Published on Eurydice (https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice)

2020

Responses by the Ministry of Education to the Covid-19 outbreak

In order to counter the Covid-19 emergency, the government of Cyprus decided to suspend the in- school operation [1] of all public and private schools at all levels on March 11, 2020. Within a few days after school closure, teachers were recalled to schools to teach through distance synchronous and asynchronous methods. Teachers worked mainly from home using online tools and were present at the school only when necessary.

Existing infrastructure was used to support distance learning. Priority was given to students’ access to a computer/tablet and internet at home. A distance synchronous education programme had been implemented using Microsoft Teams with more than 110 000 teachers and students having access to the software. Intensive online teacher training courses were provided by the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus.

Supportive educational material for all students was uploaded onto the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, (MECYS) web page and on individual school web pages. Public and private television channels supported overall efforts by broadcasting lessons and other educational programmes, especially for younger students. In addition, the website [2]was created in order to support students and to help teachers' efforts in distance learning. The material posted, as well as guidance from other sources, has been useful to parents and guardians trying to support children living at home.

According to the government plan for reopening schools, priority was given to the final year of upper secondary education. Students of both upper secondary general education and upper secondary technical and vocational education returned to school on May 11, 2020. Students were divided into two groups and physically attended school lessons on a weekly rotation basis. Primary and lower secondary education schools reopened on May 21,2020, on the same weekly rotation basis. Students in the first and second year of upper secondary education continued to use distance learning methods.

Since the reopening of schools, all necessary safety and hygiene measures were taken for the protection of students and teachers, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the safety protocol developed particularly for school operation.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) decided that the Pancyprian Examinations (which also determine students’ access to public universities in Cyprus and Greece, or other European and third countries) would begin on June 9, 2020 and that they should be the priority. Upon their return to school, students in their final year focused on the examination syllabus, based on specific guidelines. No other final examinations took place; the final examinations for all years of lower secondary education and the first and second year of upper secondary general and upper secondary vocational education were cancelled. It was ensured, however, that students would acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and competences needed for their smooth transition to the next education level.

Pilot Program for Certification of the English Language in the Public School

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Athletics and Youth (ΥΠΠΑΝ) is introducing, starting September 2020 with the beginning of the school year, a Pilot Program of English Language Certification in the Public School [3] in order to certify English proficiency with a certification necessary for the modern socio-economic and work environment.

The Certification of English Language in the Public School is one of a series of measures adopted by the Ministry of Education for the upgrading of education, responding to modern needs.

In partnership with the University of Cambridge, an agreement has recently been signed with Cambridge Assessment International Education, Cambridge Assessment English and British Council for the certification of English language proficiency in public schools.

As provided in this agreement, the English Language Certification Program will be initially implemented on a pilot basis for one year, from the school year 2020-2021, at high schools in all Cyprus provinces and will include: continuous training of teachers on the subject, diagnostic test (on- line) in September in children of the 1st grade of Gymnasium and PET (B1) and IGCSE (B2) examination for grades 1 and 3 of Lyceum students respectively.

The certification of English within the school is one of the announcements in the Government Program of the President of the Republic, while the decision for the conclusion of the agreement has been taken by the Council of Ministers on November 21, 2018.

Following the completion of the pilot application for the 2020-2021 school year, the University of Cambridge will conduct a program evaluation study based on the results. Children will be able to use the certificates both in Cyprus and abroad.

How COVID-19 affects children

On May 19, 2020, program [4]“How COVID-19 affects children” was presented to the Ministry of Education by the Committee of Experts of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health.

The content of the program included the following subjects:

The new coronary and its disease Characteristics of the disease in children

How the disease affects Cypriot children

Protection at school

Health Protocol for Primary Schools

The reopening of the Primary schools in the conditions of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 epidemic (COVID-19) in Cyprus, must be done in appropriate, controlled and careful conditions of safety and health, so as to eliminate and / or reduce to a large extent the risk of spreading the virus to both children and staff (primary teachers and other staff) and consequently to society as a whole (parents / guardians, etc.).

For this reason, instructions included in the Health Protocol for Primary Schools [5], will be followed.

In the appendix of the Protocol there is a list of actions / controls to facilitate the school units during the planning / implementation of the required actions and the observance of the Protocol. Sampling thermometers must be performed in primary schools as provided in the Protocol. One or two classes / groups will be checked partially each day, so that all classes / groups of students are checked weekly.

Instructions for Reopening of Special Schools

The Ministry of Education has prepared instructions for the reopening of the Special Schools [6] after the manifestation of the coronavirus. The purpose of these instructions is to inform the staff working in the Special Schools, regarding the symptoms of SARs-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, the necessary actions in case of an outbreak and the preventive measures against the spread of the virus.

The Ministry of Health recommends that special attention be paid to Special Schools and in particular:

⦁ To employees, and also to groups of people, especially children, attending these schools and who are at risk more likely to become seriously ill with COVID-19 because of the presence of underlying chronic health problems, such as respiratory, cardiac and other serious health problems.

⦁ To employees, and also to groups of people, especially children, attending these schools due to the difficulty in implementing the necessary precautions and measures in order to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Attendance of children of Special Units with escort service during the pandemic Covid-19

Regarding the attendance of students studying in Special Units [7]or whose needs are served by school assistants / attendants, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth decided during Covid-19 pandemic to separate the cases of children into two categories. The first category included children with special needs without obvious vulnerability to serious illness from COVID-19 and it was recommended that they attend school normally. The second proposed category included children at risk for severe COVID-19 disease and it was recommended that these children stay at home and be evaluated by Special Committees.

