Competence-Based Approach to Teaching Natural Sciences as a Condition for Sustainable Development of the New Ukrainian School

The article explores innovative strategies for teaching natural sciences in the context of educational reform and the implementation of the New Ukrainian School concept. The focus is on the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills through the application of a competency-based approach. This includes fostering students' critical thinking, research activity, and environmental awareness. The paper analyzes the effectiveness of the learner-centered, activity-based, and interdisciplinary approaches as integral elements of the modern educational process. It also highlights the role of interactive teaching methods, project-based and laboratory work in developing key competencies among students. Emphasis is placed on the transformation of the teacher's role, the creation of a supportive educational environment, and the modernization of curriculum content to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The proposed strategies aim to prepare students for conscious, responsible, and scientifically grounded engagement with the natural world and active participation in sustainable societal development. In the current conditions of transformation of the education system, an important role is played by the competency-based approach as a leading direction of modernization of the educational process. Its goal is not only to transfer knowledge, but also to form practical skills, abilities and value orientations that ensure the ability of the individual to effectively operate in conditions of social change. This approach is aimed at the development of cognitive, operational, motivational and value components that ensure the personal and professional growth of young people in accordance with the requirements of an innovative society.