Far-reaching changes in schools: English in kindergarten, sex education, robotics

The program announced by the Ministry of Education includes significant changes in the field of education. The relevant reforms include the expansion of creative activities in English in all Preschools, teacher training, and the launch of operations Integrated Training Information System. 

In addition, during the online working meeting between the Ministry’s political leadership and the administration of the Institute of Education Policy (IEP), issues related to the pandemic’s impact on the field of education were also discussed.

At the same time, the issue of providing immediate support for the initiative through projects included in the Recovery Fund was discussed, with programs such as equipment for educational robotics in all schools, training sessions in ICT etc. Similarly, the Creative Activities in English, starting this coming September, these programs are scheduled to be implemented in all kindergartens.

A new series of teacher training programs is scheduled to begin next month, starting with training on skills instruction for a total of more than 70,000 teachers and continuing with the English program for kindergartens.

New degree programs

The preparation New Curricula (PS) It serves as the starting point and cornerstone of the broader reform effort by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs to modernize the school system. The general education curricula, which are expected to be finalized by the end of 2021, will be published and made available to the educational community through an interactive, digital system. It is worth noting that the detailed curricula have not been revised in many cases over the past two decades, making it imperative to update and modernize both their content and their philosophy and approach. The new PSs, in line with European trends, are based on learning outcomes and adopt a personalized, student-centered approach to teaching.

The key cross-cutting priorities are to support students so that they learn to be creative, to think critically, to develop skills for utilizing and generating new knowledge, and to take initiative. The Revision of the curricula for general and vocational education, as well as training in these areas, is carried out with the support of European funds. At the same time, a reform of the «single textbook» system is being planned. The abolition of the monopoly on a single, uniform school textbook is fully in line with the philosophy of the new Curriculum Standards, so that teachers and students can using critical thinking to synthesize information from multiple sources.

All books will be available in digital format, and funding from the Recovery Fund is planned to support the development of additional digital content and applications. At the same time, the new Integrated Information System (IIS) for Training, which, among other things, will provide synchronous and asynchronous training services, with certified procedures and quality assurance, serving as a space for collaborative learning and the dissemination of best practices. The training programs planned through the OPS include, for example, basic literacy skills, skills workshops, the new framework for EPAL schools, and training for newly appointed teachers (introductory, inclusive training to adapt to the needs of children with disabilities).

Niki Kerameos

The Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Niki Kerameos, stated: «We are continuing to design and implement educational reforms with intensity, dedication, creativity, and vision, always keeping our students and teachers in mind. The pandemic cannot—and must not—halt progress, improvement, or the creation of a more effective and meaningful educational process tailored to modern needs.».

Zetta Makri

The Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Zetta Makri He stated in this regard: «With a sense of responsibility, foresight, and pedagogical care, we design the thematic units of the Skills Workshops, provide motivation and inspiration to students, and prioritize experiential and discovery-based learning, as well as innovative teaching and educational activities. We outline the theoretical framework and encourage active participation and creative interaction within the school environment for both students and teachers.».

Skills Workshops

As was emphasized following the successful pilot implementation of the Skills Workshops This year, they are being taught in 218 kindergartens, elementary schools, and middle schools; in the coming school year, they are scheduled to be taught in all schools across the country.

The Skills Workshops consist of four thematic areas, with subtopics tailored to age and educational level: