Compare Singapore Curriculum International Schools in Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan. Address: Kargaly district, Kenesary Khan street 56/1. The school is located in Almaty and serves local families and international students.

Primary (Grades 1-4) – IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Middle/High (Grades 5-11) – IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

Zaman School has an Inclusive Education policy to support all students, including those with Special Educational Needs. The school identifies students with additional learning needs and provides learning support through an Inclusive Education Coordinator and dedicated processes. Language support is provided for Kazakh, Russian and English, including English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Kazakhstan

Delivery is paid separately; ₸60,000–₸70,000 per month.

Halal meals are provided as part of the school's nutrition program.

The school is operated by Kazakh Elite School Zaman LLP.

IB programmes across PYP, MYP, and DP. The MYP is delivered to students in grades 5–9 with an emphasis on inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives. Personal Project and Community Project are key components of the MYP, with 8th-grade students undertaking the Community Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) provides six subject groups plus the DP core (TOK, EE, CAS) and is authorized to be implemented for Grades 10–11 starting in the 2025–2026 academic year; AP electives are available for students on the national curriculum track. The ZAMAN component adds proprietary, values-based, project-based learning with small class sizes and personalized support, including courses such as Family institution, Leadership, Financial literacy, Drama, News analytics, and Kazakh national traditions. A Singaporean science and mathematics pathway is also part of the curriculum.

Graduates pursue higher education at Kazakhstan-based and international universities. Notable destinations include KIMEP University, Almaty Management University, Kazakh National Medical University, and the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. Other destinations include De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and The Aldo Galli Academy in Italy.

The school provides IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) and AP courses, together with proprietary courses under its ZAMAN component. Small class sizes and personalized instruction support individualized learning, with project-based and values-based approaches. Proprietary courses include Family institution, Leadership, Financial literacy, Drama, News analytics, and Kazakh national traditions.

Zaman School provides an inclusive, safe learning environment where everyone is welcomed and valued. The IB mission emphasizes developing inquisitive, caring, and globally minded learners, and the IB learner profiles guide everyday learning. The school identifies students with social, emotional, and mental health needs and offers psychological support services, including access to a psychologist and an inclusive education coordinator. Counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and learning support are available through Student Support Services to address wellbeing and learning needs. The school fosters positive relationships, encourages student voice, and invites parental involvement in wellbeing and inclusion.

Zaman School has an Inclusive Education policy that promotes equal opportunities and a safe, respectful environment for all students. The school identifies students with special educational needs and maintains a learning support register; admission decisions consider the needs and accommodations required. Psychological and pedagogical support is provided by psychologists and an inclusive education team, with evaluation and individualized planning to support learners. The school has an open policy for admitting students with SEN; the final admission decision is made by heads of departments and the executive director; additional information may be requested. Student Support Services include counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and learning support to address specific needs.

Language of instruction is Kazakh; English and Russian are taught as main components of the curriculum; Russian is taught as a second language and English as a foreign language. In primary school, most lessons are conducted in Kazakh; Russian is taught in Russian; separate subjects such as English, Singaporean Mathematics and Singaporean Science are taught in English. In high school, the language of instruction remains Kazakh but some classes are held in Russian and English; bilingual classes in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science are taught in Kazakh and English. All official documents are published in Kazakh, Russian and English; English plays a role in bilingual subjects and CLIL. EAL support complements the Programme of Inquiry; language needs are addressed with diagnostic testing and phase placement; English language development is supported across PYP and MYP.

The policy recognizes social and emotional difficulties and mental health concerns and provides psychological support services, including diagnostic testing and access to a teacher-psychologist. Psychologists maintain a favorable psychological climate, conduct assessments to identify learning needs and provide individual or group support, and work with families as needed. Medical workers participate in medical and pedagogical correctional work and provide medical services for students with special educational needs. Student Support Services include counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and learning support to address mental health and wellbeing.

Zaman School aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment where everyone is treated fairly and their rights are protected. The school emphasizes inclusive culture and practices to safeguard students from discrimination and to support their well‑being. The Inclusive Education team, including an Inclusive Education Coordinator, leads safeguarding efforts and coordinates with families, staff, and external partners. The school upholds values of care, fairness and responsible action as part of its safeguarding framework.

