Author: Усипбеков Асылхан Пернебайұлы, Director of Seitzhan School
Seitzhan School in Shymkent is a trilingual environment: in-depth English in level groups, Kazakh and Russian as languages of family and of UNT, and Turkish as a second foreign language of choice. The point is not to drop one language for another. The point is that a child can switch without shame — in class, in debate, and later in IELTS speaking.
Why English is split by level
A mixed-ability English hour wastes both the fluent child and the beginner. Level groups, a speaking club and debate (Kazakh and English) among about 20 clubs give extra hours that a single “school English” slot cannot.
Kazakh and Russian are not optional extras
UNT still runs in Kazakh or Russian. Family life in Shymkent is mixed. A school that advertises “100% English” and then under-teaches Kazakh leaves children weaker for local universities. Seitzhan School keeps both, and uses BIL upbringing so language sits next to values, not instead of them.
Turkish as a second foreign language
The curriculum includes Turkish as a language of choice. That expands options; it does not replace English, Kazakh or Russian. Chinese is also available as a club in the intellectual direction.
Language work supports exam pathways and PBL presentations. See the curriculum and how to apply.
Questions parents ask
- Is Seitzhan School an English-only school?
- No. English is taught in depth and in level groups, but Kazakh and Russian remain part of school life. Turkish is offered as a second foreign language of choice.
- How is English grouped?
- Students are divided by level so a beginner is not lost in the same tasks as a fluent speaker. There is also an English Speaking Club and debate in Kazakh and English.
- Does this help with IELTS and SAT?
- Level-based English and speaking clubs build the hours those papers need. Dedicated IELTS and SAT courses sit in the upper grades; they cannot replace years of classroom English.
- What about Kazakh-medium families?
- Kazakh stays in the programme and in debate. Admissions and this website also work in Kazakh. Ask at the interview how your child’s current language mix will be placed.
