Education in Cyprus The Historical Perspective The Independence Era Main features of our Educational System Teachers and teaching in Cyprus The ongoing educational reform.

Education in Cyprus The Historical Perspective 1959; First Educational Board – Establishment of the 8year school (pilot plan) The Post - Independence Era ( today) 1960 – 1965 Education was up to the two Communities and not the Government’s responsibilty (Greek and Turkish Communal Chamber respectively) 1962; Education for Primary Education was free and compulsory 1965; Following the political discourse the Ministry of Education was established for the first time. 1972; Free and compulsory education for Secondary Education (Gymnasium) 1977; Emphasis on Kindergarten Education.

Our educational system; main features Pre – primary education; (from age 4,8/12 compulsory) Primary Education (ages 6-12, compulsory / 7:45-13:05) KA (Circle A) – (ages 6-9) KB (Circle B) – (ages 10-12) Secondary Education Gymnasium – Compulsory (ages 13-15) Lyceum (ages 16-18) Higher Education (Public and Private Universities)

Our educational system; main features Centralized educational system (top – down) Dept. of Primary Education; determines formal educational policy Primary Education Department - Director District Educational Office: carries out the educational objectives School Inspectors: act both as teachers’ advisors and evaluators Principal – Head/Deputies (according to school size) Teachers (Permanent staff, SEN teachers, therapists)

Our educational system; main features Main sources of support for our school Ministry of Education; textbooks, working books, extra time and teachers for (a) disadvantaged pupils, (b) pupils with learning difficulties, (c) pupils from other countries Professional Development; the Ministry of Education and especially the Paedagogical Institute with various seminars District or Municipality Education Board (elected by the people). The District Education Board provides / allocates the money for matters related with school buildings and well being of the teachers/pupils within our schools

The Educational Reform In 2005 the Educational Reform (ER) was launched; ER objectives; The aim is to turn into reality the vision of a better educational system that would meet pupils´ future needs and society's challenges of the 21 st century. Special emphasis is given on the “democratic and humanistic school”. In terms of school practice knowledge is “measured” through “skills” and “indicators” that are placed on all curriculum subjects Thematic working groups are preparing teacher material and textbooks; in all working groups there is an substantive number of active teachers involved. Innovations; teaching EFL from kindergarten and Year 1; transforming curriculum subjects either through new content (Health Education) or joint subjects (i.e. Science and Technology); Still there is a lot of work to be done especially in the field of teacher education.

Teachers status / working conditions in Cyprus Teachers are appointed by the Educational Authority Committee The number of teachers used to be based on running needs / Shortage of teachers prior Today; primary teachers overload Teachers are eligible to be promoted for Head/Deputy after 12 years of teaching experience. They get an evaluation from the school inspector every 2 years. Promotion is mostly based on the available seats, the evaluation they get from the school inspector, the years of experience and any extra post-graduate diplomas they possess (MA or PhD). Teachers are transferred based on the “transfer points” they are getting during their teaching years. So, the most they get, the most likely for them to work near their homes. To earn “transfer points” they have to work at distant places. Teachers were considerably well paid for their professional work; however, today the economic crisis had an essential effect on teacher salaries

Cyprus’ Teachers’ working time; 7:30 am – 13:05 p.m. Once a week there is a staff meeting Teachers’ teaching time; It is related to the years of teaching experience; from Y1 till Y14 teachers teach 29 periods (1 period;40 minutes), from Y15 till Y20 they teach 27, more than 20 they teach 25. Deputies have to teach 23 periods and Principals from 8-14 (regarding the type of school) Curriculum - Textbooks; Since Independence Cyprus has developed its own curriculum. In some subjects i.e. Language, we use Greek textbooks, in others - i.e. Math, Science, Geography - we use textbooks provided by our Ministry of Education. There is no policy for using non-government textbooks. There are a lot of activities involved in everyday school work i.e. European Projects (i.e. Comenius), Environmental projects, Health and Safety Programs, Health Education Activities, etc Teachers status / working conditions in Cyprus

The Z’ (7 th ) Primary School (KB) “Apostolos Andreas” Main characteristics; Pupils 4 th, 5 th and 6 th Grade (10, 11 and 12 year olds) 9 classrooms (3 for each grade) Approximately 220 pupils The average teacher/pupil ratio is pupils in each class. There is a SEN Unit with SEN teachers within our school. A special inclusion program is implemented within the curriculum. Equipment All classrooms have at least one computer and a video-projector unit There are special classrooms for Art, Music, Design and Technology and Home Economics (Health Education)