About School

Dear students, parents and colleagues!

I kindly welcome you on our school website. "Miras" International school was opened in 1999. It is the school in Kazakhstan, which has been authorized by International Baccalaureate Organization and accredited by Council of International Schools. This status allows our graduates to have privilege when they enter Universities and colleges abroad, whereas IB DP graduates have the opportunity to be enrolled in best Universities all over the world without taking examinations. "Miras" School graduates receive internationally recognized documents about education (MYP Certificate or Record of Achievement after the G10 and IB Diploma after the G12). At the same time "Miras" school graduates receive State documents (Attestat and UNT Certificate) after the G11.

"Miras" is not only educational institute, but first of all it is an international community of students, teachers and parents, which represent a big friendly family with the basis of respectful attitude to different cultures, international mindedness and effective cooperation. Educational philosophy in our school is based on investigative approach, conceptual, holistic understanding of nature of all things and effective interaction.

Students are educated in three languages: Kazakh, English and Russian. We also support French, Chinese and other languages & Mother Tongues.

I wish to all of you to have a successful academic year.

Thank you for being with Miras.

Sincerely yours,
Vlassyants Irina Ramilyevna,
Head of Miras International School, Almaty

Mission, Philosophy

Mission Statement

Miras International School Almaty provides high quality education based on integrated Kazakhstani and International Standards in a multilingual environment devoted to empowering every student to become an internationally minded life-long learner with a shared responsibility for the Globe.

School Philosophy

MIS believes that what students learn at school should have meaning and relevance in real-life contexts. MIS promotes the skills and attitudes of community and global citizenship. MIS is committed to an ongoing programme of review to maintain the school’s high standards.

Our programmes and practices are motivated by the following beliefs:

Student Development

Complete education develops students socially, intellectually, physically and aesthetically to prepare them for life in a rapidly changing world. At MIS, students are encouraged to develop the skills and attitudes to become caring, committed and contributing citizens with respect for individuals, other cultures and the world.

Social and Cultural Integration

The school community has a strong respect for, and appreciation of, cultural differences and human rights. Through the International Baccalaureate programmes, all students are part of a uniquely international community, which has at its core mutual respect and a tolerance for difference. We recognize the importance of the Kazakh language and culture and endeavour to promote these.

Acquired Knowledge and Learning Potential

A quality education recognizes the uniqueness of each student, the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills, IB Learner Profile attributes and the awareness that students must be encouraged to reach their full potential.

A Challenging Curriculum

The best school curricula are challenging and engaging while including a variety of instructional methods to fulfill the needs of students with different aptitudes. Our learning activities nurture curiosity and creativity, encourage intellectual risk-taking, and develop critical and independent thinking.

A Qualified and Enthusiastic Staff

All educators at MIS are highly competent and dedicated professionals who model the IB Learner Profile attributes and help students identify and develop their talents within the school and community. MIS is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff.

A School Community

An international school is a strong and cohesive community of faculty, staff, families and students that encourages the development of the skills and attitudes of responsible citizenship. We actively seek the involvement and co-operation of parents and the community.

Accountability

Teachers, administrators, students and parents work together towards these educational goals and are accountable for student learning.

Facilities and Resources

The MIS campus provides a safe and stimulating learning environment where a diverse program, including academics, sports and the arts, is offered.

School objectives

Student Development

Encourage development of IB Learner Profile attributes
Engage students in a variety of community service activities
Support a varied sports and creative arts programme
Foster greater understanding and awareness of other cultures through classroom programmes

Social and Cultural Integration

Integrate, as far as possible, all students in all homeroom, classroom, sporting and extra-curricular activities
Celebrate multi-culturism with, and at, special events
Develop polilingual language environment promoting English, Kazakh and Russian as well as supporting a mother tongue

Acquired knowledge and Learning Potential

Encourage all staff in the awareness that every student is a unique individual whose potential must be developed fully

