Project Name: Triangle Of Cultures. Discovering Europe through Language and Culture using ICT Project Name: Triangle Of Cultures. eTwinning

DESCRIPTION OF CYPRUS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

All men by nature desire knowledge. (Aristotle) SOCRATES The definition of Education as well as the ideal School Image are best described by the Greek Philosophers SOCRATES and ARISTOTLE who quoted: All men by nature desire knowledge. (Aristotle) Know yourself. (Socrates) The roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet. (Aristotle) I am not an Athenian or a Greek but a citizen of the world. (Socrates)

Accordingly , the general aims of all Scholastic Institutions in Cyprus are:   Mental, emotional, spiritual and physical development of students. Provision of knowledge and skills necessary for the continuation of their studies or the initiation into the socio-economic life of the country. Preparation of citizens who are faithful to the universal values of freedom , democracy and justice. Strengthening of the European dimension of Education in the country , including respect of the right for freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

FACTS ABOUT EDUCATION IN CYPRUS The Ministry of Education and Culture which was founded in 1965, has the sole responsibility for educational matters in the Republic of Cyprus. These include administration, supervision, funding and decision taking for all scholastic institutions. In 1972 education became free for public primary and secondary educational institutions Education became compulsory for the primary and lower secondary levels, until the age of 15.

The appointment of teachers is highly centralised through the Education Service Commission appointed by the Government. Schools are directly controlled by the Ministry through the Inspectorate. There are quite a few private scholastic institutions in Cyprus. Although they maintain a considerable degree of independence in their operation and curricula, they are registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture and comply with certain curriculum and facility requirements mandated by law.

Local school boards are funded by the Ministry and their role is restricted to matters of building, maintenance, and supplies. In the public educational institutions the teaching staff is appointed, promoted and subject to disciplinary proceedings by the Education Service Committee. In 1992 the University of Cyprus was founded, providing substantial contribution to educational research and the cultural life of the country. The Republic of Cyprus is also proud of the Technological University which operates in the newly renovated neo –classic city centre of Limassol, as well as of the Open University of Cyprus.

Influence by other educational systems The educational system of Cyprus has been influenced by the educational systems of Greece and Britain. Their impact is obvious in the organization and administration of education, the curriculum and the school textbooks.

Our educational system undergoes reform The Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus Aims at the creation of a democratically organised school system which will highlight the multicultural nature of our society as an element for composition and creative production, as well as an opportunity for mutual understanding and respect. To this effect, it adopts the main purpose of inter-cultural education which is for all students to enrich their knowledge of life and other people’s experiences and values, to explore global values and to reject prejudices. It is hoped that these principles will create the conditions for a peaceful co-existence and prosperity not only in Cyprus but also in multicultural Europe and the whole world in general.

The great influx of foreign citizens in Cyprus, has created INTER-CULTURAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION , SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS The great influx of foreign citizens in Cyprus, has created the reality of a new, multicultural society. To enable the smooth integration of all foreign students into the Cypriot Educational System without any kind of segregation, the Ministry of Education and Culture, has introduced the Intercultural Training and Education Programme in primary and secondary education.

AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME Provision of advanced and differentiated programs for learning the Greek language for the children of repatriates and foreigners, in order to enhance more effective communication and smoother integration into the local society. • Protection of freedom and rights of all groups of Cypriot society against any racist discriminations and tendencies of social exclusion. • Qualitative upgrading of education provided to foreign children.

In the last 37 years an educational miracle has been accomplished in Cyprus. In order to understand it, we should consider that :   Cyprus education suffered a severe blow as a result of the Turkish invasion in 1974 since 19, (38%) out of 49 Secondary Education schools were occupied by the Turkish army and 44% of the Secondary school students were forced to abandon their homes and schools. At Primary level, 42% of the pupils were deprived of their school and were forced to seek settlement and education in the free areas. Until 2004, the operation of a Gymnasium was not allowed in the occupied areas. There was only one primary school with 25 students. Since 2006 -2007 the operation of a Lykeio which numbers 10 students has been possible. The contribution of volunteer teachers to this venture has been invaluable.

The Ministry of Education and Culture, places a great deal of emphasis on the introduction of IT into education, in keeping with its stated aim of upgrading Education and bringing it into line with the demands of a fast changing society. Consequently, in all pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, computers are being used as a teaching tool, to expand pupils’ horizons. All scholastic institutions are connected to the Internet. What is more, the Athletics and Music schools have been operating on a full - time basis for some years now. Link: www.moec.gov.cy THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!