"Reason Behind Delay": Why is there a hold on the final bell for ninth graders in Kazakhstan?
Government Explains Rationale Behind 11th Grade Focus for Final Bell Ceremony
In a recent government briefing, Minister of Education Ganymede Beisembayev provided insight into the reasoning behind why the "Last Bell" ceremony, marking the end of the academic year, is held solely for 11th graders.
The minister explained that 11th graders are the most enthusiastic about this traditional event, as they are fully graduating from high school. Beisembayev suggested that holding such an event for 4th and 9th graders might not be appropriate, considering that half of the 9th-grade class and nearly a third of 4th graders do not graduate at that time.
This academic year will conclude for 3.9 million students, including 391,000 in primary school and 364,000 in secondary school. Approximately 217,000 students will graduate, with the percentage of students receiving the "Altyn Belgi" award close to the usual 5%.
The tradition of the "Last Bell" ceremony has cultural and educational significance in many countries, particularly marking the end of secondary education for students like 11th graders. It symbolizes the completion of their high school journey, a time for celebration, and recognition of their accomplishments before embarking on new endeavors.
The event is typically a ceremonial highlight for students, teachers, and families, signifying growth, achievement, and the beginning of a new life chapter. Schools often allocate limited resources and time to organize these events for all grades, making it more practical and meaningful to focus on graduating students.
In Kazakhstan, the "Last Bell" ceremony is maintained primarily for the graduating students, as emphasized by safety and organization concerns during these events. The minister did not comment further on the reasons why 4th and 9th graders are not included in the formal ceremony, but the focus on significant transitional milestones in education is likely the driving factor.
This year's document submission for Kazakh universities' grants has yet to be announced. Further updates on educational policies and practices are expected in the coming months.
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The focus on 11th graders for the "Last Bell" ceremony, symbolizing the end of secondary education, might inspire discussions about the role of education-and-self-development in shaping students' futures. Meanwhile, political debates could emerge regarding the appropriateness of including 4th and 9th graders in this significant event, given the relatively high dropout rates in these grades.
