Kazakhstan, located northwest of China, is the ninth largest country in the world in terms of size with a population of 20 million people. Education in Kazakhstan is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 15 and primary education is free of charge for all Kazakhstan citizens. All primary school children learn at least three languages: Kazakh, Russian and English and many additional languages are taught including Chinese, French and Turkish. There are a wide range of secondary school options available and at university level, an undergraduate degree takes four years. The educational standards and levels of attainment in Kazakhstan are high and it was wonderful to bring together educators from two countries to share best practices in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
The Programme of Partnership Conference included presentations on a wide range of topics including:
- School Governance, Performance Accountability and Finance ~ Father Lincoln Harvey, Chairman of Governors
- Leadership and Management Inspection process ~ Evelyn Chua, Headteacher
- Early Years Foundation Stage – Practice, Curriculum and Assessment ~ Stefani Tsoli, EYFS Co-ordinator
- Key Stage 1 and 2 Primary Education: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and Assessment ~ Evelyn Chua
- Adaptive programmes for children with disabilities (SEND) ~ Eva Valverde, SENCo and Assistant Headteacher and Anne Larkey, Safeguarding Governor
- Partnership with Parents: Engagement and Support in Pupil’s learning – Hannah Shin, Assistant Headteacher and Jean Earle, Parent Governors
Following the formal presentations and a quick cuppa, the delegates had the opportunity for a guided tour around the school, visiting every class before Mrs Chua hosted a final Question & Answer session in the ICT suite while the children had lunch downstairs. This included a presentation of thanks by the delegation to Mrs Chua and the Hampden Gurney team and we learned that the city of Almaty actually means ‘Father of apples’ because there is a very famous variety of apple grown in the region that has won numerous top awards at international exhibitions for its wonderful smell, juiciness, and sour-sweet taste.
This delegation and international partnership mirrors the outreach programmes already underway with South Africa and The Netherlands and recognises Hampden Gurney as a beacon of excellence on the international stage. The educators present will keep in touch and continue to share best practices.
With many thanks to the Department for Education in Kazakhstan, our wonderful Hampden Gurney Leadership team and Teachers, Father Lincoln and the Governors and the children for their hard work and exemplary behaviour.
On 15 November 2023 as part of its international outreach and best practice sharing, Hampden Gurney hosted a delegation of more than 40 educational leaders from Kazakhstan. It was a great privilege to host such an esteemed delegation which included Almaty-based representatives from the Department of Education, School Principles and Early Years Teachers. A bit like a day at the United Nations, it was also Hampden Gurney’s first experience hosting an international conference that included live simultaneous translation to make the content presented accessible to all!
Kazakhstan, located northwest of China, is the ninth largest country in the world in terms of size with a population of 20 million people. Education in Kazakhstan is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 15 and primary education is free of charge for all Kazakhstan citizens. All primary school children learn at least three languages: Kazakh, Russian and English and many additional languages are taught including Chinese, French and Turkish. There are a wide range of secondary school options available and at university level, an undergraduate degree takes four years. The educational standards and levels of attainment in Kazakhstan are high and it was wonderful to bring together educators from two countries to share best practices in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
The Programme of Partnership Conference included presentations on a wide range of topics including:
- School Governance, Performance Accountability and Finance ~ Father Lincoln Harvey, Chairman of Governors
- Leadership and Management Inspection process ~ Evelyn Chua, Headteacher
- Early Years Foundation Stage – Practice, Curriculum and Assessment ~ Stefani Tsoli, EYFS Co-ordinator
- Key Stage 1 and 2 Primary Education: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and Assessment ~ Evelyn Chua
- Adaptive programmes for children with disabilities (SEND) ~ Eva Valverde, SENCo and Assistant Headteacher and Anne Larkey, Safeguarding Governor
- Partnership with Parents: Engagement and Support in Pupil’s learning – Hannah Shin, Assistant Headteacher and Jean Earle, Parent Governors
Following the formal presentations and a quick cuppa, the delegates had the opportunity for a guided tour around the school, visiting every class before Mrs Chua hosted a final Question & Answer session in the ICT suite while the children had lunch downstairs. This included a presentation of thanks by the delegation to Mrs Chua and the Hampden Gurney team and we learned that the city of Almaty actually means ‘Father of apples’ because there is a very famous variety of apple grown in the region that has won numerous top awards at international exhibitions for its wonderful smell, juiciness, and sour-sweet taste.
This delegation and international partnership mirrors the outreach programmes already underway with South Africa and The Netherlands and recognises Hampden Gurney as a beacon of excellence on the international stage. The educators present will keep in touch and continue to share best practices.
With many thanks to the Department for Education in Kazakhstan, our wonderful Hampden Gurney Leadership team and Teachers, Father Lincoln and the Governors and the children for their hard work and exemplary behaviour.
By Abi Goldsbrough