PBL and STEAM at AGIS: how we prepare students for the real world
The result is a student who not only possesses knowledge, but also knows how to think, create and solve problems they have never encountered before.
At Astana Garden International School, education is built around one core principle: knowledge has value only when it can be applied. That is why two approaches — Project-Based Learning (PBL) and STEAM — form the foundation of the school’s educational system. They work together: PBL provides the structure for inquiry and project work, while STEAM equips students with practical tools from science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Connection to the real world
Projects at AGIS are closely connected to real-world challenges. Special attention is given to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015). Students in Grades 5–8 explore issues of ecology, health, equality and innovation every year — all directly connected to the global challenges they will face in the future. As a result, education becomes not preparation for life, but part of life itself.
Projects at AGIS are closely connected to real-world challenges. Special attention is given to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015). Students in Grades 5–8 explore issues of ecology, health, equality and innovation every year — all directly connected to the global challenges they will face in the future. As a result, education becomes not preparation for life, but part of life itself.
The conclusion of the project is not simply a presentation, but a reflection on the entire experience. Students analyse what they have learned, what decisions they made and how their perspective on the problem has evolved. Learning concludes not with a grade, but with an understanding of personal growth.
Stage 4. Presentation and reflection
Knowledge is transformed into a meaningful outcome. This may take the form of a model, digital product, research project or media presentation — but most importantly, it has practical value. During this process, students learn to receive feedback, refine ideas and bring their work to a high standard of quality.
Stage 3. Product creation
Inquiry becomes the central part of the process. Students work with sources, conduct observations and interviews, analyse data and test hypotheses. The teacher does not provide direct answers, but instead guides students toward discovering them independently.
Stage 2. Inquiry and research
Learning begins not with a topic, but with a question. Students are introduced to a problem that does not have a ready-made answer. The goal is not only to understand the issue, but also to recognise its personal and social significance. This is where motivation and engagement emerge.
Stage 1. Project launch and problem definition
Four stages every student goes through
Each project at AGIS is not simply an assignment — it is a structured and meaningful journey.
Each project at AGIS is not simply an assignment — it is a structured and meaningful journey.
Interdisciplinary thinking as the foundation
Real-world problems do not exist within the boundaries of a single subject. For this reason, education at AGIS is built upon the integration of multiple disciplines. Projects combine humanities, sciences, technology and creative subjects, enabling students to see systems of connections rather than isolated facts. This develops a mode of thinking that extends beyond traditional school subjects and reflects the complexity of the real world.
Teachers integrate into inquiry units through context-based knowledge, as well as through the IB Learner Profile attributes, key concepts and ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills. This supports students in self-assessment, motivation, goal-setting and reflection on their progress and achievements.
Real-world problems do not exist within the boundaries of a single subject. For this reason, education at AGIS is built upon the integration of multiple disciplines. Projects combine humanities, sciences, technology and creative subjects, enabling students to see systems of connections rather than isolated facts. This develops a mode of thinking that extends beyond traditional school subjects and reflects the complexity of the real world.
Teachers integrate into inquiry units through context-based knowledge, as well as through the IB Learner Profile attributes, key concepts and ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills. This supports students in self-assessment, motivation, goal-setting and reflection on their progress and achievements.
Learning where knowledge becomes action
Project-Based Learning at AGIS is not simply a teaching method or lesson format. It is an essential part of the educational process that shapes the way students think. Here, students do not merely study topics — they investigate real-world problems, make decisions and create meaningful outcomes.
This approach has been implemented at the school since 2020 and has undergone significant development: from a Scandinavian model of interdisciplinary learning to internationally recognised PBLWorks standards, adapted and enhanced through AGIS’s own methodological solutions. Today, it is a sustainable educational system integrated across all levels of learning.
Project-Based Learning at AGIS is not simply a teaching method or lesson format. It is an essential part of the educational process that shapes the way students think. Here, students do not merely study topics — they investigate real-world problems, make decisions and create meaningful outcomes.
This approach has been implemented at the school since 2020 and has undergone significant development: from a Scandinavian model of interdisciplinary learning to internationally recognised PBLWorks standards, adapted and enhanced through AGIS’s own methodological solutions. Today, it is a sustainable educational system integrated across all levels of learning.
Transdisciplinary learning (Project-Based Learning)
Computer Science: creating, not just using
Computer Science classes take place in modern, well-equipped spaces: 19 iMac computers, an IT laboratory with 3D printers, LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits and Arduino* platforms for building smart devices. This allows students not only to study technology, but to create real products — prototypes, robots and electronic projects.
Instruction is in English using STEM approaches: practice, projects and inquiry. Assessment considers not only correct answers, but also problem-solving, teamwork and presentation skills. Computer Science at AGIS develops logical thinking, creativity and technological literacy — a strong foundation for future careers in IT and engineering.
Thanks to high student engagement, Computer Science lessons help children not only use technology, but understand how it works and how to create their own digital products. This provides a strong basis for future careers in IT, engineering and innovation.
* Arduino platforms are simple programmable microcontrollers that help students understand how “smart devices” work (for example, motion, light or temperature sensors) and create their own electronic projects.
Computer Science classes take place in modern, well-equipped spaces: 19 iMac computers, an IT laboratory with 3D printers, LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits and Arduino* platforms for building smart devices. This allows students not only to study technology, but to create real products — prototypes, robots and electronic projects.