1. Parents receive information about Zaman School, its programs, and the fees. The Admissions Officer provides this information and answers initial questions. The school uses Kazakh and English as the main languages of instruction and follows IB principles in its curriculum. This step establishes the groundwork for applicants and families.
2. Parents make an appointment to arrange a school visit. The Admissions Officer schedules the visit and coordinates the arrangement. The visit allows the family to experience the school environment and meet staff as needed.
3. Parents complete the Student Information Admissions Form and agree on the date of testing. The Admissions Officer oversees this step and confirms testing arrangements. The form collects essential student information for the admissions review.
4. Parent and student meet with the PS/SS Principal and/or Vice–Principal (as necessary). The meeting discusses candidacy, school expectations, and any questions about the admissions process. The Principal or Vice–Principal participates to assess fit and next steps.
5. A student sits for the admission test. The testing session covers relevant subjects to evaluate readiness. The Admissions Officer, along with the Principal or Vice–Principal, oversees the test administration.
6. Review of admission test results and student records. The admissions team examines test scores and prior school records. This review informs whether the applicant meets the program's entry requirements.
7. Assessment by the school psychologist and SEN specialist if social or learning needs identified. If any needs are identified, specialists conduct an evaluation to determine appropriate supports. The school coordinates with families about any recommended accommodations or services.
8. The final decision on enrollment or refusal is made. The PS/SS Principal or Vice–Principal, in consultation with the Head of School, renders the final enrollment decision. The decision is based on test results, records, and any specialist assessments.
9. Parents are informed of the decision within 3 working days after the test. The Admissions Officer communicates the outcome to the family. If admitted, next steps for enrollment are outlined.
10. If a child has been enrolled, parents submit a Confirmation Form and all relevant documents according to the list. The admissions process concludes with document submission and confirmation of enrollment. The school coordinates any remaining requirements for start dates and registration.
11. Parents get acquainted with school policies and regulations. Families review school policies and regulations as part of onboarding. This step helps ensure understanding of expectations and governance.
12. Parents sign the Agreement for Studies and make payment of entrance and tuition fees. The agreement formalizes enrollment, and financial arrangements are completed. Receipt of payments and the enrollment formalities finalize the admissions journey.

Waiting list: If a student meets entrance requirements but no place is available, the student can be placed on a waiting list. Entrance test results may be accepted for admission decision within one semester. If performance is lower, the student may retake the admission test no earlier than two months after the previous attempt. At the start of the academic year, families with a student on the waiting list as of October 5 will be asked whether they wish to remain on the waiting list.

4K K. Mukhamedkhanova Street, Astana, Kazakhstan

Grades 1–11

08:00-16:00

UVU is the official partner for transporting students; monthly subscription is 57,000 KZT for round trips within the city and 72,000 KZT for locations outside the city.

The school has a dress code. Denim is not permitted; clothing for active recreation (shorts, tank tops, and athletic wear) is restricted; skirts or dresses shorter than knee length and clothing with sheer inserts or low-cut necklines are not allowed. Footwear with high heels is restricted.

Meals are not included in the tuition. Parents sign a separate agreement for meals with the cafeteria operator. Three meals per day cost 684,000 tenge for the 2025–2026 academic year (3,800 tenge per day). Two meals per day cost 630,000 tenge for the year (3,500 tenge per day).

The Quantum Houses division creates a positive climate and culture among students and staff. It fosters unity, team spirit, healthy competition, and a sense of family, with houses hosting events and contests throughout the year.

Quantum STEM's academic program blends internationally recognized curricula with state standards. The Quantum STEM Curriculum is a symbiosis of international programs and state frameworks, anchored in the school's values and universal skills. Primary (grades 1–5) combines Cambridge and state standards taught with a Singaporean CPA approach, supported by Marshall Cavendish resources and hands-on Singapore Science labs. Lower Secondary (grades 6–7) uses Cambridge-based science and mathematics, emphasizing depth of study and core academic skills. Upper Secondary (grades 8–9) centers on Cambridge IGCSE with an emphasis on higher-order thinking, and students may sit Cambridge IGCSE exams; High School (grades 10–11) follows AP and A-Level tracks (physics & chemistry or chemistry & biology), preparing graduates for admission to top universities worldwide.

Graduates have the opportunity to enter the most prestigious universities worldwide.

Quantum Houses division creates a positive climate and culture among students and staff. It helps students build character, foster unity and team spirit, and encourage healthy competition, while improving communication across peers and across grades to foster a sense of family. The Life at Quantum page notes that school clubs support personal development and social-emotional growth by offering a wide range of activities that develop a student's personality and skills.

Additional English is offered as an extracurricular activity.

Division into Quantum Houses supports a positive climate and sense of belonging, contributing to students' social and emotional well-being. School clubs also help foster community and well-being through varied activities that build social connections and personal growth.

The school has an anti-bullying code of conduct. An attendance policy exists that covers school hours (08:00–16:00), after-school activities, and safety provisions such as surveillance cameras and parent involvement; policies also address parent interactions and other safeguarding-related procedures.

Step 1. Admission to Quantum STEM School is conducted in two stages: an initial round of individual interviews for 1st graders and a written entrance test for candidates in grades 2–11, followed by interviews with the candidates' parents. The competition depends on vacancy availability; if there are no vacancies, the completed application is added to the waiting list, and the admissions committee may conduct an extraordinary selection at the nearest dates when vacancies arise. Step 2. Priority is given to applicants who score the highest marks in the interview or testing, and the passing score varies by grade, language of instruction, and number of vacancies. Step 3. The results of the interview or entrance test are sent to the email provided in the application within two weeks; if a passing score is achieved, the candidates' parents are invited for an interview. Step 4. For 1st grade, an individual interview assesses reading, mathematics, and logic; for 2nd–7th grades, testing covers grammar knowledge according to the language of instruction, English, mathematics, logic, and a creative engineering task; for 8th–11th grades, testing covers English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and a creative engineering task. Step 5. Excursion invites families to get acquainted with Quantum STEM School; the tour conducts a visit to the school and answers questions.

If vacancies are not available, completed applications are placed on the waiting list; if vacancies become available, the admissions committee may conduct an extraordinary selection at the nearest dates. Priority is given to applicants with higher scores in the interview or testing.