The Ministry of Education is preparing a series of changes in primary schools in an effort to reduce the work load on students. The proposed changes will be discussed at the National Education Council which will convene next week under former Rector and university professor Sokratis Katsikas. Representatives from all education federations will be called to participate and make their suggestions.
In order to reduce the work load of students at home, the Ministry is considering how to introduce some form of studying in school, during teaching hours rather than time allocated for extracurricular activities. Additionally, the Ministry is examining the reduction of the curriculum, while increasing extracurricular activities (such as sport and music) so that students are happier and more relaxed when normal teaching ends.
At present there are 17 different subjects in primary schools with teachers having repeatedly asked for a restructure of the curriculum, particularly in natural sciences, mathematics and geography. Aside from the need to update text books, teachers have noted that certain chapters are hard to understand or trivial.
After the National Education Council convenes next week and proposals submitted, the implicated federations will begin discussions, so that a final decision can be made and a bill drafted in January 2015.
