In the Russian Stream: Secondary, Russian is the main language of instruction. The aim is to provide an immersive environment which is achieved by positively encouraging students to use the RuSS’s shared language.
The core languages of the classroom / other languages used
Entrants to the Russian stream at secondary school level are expected to possess a fluent command of reading, writing, speaking and listening in the Russian language Support is available for students with a range of different academic abilities (e.g. for students less capable in literature, geography or mathematics) but specific language support (for non native-speakers) is not provided. This approach to admissions to RuSS is necessary in order for students to enhance their prospects of success in compulsory national examinations administered at the end of Grades 9 and 11.
Students receive one lesson of ‘English as an Additional Language’ a day and three lessons of Global Perspectives a week, also delivered in English (see The curriculum subjects and our approach to teaching and learning).
The Azerbaijani language is studied by students in the Russian stream as a compulsory language, a legal requirement of our host country. Details of other Modern Foreign Language (MFL) options available to students are given in the section The curriculum subjects and our approach to teaching and learning.
Students additionally receive eight lessons of instruction in English a week: this is comprised of daily English language lessons and three lessons in the Cambridge Secondary Curriculum Subject, “Global Perspectives” (see The curriculum subjects and our approach to teaching and learning for details).
Class sizes and adult to children ratios
Grade 5 (10-11 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grade 6 (11-12 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grade 7 (12-13 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grade 8 (13-14 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grade 9 (14-15 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grade 10 (15-16 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grade 11 (16-17 years) - max. 18 students, (minimum) 1 class teacher, 1 assistant teacher present for all lessons
Grades 5-6 ONLY are offered by the Russian Stream: Secondary in the 2018-19 academic year, with further expansion planned.
The curriculum subjects and our approach to teaching and learning
Students attending the Russian Stream: Secondary study the following subjects:
The Russian Stream: Secondary uses the standard national curriculum of Azerbaijan as its core curriculum document. Elements of other recognised international curricula are used to compliment this programme, providing a high quality learning journey for all students.
Although various international and Azerbaijani curricula are combined to create our distinctive curriculum path, the use of successfully tried and tested, modern teaching strategies across all of the subjects ensures consistently high levels of quality and achievement.
Learning in the InSS involves a blend of traditional and modern teaching methods; opportunities for experiential learning, project-based work and frequent access to a plethora of educational technology. Our approach ensures that students achieve exceptionally academic high levels of academic proficiency whilst also developing the skills of communication, collaboration and creativity. These transferable skills are essential for personal and professional success in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Opportunities for students to use computers and other devices, to work independently, in pairs and in groups and to sometimes decide how (and about what) they wish to learn are actively encouraged in the curricular and extra-curricular approaches used at MTK International School.
Assessing student progress / examinations
Students studying in the Azerbaijani and Russian secondary streams complete summative national examinations in each of the compulsory Azerbaijani national curriculum subjects twice per year.
In addition to these biannual tests, students regularly are regularly assessed by teachers and complete detailed diagnostic tests (weekly or monthly); these track the depth of their knowledge, skills and understanding in all of the secondary subjects as well as their readiness to succeed in the formal examinations administered in Grades 9 and 11. The variety of assessments that we use track students’ progress in relation to both Azerbaijani and international curriculum objectives.
In Grade 9 students complete compulsory national examinations in order to receive their ‘final examination of general secondary education’ (выпускной экзамен об общем среднем образовании).
In Grade 11 students complete compulsory national examinations in order to receive their ‘final examination of completed secondary education’ (выпускной экзамен о полном среднем образовании).
Examinations and other forms of assessment are administered in an age-appropriate and positive way, with the aim of identifying and addressing any gaps in learning and fostering a ‘growth mindset’ in our students; we also aim to support students in developing the examination skills that they require in order to succeed in their further studies.
Meal times
Students are served breakfast around the start of the school day, lunch and a snack mid-afternoon.