjects will decrease.
