AN INCLUSIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL WAS OPENED AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

An inclusive primary school has been established at the S. Amanzholov University. Already this autumn, children with delayed speech development of 5-6 years old will be able to wear school uniforms and study together with neurotypical children. Specialists of the alma mater promise parents quality education taking into account individual indications and doctor’s recommendations.

The innovative project was presented to the Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek during his working trip. The head of the department appreciated the conditions created by the management of the regional university. According to him, IPS is a unique project not only for East Kazakhstan region, but also for Kazakhstan as a whole.

– In the strategy of the Ministry the most priority direction is inclusive education. S. Amanzholov EKU is among the best universities selected to train teachers of inclusive education. The university is equipped with special inclusive premises, necessary equipment and methodological materials. In this regard, EKU, which provides quality education in accordance with modern requirements, is a leader in the country,’ said Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek.

– For several years, specialists from our university have been carrying out full-scale preparatory work. We have now received a licence to operate legally in the field of primary education,’ said S. Amanzholov EKU Rector Mukhtar Tolegen.

The first Kazakh- and Russian-language classes are scheduled for 15 October. During the academic year, five times a week, teachers and assistants represented by undergraduate and graduate students will conduct basic and supplementary classes of the parents’ choice. The list of offerings includes: logic, speech therapy, sensory and sports sections, construction, robotics, language learning and others.

– Studying at IPS will help the child to mature intellectually, socially and emotionally. This is the foundation for further development and quality life. We focus on stimulating the child’s mind to active creative activity, creating a positive environment and regular psychological examination. The dynamics of development is determined by comparing the initial and final diagnostic data,’ said Svetlana Stelmakh, Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology and Correctional Pedagogy.

The classrooms are equipped with specialised furniture, which is manufactured in the Shygys Bastau Technopark. The main criteria of school desks and chairs are safety and multifunctionality. In addition, the school provides a barrier-free environment and quality methodological support.

It should be noted that the Inclusive Primary School is the second large-scale project of S. Amanzholov University in the field of inclusion. Since 2022, the Centre for Continuous and Inclusive Education ‘Dana Bala’ has been functioning on the basis of the university.

Thus, Amanzholov University conducts a continuous cycle of training of teaching staff, starting from kindergarten, school, college and university. This reflects the idea of dual training of students, where students’ theoretical knowledge is combined with practical experience.