A Challenging Curriculum

Promote educational opportunities for students in English, Russian and Kazakh
Continue the development of MIS integrated curriculum to encourage a variety of learning activities as well as fostering the development of students’ skills
Offer a variety of subjects in the Diploma programme at standard and higher levels and in the Kazakhstani
Programme
Provide elective courses for university entrance exams
Contribute to further development of experimental work, complete creation of International School

Standards as well as a model of High School concept in Kazakhstan

A Qualified and Enthusiastic staff

a.Encourage the Staff to model the IB Learner profile attributes
b. Recruit and retain a highly qualified and dedicated teaching staff from both the local and international educational communities
c. Ensure that the best current teaching methodology is used emphasizing a student centred approach in developing the skills and talents of every individual
d. Support school Staff professional development through the inschool, IB, CIS, ECIS and other institutions workshops

A School Community

Develop internationalism as a key issue of the school relationships
Maintain a strong student council with real input into the school administration
Continue the development of a broadly representative Parent/Teacher organization d. Offer the school as a venue and facility for community activities

Accountability

Continue the development of the most effective communication system involving the whole school community
Provide regular meetings, relevant printed material and an appropriate website with current information on school activities
Maintain an effective review process whereby all Miras objectives are regularly monitored and checked

Facilities and Resources

Effect a maintenance programme adequate for the upkeep of a safe and stimulating learning environmen.
Budget adequate resources for the creation and maintenance of a safe and stimulating learning environment.

Encourage the school services working more effectively to support instructional process.

School profile

Director of School

Irina R. Vlassyants

E-mail: mirashead@miras.kz

School Deputy Head for Curriculum and Professional Development

Mashura Anna Valeriyevna

E-mail: DeputyHead@miras.kz

Primary School Principal

Ronel Prinsloo

E-mail: PSPrincipal@miras.kz

Primary School Vice Principal

Gulzariya Myrzakanova

E-mail:g_myrzakhanova@miras.kz

Secondary School Principal

Alejandro Zepeda

E-mail: a_zepeda@miras.kz

Secondary School Vice Principal

Elena Vladimirova

E-mail: vladimirova_e@miras.kz

Dean of Students

Alla Vladimirovna Kurbanova

E-mail: kurbanova_a@miras.kz

Faculty:

teachers in total: 109

overseas teachers: 20

Curriculum:

Primary school - Integrated School Curriculum based on Educational Standards and Practices of the Republic of Kazakhstan and IB PYP.

Middle school – Integrated School Curriculum based on Educational Standards and Practices of the Republic of Kazakhstan and IB MYP.

High school - Grade 11

State Compulsory Standards of General Education in the Republic

IB DP – Grades 11 and 12

Final examinations:

IB DP, MYP e-assessment, Kazakhstani State exams in Grades 9 and 11.

Age: 3 – 18

Number of students: 546

Preschool: 41

KG: 70

Grades 1-4: 173

Grades 5-12: 262

Nationalities: - representatives of 18 countries

IB school code: 1384

CIS school code: MALMAT

Miras Almaty International School was founded in 1999 under the auspices of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Educational Foundation.

Miras Almaty International School represents an innovative school model in the Republic of Kazakhstan, implementing a new pedagogical technology and teaching methods that integrate the national standards and the philosophy and teaching approaches of the International Baccalaureate.

Currently, Miras International School provides continuous education to students aged 3 to 18 in three languages of instruction: Kazakh, English and Russian.

The educational process in the school is organised at 3 levels:

1st level – Primary School: Pre-school (age 3-5), Kindergarten (age 5-6), Grades 1-4 (age 6-10) with the following combinations of languages of instruction:

- English/Kazakh,

- English/Russian

2nd level – Middle School: Grades 5-10 (age 10-16) with Kazakh, English and Russian as languages of instruction, Grade 6 with Kazakh as the language of instruction

3rd level - Upper School: Grade 11 Kazakhstani

programme with Kazakh and Russian as the languages of instruction, Grade 11-12 IB DP (age 16-18) with English as the language of instruction.

Miras Almaty International School has been authorised to run all three International Baccalaureate Programmes:

- Primary Years Programme (IB PYP);

- Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) with issuance of the MYP Certificate recognised by the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science as equivalent to the Certificate of Secondary General Education;

- Diploma Programme (IB DP), which leads to a qualification that is recognised by leading universities world-wide.

