High School Reform: Compulsory Subjects and New Opportunities for Students

From 2027, Ukraine will begin a high school reform that involves significant changes in the education system. Students will have the opportunity not only to choose specialized subjects and courses, but also to study mandatory subjects in depth, which will provide greater flexibility and opportunities for individualizing the educational process.

The main goal of the reform is to update outdated approaches to education, improve its quality, and provide high school students with more chances to develop in their chosen areas. The innovations will allow students from different regions of the country to choose not only subjects within a certain profile, but also courses that meet their interests and aspirations.

Choosing a profile and subjects: what will change?

According to the new standards, the school will become specialized, which means that each student will have three levels of choice. The first level is the choice of a study profile, which will include in-depth study of certain subjects and courses. The second level will provide an opportunity to choose subjects within the chosen profile to individualize learning. The third level is the opportunity to choose subjects outside the profile to take into account the different interests of students.

Students who choose to study in lyceums will be able to independently form their study program, combining in-depth study of profile subjects with courses that do not belong to the main profile. This approach will create the most comfortable conditions for the development of each student, taking into account his interests and capabilities.

Thematic clusters of profiles

According to the plans of the Ministry of Education and Science, three main thematic clusters will be formed in Ukraine, within which students will choose study profiles:

1. Language and literature profile - students will be able to study the Ukrainian language and literature, foreign languages ​​and literatures in depth.
2. STEM profile - focused on natural sciences, IT, mathematics, technical and engineering disciplines.
3. Social and humanitarian profile - includes subjects such as history, law, psychology and sociology.

This will allow students not only to study key disciplines in the chosen profile, but also to maintain access to other courses important for development.

### Compulsory subjects in grade 10

In grade 10, high school students will be required to study a number of disciplines that cover various educational fields defined by the State Standard of Specialized Secondary Education. Among these subjects:

- Language and literary field - Ukrainian language and literature, foreign languages.
- Mathematical field - an integrated course of mathematics or individual subjects such as algebra and geometry.
- Natural field - physics, chemistry, biology, geography.
- Civic and historical education - history, civic education.
- Social and health-preserving branch - courses on health and well-being.
- Informatics and physical culture - computer science, sports classes.
- Art and technology - music, painting, technological courses, industrial design.

These subjects will be mandatory for all students in grade 10, providing them with basic knowledge in key areas.

Increasing the number of elective subjects

With each year, high school education will become more flexible. The number of subjects and courses that students will choose independently will increase, and the number of mandatory subjects will decrease. This will allow students to study their chosen field in depth, which corresponds to their interests.

For example, students who have chosen a natural science profile will have more hours to study chemistry, physics and specialized courses in this field. Those who choose a language profile will be able to devote more time to studying the Ukrainian language and mastering foreign languages.

In-depth learning and an individual approach

The high school reform will help students have the opportunity to study subjects that interest them in more depth and gain knowledge and skills that will be useful in the future. Individualization of learning will allow each high school student to move towards their personal interests and goals, which is an important element in preparing for adult life and professional activity.

In general, the education reform aims to create a more modern and effective education system that will meet the requirements of the time and the needs of students, promoting the development of critical thinking and practical skills.