Michaelidou outlines priorities for next school year
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou outlined her priorities for the next school year, aiming to create an education system that forms skilled, responsible citizens with a democratic ethos, historical identity, and respect for diversity. The ministry’s priority is transitioning to a modern, human-centered, and inclusive school to improve learning outcomes. Policies are divided into six pillars: educational policies, human resources, administrative structures and infrastructure, higher and lifelong education, sports, and youth. A new assessment system abolishing midterm examinations in all subjects in secondary education was implemented. The government plans to enhance higher education through internationalization, modernization, and labor market connections, increase scholarships, and has announced a €10 million fund for purchasing modern equipment, including 10,000 computers and 1,000 video projectors. Measures to address pupil behavior and attainment issues are being adopted, with free and compulsory education from the age of four to be introduced. Eight international memoranda of understanding have been signed, a pilot German language program in middle and high schools, and an action plan for Cypriot sports development, focusing on school sports and infrastructure upgrading, have been announced.