Starting September 1, 2027, Ukraine will launch its specialized secondary school model. This model transforms the approach to education in upper grades and gives students the opportunity to form an individual educational trajectory according to their own interests and future plans.
One of the key directions will be the STEM cluster, which combines natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In schools of the A+ Educational Holding, where STEM and STEAM approaches are already integrated into the educational model, preparation for these changes has been underway for more than a year.
Halyna Hermansон, Deputy Director of Funny Faina Secondary School at A+ Educational Holding, teacher of biology, chemistry and ecology, author of educational programs and methodological guides on STEAM and Early Physics, winner of the “Young Scientist of the Year – 2024” competition, shares details about the specialized secondary school and its impact on STEM education:
«As part of the reform, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES) is transforming secondary education — and from 2027 onwards, a new format is being launched, where one of the key elements will be cluster-based specialized learning.
Students will have the opportunity to choose their learning profile, where key subjects and courses are deepened.
The curriculum will be built around thematic clusters, one of which is STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).»
What is a Cluster-Based Secondary School
A cluster-based secondary school is a model of specialized education for grades 10–12, in which curricula are formed around thematic directions. A student chooses a profile and studies according to an individual educational trajectory.
Learning is divided into two stages:
Grade 10 — Adaptation Cycle
Students learn according to a broader list of mandatory subjects and have sufficient time to explore their interests and make an initial profile choice. Understanding of strengths and possible educational pathways is formed.
Grades 11–12 — Specialized Cycle
The share of elective and advanced courses increases. Learning is built around the chosen profile with an orientation toward further university education or professional specialization.
Halyna Hermansон Explains:
«In grade 10, there will be an adaptation cycle: more mandatory subjects for everyone to allow time for profile selection; in grades 11-12 – a specialized cycle with more elective and advanced disciplines.
Why is this important? It gives students greater freedom: to choose a direction that matches their interests and plans.
It promotes greater practicality and specialization in education – not just “everyone learns the same,” but “I choose and deepen my knowledge.”
In the context of STEM, this means more opportunities for advanced study of mathematics, natural sciences, technology, and engineering.»
STEM Cluster: What’s Included in the Program
The STEM cluster creates conditions for advanced study of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, and technology.
The learning format includes:
- increased hours for specialized disciplines;
- special courses: from neurobiology and bioengineering to robotics or data science (depending on the school);
- practice-oriented projects;
- development of competencies relevant to modern STEM professions.
At A+ Educational Holding, particularly at Respublika STEAM School, this model is already integrated into curricula. The transition to a cluster system logically continues existing educational practice.
How Learning is Organized in the STEM Cluster
The educational program has a clear yet flexible structure.
«The STEM cluster means that in lyceums and secondary schools there will be an opportunity to choose profiles related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Learning in the STEM cluster will allow students to study subjects and courses in this field in depth — that is, not just basic mathematics or natural sciences, but specialized courses and projects.
The approved Standard Educational Program for secondary school provides that the curriculum will be formed in packages: profile selection → specialized courses → elective courses.
For the STEM cluster, a lyceum or school can increase the number of hours for subjects/courses related to natural sciences, mathematics, and technology. For example: in grades 11-12 – more hours in the specialized cycle, fewer mandatory subjects for all.
In grade 10, there will be a profile-adaptation cycle, when students have standard mandatory subjects plus a certain number of hours to choose from, to familiarize themselves with the profile (including STEM) before making a final decision», — Halyna Hermansон notes.
Benefits of the STEM Cluster for Students
«Students will be able to choose an educational trajectory that matches their interests in science, IT, and technology.
Advanced study provides better preparation for future profession or university – especially in technical and scientific fields.
Learning becomes more practical and activity-based: the opportunity for elective courses, projects, and innovation.
Schools gain greater flexibility in curriculum formation, student groups, and elective courses,» — Halyna Hermansон adds.
Why the Cluster-Based Secondary School is Important for STEM Development in Ukraine
The cluster model aligns with approaches that work in Finland, Canada, the Netherlands, and South Korea. It allows for deeper immersion in the chosen profile and builds a strong academic foundation.
For STEM fields, this is particularly relevant given global market demand for engineers, biotechnologists, data scientists, environmental innovators, and IT specialists. Formation of such specialists starts at school through systematic, practical, and modern education.
A+ Educational Holding’s Position
The A+ Educational Holding has consistently developed STEM and STEAM as a strategic direction for several years. Laboratories, engineering workshops, makerspace facilities, integrated courses, and disciplines of international standards are already part of the educational ecosystem.
For A+ students, the transition to a cluster-based secondary school occurs without drastic changes. Specialization and practicality are already embedded in the learning process today.
A+ Educational Holding’s experience demonstrates how reform can work at the level of daily school practice.
