The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced an updated educational curriculum for students in grades 10-12. This is a significant step in implementing educational reform.

This curriculum allows high school students to choose their educational path based on their interests and skills.

Choosing a study profile. Students can select a package of subjects and courses included in their chosen profile. For instance, by opting for a mathematics profile, they will delve deeper into mathematics and other mandatory subjects in that area.

Selecting courses for advanced study. Students have the option to choose additional subjects within their profile that will enhance their knowledge and skills in the chosen field. For example, a combinatorial analysis course for the mathematics profile.

Choosing non-profile courses. Students can select subjects that lie outside their profile for their overall development. For example, while studying in the mathematics profile, they could opt for a course in drama and theater.

The curriculum also includes compulsory subjects that all students must study. All subjects required for the state final certification after 12th grade (in the form of ZNO/NMT) will be studied over three years.

Key changes in the standard educational curriculum:

• The ability to form flexible groups for elective subjects and courses.
• A reduction in the number of mandatory subjects. Previously, students in 11th grade were required to study at least 14 subjects, but now in 12th grade, this list may be reduced to 5-8 (depending on the profile). This is particularly relevant for schools implementing integrated learning.
• Schools have the autonomy to create programs for non-profile subjects and elective courses that do not necessarily have to be based on approved model curricula.

Hours allocated for studying different educational fields

The standard educational curriculum includes typical study plans for three main clusters:

• Language and Literature
• Social and Humanitarian
• STEM

Within these clusters, lyceums can create various profiles.

10th grade — adaptation cycle (students may change profiles)

• The number of hours for mandatory educational components in the first semester of 10th grade is the same for all students. This will help to catch up on any potential learning losses and gradually adapt to new learning formats while becoming familiar with the features of the chosen profile.
• In the first semester, students will have hours allocated for elective subjects and courses.
• In the second semester, the number of hours for profile-specific subjects will increase.

11th-12th grades — profile cycle

• The educational plan includes a greater number of hours for studying the chosen profile and elective subjects.
• Each year the number of such hours will increase, while the hours for mandatory subjects will decrease.