Instruction is in English using STEM approaches: practice, projects and inquiry. Assessment considers not only correct answers, but also problem-solving, teamwork and presentation skills. Computer Science at AGIS develops logical thinking, creativity and technological literacy — a strong foundation for future careers in IT and engineering.
Thanks to high student engagement, Computer Science lessons help children not only use technology, but understand how it works and how to create their own digital products. This provides a strong basis for future careers in IT, engineering and innovation.
* Arduino platforms are simple programmable microcontrollers that help students understand how “smart devices” work (for example, motion, light or temperature sensors) and create their own electronic projects.
Chemistry: understanding why it works
Chemistry lessons are part of the STEAM approach, where students study not only theory but also learn to apply knowledge in real life. The subject is taught in English. Lessons include practical activities, small research tasks and project-based learning. Students take part in experiments — for example, observing indicator colour changes — and learn to explain the processes clearly and simply.
Motivation is supported through a recognition system that records the effort, participation and progress of each student. Virtual laboratories and interactive platforms are used in learning. As a result, Chemistry lessons develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, teamwork and communication.
Chemistry lessons are part of the STEAM approach, where students study not only theory but also learn to apply knowledge in real life. The subject is taught in English. Lessons include practical activities, small research tasks and project-based learning. Students take part in experiments — for example, observing indicator colour changes — and learn to explain the processes clearly and simply.
Motivation is supported through a recognition system that records the effort, participation and progress of each student. Virtual laboratories and interactive platforms are used in learning. As a result, Chemistry lessons develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, teamwork and communication.
Physics: from theory to real measurements
The physics programme is aligned with IB Physics standards.
Instruction is delivered in clear and accessible English, with scientific terminology introduced progressively and always explained in a simple and structured way.
Students do not simply study formulas — they conduct measurements, build models and analyse data they collect themselves. Particular attention is given to developing critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to draw evidence-based conclusions. Students learn to formulate hypotheses, test them and present the results of their research.
Lessons actively include discussion, group work and independent problem-solving. Assessment includes projects, laboratory work and inquiry-based tasks, in line with the IB Physics approach.
Modern technologies — interactive simulations, digital laboratories and online platforms — are integrated into the learning process.
The physics programme is aligned with IB Physics standards.
Instruction is delivered in clear and accessible English, with scientific terminology introduced progressively and always explained in a simple and structured way.
Students do not simply study formulas — they conduct measurements, build models and analyse data they collect themselves. Particular attention is given to developing critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to draw evidence-based conclusions. Students learn to formulate hypotheses, test them and present the results of their research.
Lessons actively include discussion, group work and independent problem-solving. Assessment includes projects, laboratory work and inquiry-based tasks, in line with the IB Physics approach.
Modern technologies — interactive simulations, digital laboratories and online platforms — are integrated into the learning process.
Biology: science through experimentation
Biology at AGIS is an essential component of STEM education aligned with international standards such as AP Biology and IB DP Biology. Instruction is conducted in English, while scientific terminology is introduced gradually and explained in a structured manner. Particular emphasis is placed on practical laboratory work: students regularly conduct experiments, prepare laboratory reports and complete research projects. They learn to work with scientific equipment, collect and analyse data and apply biological knowledge to real-life situations.
The development of research skills is a central focus: students learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments and draw evidence-based conclusions. Digital laboratories and simulations are used in learning. This approach develops not only biological knowledge, but also critical thinking, independence and teamwork skills.
Biology at AGIS is an essential component of STEM education aligned with international standards such as AP Biology and IB DP Biology. Instruction is conducted in English, while scientific terminology is introduced gradually and explained in a structured manner. Particular emphasis is placed on practical laboratory work: students regularly conduct experiments, prepare laboratory reports and complete research projects. They learn to work with scientific equipment, collect and analyse data and apply biological knowledge to real-life situations.
The development of research skills is a central focus: students learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments and draw evidence-based conclusions. Digital laboratories and simulations are used in learning. This approach develops not only biological knowledge, but also critical thinking, independence and teamwork skills.
STEAM is more than an acronym. It is an educational philosophy that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics into a unified system of practical learning. At AGIS, the STEAM approach is implemented through real subjects and authentic experiences — from laboratory experiments to digital product development and prototyping.
STEAM approach at AGIS: science and creativity in action
Come to our open day or book a campus tour — and see for yourself what the education of the future looks like.
A living system that keeps evolving
PBL and STEAM at AGIS are not a static programme. Each year, new educational approaches, digital tools, elements of artificial intelligence and international assessment standards are integrated into it. This keeps the system relevant and in line with the demands of modern education and the labour market.
PBL and STEAM at AGIS are not a static programme. Each year, new educational approaches, digital tools, elements of artificial intelligence and international assessment standards are integrated into it. This keeps the system relevant and in line with the demands of modern education and the labour market.
What your child gains:
- The ability to identify problems and ask the right questions
- Skills in analysis, inquiry and decision-making
- Experience working with real technologies and scientific equipment
- The ability to work in a team and take responsibility for results
- Confidence in presenting their ideas
- Readiness to study in an international academic environment
PBL provides the structure — how students think, investigate and arrive at results. STEAM fills this structure with practical knowledge and tools. Together, they create an educational environment in which every child becomes an active participant in their own learning.
PBL + STEAM: why they work together
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