Unabashed learning establishment: A sanctuary of academic excellence?
In Kazakhstan, the government is executing a vast national education project titled "Comfortable School". The project aims to modernize and expand the country's educational infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for student spaces across the nation.
The project is unprecedented in Central Asia, with plans to construct 369 schools within the next three years. To accomplish this, AO "Samruk-Kazyna Construction" is implementing the most advanced global construction practices, streamlining the process and ensuring both quality education and comprehensive student development.
A significant component of the project involves the simultaneous planning, construction, and equipment provision. By utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, 3D models are created, enabling optimized construction work management and complete document transparency. The Models allow for a more efficient construction process, curbing potential issues and ensuring safety standards are met.
One of the recently opened schools of this new format, located in the Urker residential area, was visited by reporters. School No. 100 at 535 Street showcases an inviting, vibrant facade, landscaped grounds, and spacious sports facilities. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a welcoming security guard and guided through the school's carefully planned access system.
The school's design addresses bullying prevention by dividing the building into three blocks, limiting student movement during breaks and separating older and younger classes. There are also more storage spaces in the cloakroom areas, streamlining the students' transitions between classes and reducing stress.
The school has a large capacity of 2000 students and currently operates in a single shift with around 700 enrolled. The building comprises 130 classrooms, each equipped with computers, and a vast two-story library with comfortable reading areas, soft furniture, storage spaces, and an extensive book collection.
The library provides a space for relaxation, and it is continually enriched with new literature to cater to the diverse learning needs and interests of students. Younger students find joy in chess, national games like toğızqumalaq, and asyq aty, while older ones delve into classics by Abai, Mukhtar Auezov, and international authors like Jack London and Mark Twain.
Inclusive education is also prioritized, with ramps, elevators, adapted toilet rooms, and specialized classrooms for students with special educational needs. The school is equipped with CCTV cameras, access control and management system (ACMS), and door locking systems to maintain a secure and comfortable learning environment.
The school boasts an auditorium, robotics and visual design labs, music instrument classrooms, computer labs, chemistry and physics labs, biology labs, technology labs, and a cafeteria. The tennis courts, hockey rink, football field, and running tracks cater to the diverse athletic interests of students depending on the season and regional characteristics.
Teachers at the school are provided with individual workstations, high-speed internet access, and opportunities for professional development. These measures are intended to foster comprehensive student development, increase motivation for learning, and create a favorable educational environment for both students and teachers.
The "Comfortable School" project is part of an ambitious plan to introduce standardization to modern learning conditions in both urban and rural schools across Kazakhstan. By aligning with the global educational system, the project's success could elevate Kazakhstan to the forefront of the global education landscape.
The "Comfortable School" project, as part of Kazakhstan's national education endeavor, places a strong emphasis on education-and-self-development and learning. To achieve this, the project incorporates various elements such as the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, the construction of spacious classrooms equipped with computers, and the provision of a vast library for diverse learning needs and interests. Furthermore, the project fosters a secure and comfortable learning environment through inclusive education facilities, state-of-the-art laboratory spaces, and sports facilities that cater to the diverse athletic interests of students.