There are 5310 IB schools around the world. Miras Almaty is one of the 272 schools in the world authorised to provide all three IB programmes. Miras was the first from four educational institutions in the Central Asian region that was authorised to offer the IBDP.

Miras Almaty International School has been recognised and accredited by leading and reputable international educational organizations:

- Council of International Schools (CIS) (June, 2005);

- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) (June, 2005).

Since 1999 till 2014 Miras,Almaty had an experimental status awarded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2002 Miras Almaty was accredited by Cambridge University as an International Examination Center for International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Miras Almaty is a member of:

- UNESCO Schools Association (2001);

- Association of International Baccalaureate Schools of CIS

(2006).

The school has developed a range of interesting events and its own traditions. Pastoral work helps students develop their unique traits and take initiative in as well as outside of the school. Intercultural awareness is fostered in students through the multilingual environment and active implementation of the school’s language policy as well as effective work of the Student Council and the establishment of on-going relationships with international organizations including UNICEF, UNESCO and UNO.

Miras International School is international in its spirit, values as well as the student body and teaching staff, who represent more than 20 countries. “Our unity is in our diversity” – our school slogan is best expressed by the atmosphere of interethnic unity of the school community. This is an outcome of the successful blending of the Kazakhstani and international educational systems with their rich traditions and cultures.

Miras Almaty has an experienced team of Kazakhstani and overseas teachers. Not only do they have a strong theoretical basis to teach their discipline but they also have an ability to develop the intellectual and creative potential of each student.

Among our school students there are prize-winners in city and republican Olympiads, conferences and contests.

To date, 135 school graduates have received the IB Diploma. 12 school graduates of the Kazakhstani Programme have been awarded the Altyn Belgi badge. 16 students have received the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Certificate of secondary general education with honors. 136 students have been awarded MYP Certificates.

The campus is located in an ecologically clean area of the city. Classrooms are equipped with modern teaching and learning tools.

The campus facilities include modern science and computer laboratories with access to the Internet. Specialized facilities include areas designated for art, music, drama and dance. The school has a greenhouse for the curriculum to focus on ecology and conservation of recourses. Two libraries with adequate research stations are provided, along with computers. The school also has a swimming pool, football field, two gyms, the work-out room and climbing wall.

Our Benefits

Education for students aged 3-18

Miras International School provides continuous education to students aged 3 to 18.

The educational process in the school is organised at 3 levels:

1st level – Primary School: Pre-school (age 3-5), Kindergarten (age 5-6), Grades 1-5 (age 6-11) with the following combinations of languages of instruction: English/Kazakh; English/Russian.

2nd level – Middle School: Grades 6-10 (age 11-16) with Kazakh, English and Russian as languages of instruction, Grade 6 with Kazakh as the language of instruction

3rd level - Upper School: Grade 11 Kazakhstani programme with Kazakh and Russian as the languages of instruction, Grade 11-12 IB DP (age 16-18) with English as the language of instruction.

International Baccalaureate Programs and Kazakhstani National Education Standards

Miras Almaty International School has been authorised to run all three International Baccalaureate Programmes - Primary Years Programme (IB PYP); - Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) with issuance of the MYP Certificate recognised by the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science as equivalent to the Certificate of Secondary General Education; - Diploma Programme (IB DP), which leads to a qualification that is recognised by leading universities world-wide.

Miras International School Almaty has been recognised and accredited by Council of International Schools (CIS); the school supports Kazakhstani National Education Standards.

Entrance to the top universities around the world without taking admission tests

The school’s status gives its graduates privileges when enrolling at the top overseas universities and colleges, and enables IB Diploma Program graduates to enter the best universities in the world without taking entrance exams. Miras graduates also receive national secondary education certificates.

Three languages of instruction

Students study in three languages of instruction: Kazakh, English, and Russian; supporting the study of French, Chinese and other languages.

