What is the main goal of the Hədəf concept?
ŞƏMİL SADİQ: "THE MAIN GOAL IS TO RAISE FLEXIBLE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ROOTED IN NATIONAL VALUES AND ADAPT TO THE DEMANDS OF THE TIME."
Established in 2008, Hədəf STEAM Lyceum is the first lyceum in the country to offer STEAM education. The goal of the lyceum is to foster new-generation scientists and engineers for the 21st century—an era of knowledge—by combining creativity, science, engineering, technology, and mathematics in harmony for the development of the country and the world. Hədəf STEAM Lyceum is the first lyceum in Azerbaijan to adopt a STEAM-focused approach. Since June 2021, Hədəf STEAM Lyceum has been an International Cambridge School.
THE MAIN MISSION OF HƏDƏF
This national educational institution, founded by Dr. Şəmil Sadiq, PhD in Philology, who is well-versed in Azerbaijan's education system, aims not to predetermine each student's future career but to create an environment where talent, practice, creativity, and discussions help reveal their unique skills, supporting them in choosing the right direction. Şəmil Sadiq believes that in this way, it is possible to nurture future doctors, scientists, technologists, designers, programmers, and engineers who love their work.
As the author of over 100 scientific articles, more than 30 books, 33 scientific-methodological works, and 5 fiction books, Şəmil Sadiq consistently introduces creative ideas and successful projects for the development of Azerbaijan's education system and its integration into the global educational framework. His contributions include monographs such as "Artistic Issues in Huseyn Javid’s Creativity" and "The Concept of Heroism in Huseyn Javid's Works," as well as textbooks like "Azerbaijani Language," "Literature," and "Learning the Azerbaijani Language" for students abroad. He is also the co-author of the historical novel "In Search of Hopes," dedicated to the Khojaly tragedy.
The Hədəf STEAM Lyceum curriculum is a blend of national and progressive international standards. Along with creating a modern educational environment for young learners, the lyceum integrates the STEAM concept in line with the strategy set by President Ilham Aliyev for the development and modernization of education.
HƏDƏF'S NATIONAL EDUCATION CONCEPT
According to Şəmil Sadiq, all education systems and programs are based on a specific concept, and Hədəf Lyceum has its own national educational concept: "I believe that today, five main principles should be the foundation of our education. That’s why I propose our national education concept—Hədəf Concept. Why 'Hədəf' (target)? Because no one wants to embark on a path without a destination. We are coded as human beings to seek the results of our actions. If we lose this feeling, we become like an animal wandering without direction. Memory helps us walk into the future without forgetting the past. 'Ships without a target sink in the ocean,' they say. A nation and a state need a target to move towards. If we set achievable targets in our national education strategy, we can gain momentum with every goal reached. Unrealistic targets may not be successful because not reaching them can lead to discouragement. Therefore, we need a small but achievable goal that leads to a greater purpose. The main goal of this concept is to nurture flexible-minded individuals who are rooted in national values and capable of meeting the demands of the modern age. The Hədəf Concept proposes forming modern individuals through five core principles: self-awareness, health, skills, creativity, and knowledge. The process of self-awareness starts with a love for values. According to the Hədəf Concept, a self-aware person is conscientious, just, humane, aware of their rights, hardworking, and constantly self-improving. A healthy body, character, mind, generation, and environment are crucial for the development of a nation and humanity, which is why we focus on these factors in our education. Our motto is 'Healthy Education, Healthy Nation.' A self-aware and healthy individual with skills can create added value for themselves and society, ensuring a quality life. Such a person, endowed with creativity, will need scientific knowledge to properly navigate the objective world. Knowledge comes from research, and research stems from curiosity. A knowledgeable person gains understanding through questioning, applying their knowledge to solve problems. Today, we turn to the principles of science, economics, and management to make intelligent decisions in any field. Knowledge is the foundation upon which our other skills become effective. In the age of information, being knowledgeable and using that knowledge for the protection and development of national and universal values, as well as solving critical problems, is a human duty. We believe everyone has a share of the creative spirit. People who identify and develop their aesthetic, artistic, technical, or scientific creativity can view problems from new perspectives and find original solutions. We create the conditions necessary for people to unlock and develop their creative potential. The Hədəf Concept aims to raise national, healthy, skilled, creative, and WISE INDIVIDUALS for the near future."
PRINCIPLES SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN AND AGILE MINDS
In his book "Human Engineer," Şəmil Sadiq elaborates on the principles of self-awareness, health, skills, creativity, and knowledge, which are integral to shaping modern, intelligent, and agile individuals rooted in national values. Each of these principles should be applied in general education as pedagogical principles. Educational institutions, training centers, and schools that adhere to these principles can achieve success. The Hədəf Concept, as outlined in the book, also includes symbols such as STEM, Wise Individuals, Values Week, and Young Learners. These ideas have great pedagogical significance and should be embraced.
Hədəf Courses have achieved great success in university preparation.
For the past 15 years, Hədəf Courses have supported thousands of students in gaining admission to universities. With over 10 national first-place students and hundreds scoring over 600 points, Hədəf's unique program, led by a team of expert teachers, has been taught at Hədəf STEAM Lyceum for five years. As a result, graduates from Hədəf STEAM Lyceum have achieved 100% success in university entrance exams.
