A universe within one school: a unique educational complex was presented at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The final event of the original project "Open School: Presentation of Best Practices" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on May 13. The project was among the first to launch within the space of the National Centre RUSSIA. As part of the series of events, the National Centre hosted a presentation of advanced educational methodologies implemented in educational institutions, as well as the practical results achieved by students. Participants were introduced to innovative teaching methods, cultural and sports projects, and discussed possible directions for further cooperation and exchange of experience.

On Tuesday, the team of School No. 1409 from Moscow shared their experience and achievements in the field of pedagogy and organisation of the educational process at the National Centre RUSSIA. Guests were welcomed by Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Anastasia Zvyagina.

"’Open School’ is one of the first projects of the National Centre RUSSIA. It is about development, about inspiration, about our children and youth — about those with whom the future of the country is connected. The project has already involved the P. L. Kapitsa Phystech Lyceum, the Lyceum of the Higher School of Economics, the Lyceum of RANEPA, and now School No. 1409. Such meetings are not just an exchange of experience. They are a contribution to the creation of a new environment where one wants to learn, grow, be brave and free," said Anastasia Zvyagina.

As part of the "Open School: Presentation of Best Practices" project, the school team presented the concept of an educational complex that combines preschool, school, and professional education.

"We are grateful to the National Centre RUSSIA for the invitation — it is a truly unique place. Let us present our school, where children study from the age of three up to 11th grade. It is a unique educational complex that shapes the future of education and combines innovation, mentorship, and respect for the individuality of each student. The school’s concept was developed 20 years ago and was awarded the Prize of the President of the Russian Federation. Some call our school a universe, others — a place of happiness, but to me, it feels like an entire country within the educational district of School No. 1409," said Irina Ilyicheva, Head of School No. 1409.

The school team introduced the participants to pre-professional classes of the Moscow education system: engineering, IT, media, entrepreneurship, and medicine. They also presented the school’s specialised programmes, including academic, legal, and cadet classes.

They showcased sports, cultural, and international projects, among them the "Gandhi – Tolstoy" programme, which has been active for over 10 years. During this time, student delegations from Delhi have visited Moscow several times, and students from the Russian capital have travelled to India. Pupils study the languages and cultures of both countries.

Another international project of the school is being implemented in partnership with China. At its core is the friendship between peoples and the study of the cultural legacy of both countries, Irina Ilyicheva noted. The school also presented "Iskra," a neural network assistant developed by students of School No. 1409 in Moscow.

The event featured a performance by one of Moscow’s leading creative groups, the "Plastic and Dance Association of Anastasia Blokhina." Guests of the meeting enjoyed a performance by Andrei Goncharov, winner of numerous national and international competitions and laureate of the 2024 "Silver Nutcracker" competition. His performance highlighted the importance of perseverance and striving for success in the creative field.

The "Open School" project of the National Centre RUSSIA has already featured the Nika School, the Lyceum of RANEPA, the Phystech Lyceum named after Kapitsa, and the Lyceum of the Higher School of Economics.