Language skills are developed through subject areas and are a part of each subject’s program. All language programs of Miras International School are aimed to ensure a balance between language knowledge (reading, writing, speaking), knowledge about languages (grammar, vocabulary, etc.) and learning through languages (mastering scientific, mathematical, and social concepts).

Overseas and Kazakhstani teachers

Miras Almaty has an experienced team of Kazakhstani and overseas teachers. Not only do they have a strong theoretical basis to teach their discipline but they also have an ability to develop the intellectual and creative potential of each student.

Inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching

Inquiry-based and research activity – is the main approach to learning.

Students learn to deeply understand important concepts; transform search results into the knowledge of local and global importance; recognize and apply a number of priority skills and abilities in practice (communication, thinking, self-discipline and self-organization skills); develop a positive attitude towards learning, the environment and people; and take part in fulfilling responsible tasks for the benefit of the society.

Inclusive education

At Miras, as part of inclusive education there study children with physical, mental, intellectual and other peculiarities, where the nature and pace of learning is adapted to the needs of each child, and where students are provided with psychological and pedagogical support. Students with special needs are better adapted at school than in specialized institutions, since they also get social experience there. In addition, normal children while studying with students with special education needs develop tolerance and responsibility, and become more independent.

Safe environment

Modern school buildings are located in an ecologically clean area of the city. Miras International School provides students with a safe and supportive learning environment.

Security: Miras International School takes all possible and applicable measures to ensure the safety of students and create favorable conditions for them. There is 24-hour security across the whole school area. The school is also equipped with security cameras.

School ID badges: All families are issued special ID cards, which allow their holders to pick up children from school. Upon showing such ID cards, the holders are allowed to the school area.

Earthquake and fire drills: The school regularly conducts earthquake and fire drills. To familiarize students with evacuations routes there are evacuation procedure posters in every classroom.

Music school and clubs by interests

After school, students have an opportunity to visit clubs of their interest: arts, handicraft, sports, ICT, chess, dance, drama, foreign languages and swimming.

The clubs offered by the school are really exciting and cognitive, and contribute to the development of students’ curiosity in an after-school context.

Achievement motivation!

Throughout the year there are conducted school assemblies where our students demonstrate their achievements in studies, after-school activities and sports, and also participate in city-wide, republican and international academic Olympiads and competitions.

Board Information

Public Foundation “Nursultan Nazarbayev Educational Foundation

PF “Nursultan Nazarbayev Educational Foundation” was established in 1998. From the first days of its activity the Educational Foundation determined its mission: to assist in the development of the educational system of the Republic of Kazakhstan in compliance with international standards. The goals of the Foundation are to implement the best national and international practices, introduce and disseminate international educational programmes and standards in the country’s educational sphere.

In order to implement the set goals, under the auspices of the Educational Foundation three international schools were established: Miras International Schools Astana and Almaty and the International School of Almaty. The student body is international, so is the faculty. The most radical changes were made in the conceptual, content and procedural constituents of the schools educational system: the educational goals were revised, the educational content was adapted, innovative technology and teaching methods were implemented, a criterion-based system of assessment of students’ educational achievements was introduced. The schools’ innovative activity has formed a new breed of students, who are mobile and dynamic, adaptable to changes, motivated to learn and think critically, appreciate their own and world cultures.

The Foundations’ schools have attained significant achievements:

• Accreditation of the Miras schools by the Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Schools and Colleges Association (NEASC);

• International School Almaty has been authorized in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and in the Middle Years Programme (MYP);

• Miras Astana and Miras Almaty have been authorized in all three IB Programmes (PYP, MYP, DP). There are only three schools of this status in the Commonwealth of Independent States countries and 112 schools in the world educational community. Our IB graduates successfully study at Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Moscow State University and other highly ranked universities around the world.

• The accreditation of Miras schools by Cambridge University as an International Examination Center for IGCSE examination in obtaining an International General Certificate of Secondary Education;

The Foundation’s schools have been recognized by the Ministry of Education as innovative educational institutions. The workshops and conferences regularly held by the schools are in high demand among educators. The schools experience is widely used in the development of program documents and other materials of the future 12-year school of Kazakhstan.

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