Cyprus prepares for the new school year with 16 educational initiatives

Cyprus is actively preparing for the start of the new secondary school year. For teachers, classes begin on September 1, and for students – on September 5. The Ministry of Education has published a circular presenting 16 key measures and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and modernizing the learning process.

Among the priorities is the revision of curricula for all subjects and grades. Special attention is given to optimizing content, reducing material volume, and creating a logical structure of knowledge. The goal of these changes is to develop students’ key competencies in line with European standards.

In addition, a mandatory self-assessment procedure has been introduced for schools, with the development of a Unified Action Plan for improvement. This will allow schools to regularly analyze their performance and implement measures to enhance the quality of the educational process.

The pilot program of interdisciplinary high schools will continue, offering “STEAM” and “Greek Language and Culture” tracks, as well as additional education supported by the European Commission and UNESCO. Within this program, students can broaden their learning experience and improve the integration of pupils with a migration background.

From the new school year, the concept of a technical high school will be launched in two schools – St. Stylianos Gymnasium in Nicosia and Polemidia Gymnasium in Limassol – with the fields of “Mechanical Science” and “Design and Construction”. Work also continues to ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school.

Great attention is paid to the prevention of violence and delinquency in schools, parental involvement, and strengthening the school-family connection. Within the DRA.S.E.+ program, extracurricular and creative activities will continue, along with Greek language learning programs for students with a migration background.

Pilot projects for German language learning, financial literacy programs for all secondary school classes, the development of inclusive education, and the digitalization of administrative processes are also ongoing.

Students will benefit from career guidance programs, while the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices will remain restricted during the school day.

All these measures are aimed at creating a modern, inclusive, and future-oriented education system in Cyprus.