CURRICULUM - THE BROAD GOALS

The school curriculum will be organized around several broad learning outcomes which reflect MIS's core values and beliefs. We believe in a holistic education, with inter-cultural awareness and communication at the forefront.

All our curricula and programs are designed to develop our students to become:

• Effective communicators

• Intelligent, critical, complex thinkers

• Knowledgeable problem-solvers and decision-makers

• Collaborative contributors 

• Independent, self-directed learners 

• Caring and ethical citizens

In addition, we are committed to honesty, justice, charity and the pursuit of knowledge.

We prepare our students to think critically and creatively and to continually expand their knowledge and understanding.

We respect the dignity and worth inherent in each human being.

We seek to celebrate joy, love and creativity as inseparable values of the human spirit.

We strive to be responsible and contributing members of our families, our community and our planet.

We accept the idea of living in a complex, changing world.

We understand that only by maximum effort can each individual reach the tomorrow we dream of today.

THE CURRICULUM

Grades K-5

A fully developed curriculum, based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Kazakh Standards curriculum has been implemented over the course of the past 2 years and emphasizes:

•  an inquiry approach to learning

•  rigorous attention to basic skills and content

•  integration of subjects, where meaningful and productive

•  teaching for deep understanding

A full outline of themes and topics will be available in the first weeks of school.

Grades 6-8

The curriculum for grades 6-8 is based on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP). This will be combined with the requirements of the Kazakh Standards curriculum, which along with a strong EFL program, will ensure that our students will meet the requirements of both local and international programs of study and be prepared for both the Kazakh Diploma and where chosen, the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education).

The outstanding features of this curriculum are:

•  plans which describe to students learning outcomes, key learning experiences and major assessments for each unit of study

•  development of higher level thinking skills

•  a strong emphasis on the 'real-life' context of both skills and content

•  planned integration, where appropriate

•  rigorous attention to essential work habits

•  criteria driven development of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Grades 9-10

This curriculum will be based on the Kazakh Standards and the internationally recognized International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) designed by Cambridge University in the UK. This curriculum is widely used in international schools whose beliefs and philosophy are similar to those of MIS. Students take a series of courses, each spanning the two years of ninth and tenth grades, with syllabuses provided by IGCSE and internationally recognized certificates are awarded on completion, with grades based on a combination of examinations and on-going school based course work.

Grade 11

The curriculum for grade 11 will be based on the Kazakh Diploma and the International Baccalaureate program (IB) for those capable and selected students. The full curriculum will be phased in over two years, beginning with the introduction of IB certificates in September 2001.

Outstanding Features of the IGCSE:

• a fully developed curriculum, including attention to generic skills, as well as subject-specific skills and content

• students follow the same curriculum as their counterparts in other schools doing IGCSE

•  strong content base and emphasis on deep understanding

• each course spans two years

•  criteria-based for both skills and content, with clear standards for success

• external assessment of student achievement is available, with internationally recognized certificates provided to successful candidates.

Grades 11-12

The International Baccalaureate Diploma

The 11th and 12th grade curriculum will be developed over the next two years, starting this year with grade 11. The long-term intention of the school is to offer the complete International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, comprising the PYP, MYP and IB Diploma.

The International Baccalaureate itself is a two-year, university preparatory curriculum, in wide use in outstanding international schools. Diploma requirements include: six courses, in particular subject areas, an extended essay which is an independent research, Theory of Knowledge studies; and the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) Program. The application process for approval to be an IB school is already in motion.

 Appropriate parent information meetings will be held throughout the year.

The 2001 - 2003 School Years

For the 2001 - 2003 school years, the curriculum will attempt to reflect the needs of current students, as well as lay the foundation for the IB Diploma by introducing the IB certificate program in Russian Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Information Technology in a Global Society. In addition, all students will be fully prepared to take the Kazakh Diploma at the end of Grade 11.

The outstanding features of the curriculum for the 11th and 12th grades for 2001-2003 will be:

• Preparation for the Kazakh Diploma during Grade 11.

• Introduction of the IB certificate and following authorisation, the IB Diploma program.

• Attention to the individual profile of each student, to ensure maximum access to post graduation success.

• Emphasis on full development of key skills to a world class, secondary school standard, including writing, problem-solving, discussion and analytical skills.

• Attention to gaps or needs in content areas, particularly science, math and history and the use of IB standards as the criteria for expectations.

THE EFL (ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE) PROGRAM

MIRAS recognises and celebrates the linguistic and cultural differences of all of its students. We regard our wealth of languages as a valuable resource. In order to support students whose first language is other than English the 'EFL Program' in the Secondary School operates alongside the Kazakh Standards Program. Teachers conducting this Program are fully qualified and experienced professionals. The importance of acquiring English skills as rapidly as possible within a supportive environment is emphasized, meeting individual needs from beginners to advanced levels.

THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

This is offered to first and fluent speakers of English. Fluent English classes begin in Grade 6 and will increase according to demand in the lower grades. An extensive International Program, taught in English by specialised teachers will commence in Grade 8. In Grades 9 and 10, a two-year course culminates in the internationally accredited IGCSE Examinations.

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

IGCSE

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations, offer a two-year curriculum administered by Cambridge University specifically for 15 to 16 year old (Grades 9 and 10). Examination options at MIRAS are designed to meet the needs of both native and non-native English speakers. The IGCSE curriculum complements the Kazakh Program. Certificates are internationally recognised and provide a firm foundation for higher level studies.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES 

The IB Program offers 11th and for next year's 12th Grade students a challenging educational opportunity. During this demanding two-year program candidates study a wide range of subjects. Students may complete their Kazakh Diploma during Grade 11 and continue to finish their IB Certificates in Grade 12. Certificates are recognised by most leading universities overseas.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community Service is an integral part of the students' lives at MIRAS. Students are expected to participate in a number of programs during and outside of school hours, benefiting the school community and local community of Almaty. MIRAS requires that all students from grade 5-10 complete a minimum of 30 hours Community Service each year. Students will experience activities that will benefit others, gain an increased sense of responsibility and self worth, apply their skills and talents beyond the classroom environment and reflect upon their performance and benefit from their practice.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Clubs and activities are also an important part of school life at MIRAS and provide opportunities outside of the academic program for students to pursue their interests and hobbies. During Tuesdays and Thursdays it is compulsory for every student to take part in these activities.

PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2002-2003

ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE/KAZAKH PROGRAM

The list of required subjects for Kazakh Standards Program:

 Grades 1-4

Grades 5-11 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 2002-2003

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

 This is a 2 year, internationally recognized course. Individual counseling will be available to students to ensure graduation requirements can be met. Certificates are available in each subject. Candidates may choose options from those listed below:

• English as a Second Language (ESL)

• First Language English

• English Literature

• Russian Language 

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

International Baccalaureate Certificates

Candidates are required to choose one subject from each subject group (6 in total.) A range of internal and external assessment methods are used, including an examination component for each subject at the completion of the 2 year program.

Requirements for CAS are met (Creativity, Action and Service). Thirty hours each year are given to Community Service projects, to personal interests such as Music, Art, Drama, and to Physical Education. Some of these activities will be completed after school hours.

Requirements for ТОК are met (Theory of Knowledge). This is a knowledge based philosophical course occupying 100 hours of the 2 year program.
Individual grades are awarded for each Certificate.

The Kazakh Standards Program 

This program is completed over 11 years of education and is comprised of the subjects as indicated on the previous page. Students sit for the Kazakh Diploma exams at the end of the 11th grade:

• Russian Language and Literature 

• Mathematics 

• Kazakh Language

• English Language

• Elective discipline

SPECIALIST SUBJECTS

Text and Materials

The curriculum will be supported with texts, research, educational materials, and technology; as indicated by the particular curricular outcomes of each class and course. In some cases, a class or course will be supported by a primary text, in other cases by a variety of educational materials. All texts and educational materials will be provided by the school.

EFL Curriculum

MIS will offer a program for students with limited English. The program will stress rapid acquisition of age-appropriate spoken and written English. Following a screening process, students who require EFL support will be placed in EFL classes for up to two instructional periods per day. The EFL program will be co-ordinated by an experienced ESL teacher.

Kazakh Curriculum

All students in grades 1-11 will receive instruction in the Kazakh language; the program will cater to both second language and native speakers. The second language program is based on the "communicative" model, emphasizing oral communication skills, supported by reading, writing and listening. The native language program is modeled on the first language Kazakh program, emphasizing all 4 language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and including literature.

PE Curriculum

Classes in skills, sports, gymnastics and other physical education activities will be conducted during the schedule and after class hours in our school gymnasium and fields by faculty with PE specialty experience. Transportation will be provided. Students must provide their own sportswear and equipment.

Arts

For the 2002/2003 school year, art will be integrated into the curriculum for Grades 1-9 and taught as a specialist subject by our Art teachers. Additional special art sessions emphasizing particular skills and topics will also be offered in the after school program.

Computers and Information Technology

MIS will provide the opportunity for students to enhance their learning through the use of technology. Rather than being offered as a separate subject, technology will be infused throughout the curriculum with computers available in classrooms. Additional after school sessions will also be offered to further broaden the experience of students in this area by involving them in special computer and Internet based projects.