Safety and health education for the treatment of Covid-19 in schools

On May 9,2020, program “Safety and health education for the treatment of Covid-19 in schools [8]” was presented to the Ministry of Education by the Committee of Experts of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health.

The content of the program included the following subjects:

1. Introduction to COVID-19 disease

2. Epidemiological data of Cyprus with emphasis on children

3. General precautions and protection measures

4. Special recommendations concerning the school

Questions were answered concerning the transmission of the virus, its contagiousness, the mortality rate, and how common and serious it is for children who get sick.

Safety and Health Protocols for dealing with COVID-19 in Secondary Schools

Safety and Health Protocols [9] which have been audited and approved by the Ministry of Health, have been prepared in relation to the treatment of COVID-19 in Secondary Schools.

Protocols have been prepared for the following subjects and put in immediate application:

⦁ Entrance and Exit to the School Teaching Area

⦁ Breaks

⦁ Presence of symptoms

⦁ Cleanliness, Hygiene and Ventilation

⦁ List of actions / control

⦁ Programming ⦁ Handling of vulnerable groups

⦁ Monitoring of any Symptoms

⦁ Access of visitors to the school by parents / guardians

⦁ Keeping distances

⦁ Hand washing and disinfection - Hygiene

⦁ Cleaning and ventilation

⦁ Staff Education / Training

Safety and Health Protocol for the Pancyprian Examinations 2020

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth (YPPAN) in collaboration with the Health Services of the Ministry of Health, in the framework of the measures taken to deal with the Covid pandemic 19, proceeded to create α special protocol for conducting the Pancyprian Examinations (PE) 2020 [10].

The Directorates of the secondary schools / examination centers were requested to ensure the faithful application of the measures by studying the Safety and Health Protocols for the treatment of Covid-19 and the health guidelines published by the Ministry of Health [11].

2019

Eniaio Lykeio is currently used in Lyceums in Cyprus

The Eniaio Lykeio [12] is student-centered and aims at the full development of personalities within a system of values and achievements of the society in Cyprus. School offers the background and the provision for lifelong learning as well as the capability for pre-professional training and specialized knowledge and skills aiming at access to the labor market.

This new institution is characterized by the focus on general education, both technological and economic, and on the development of a multi-faceted personality through:

1. The didactic process and the various pedagogical activities which foster a wide range of skills and types of thought, such as:

Critical thinking

Creativity and originality

Imagination

Observation Cooperation

Problem-solving and coping with various situations

Analytical skills

Synthetic skills

Skills for peer and self-assessment

2. The fostering of values and attitudes so that the teenager and future citizen, can cope with the challenges of the modern world. Class A’ is, for the pupils, the class of observation, guidance, and orientation. In this class, the pupil has the opportunity to make calculated decisions about what he will do in the next two classes and how he will form his future by pursuing further studies or by getting ready for the labor market.

In Class B’ and C’, pupils attend common core subjects which are considered to be vital while they have the opportunity to select optional subjects which will help them to prepare for their future career according to their interests and inclinations.

The institution of the Eniaio Lykeio is also related to a series of internal reforms necessary for the implementation of its basic pursuits. These changes constitute the qualitative difference that characterizes the institution.

Literacy Program in Primary Education

The Literacy Program (targeting students who according to specific assessment essays are classified as a risk group for illiteracy) in a scientific evaluation after its three-year pilot implementation has not shown a significant improvement in student performance. For this school year, actions and interventions were made to support students at risk of illiteracy in several ways:

1. A number of schools have been selected which face major challenges with high percentages of students at risk of illiteracy over time. These schools have been supported through first-grade educational support and parallel actions of support to other classes. Empowering first-grade children where possible will help them master basic literacy and that will be a driving force in the learning process and will help in the early detection of children with difficulties and plan for their support.

2. Τargeted support is provided for 2000 pupils through the institution of DRASE (School and Social Inclusion Actions) where the main objective is the prevention of illiteracy through multilevel interventions and mainly through a classroom teaching assistant.

3. Teachers are also provided with supporting material and educational activities are offered in schools to enhance their work and support all children based on their learning needs.

The above actions are integrated into a comprehensive support framework for students who are at risk of illiteracy, which is also evaluated and monitored in a dynamic effort to upgrade and improve quality learning outcomes.

Reform of Special Education in Cyprus

The second phase of the project to modernize special and unified education, including resource analysis, a study visit and working groups, began with the start of the school year 2019-2020.

The conclusions that were reached will be formulated to recommendations on the basis of which the regulations necessary for the implementation of the law will be prepared. The draft laws and regulations will be forwarded together to the House of Representatives to be voted. The project is funded by the European Commission through the Program Support for Structural Reforms and implemented by the European Agency for Special and Unified Education, in cooperation with the Support Service of Structural Reforms (SSSR) of the European Commission.

Student Support Program for Migrant students in Primary Education

Starting the academic year 2019-2020 the Ministry of Education and Culture allocates time for teaching migrant children who have been identified through a diagnostic test that they need support. In addition, the support and teaching of migrant students has been integrated into the afternoon, through the Training Centers of the Ministry of Education, to ensure that children receive the maximum support possible.

The Ministry of Education and Culture also supports teachers in their work by preparing tests for the initial and mid-term evaluation of student performance as well as an assessment of other subjects besides the Greek language before the children fully integrate into the classroom program.

The new Teacher Evaluation System

The new evaluation system which will be implemented during the academic year 2020-2021, has as its main purpose the development of a teacher and school evaluation plan that will contribute to enhancing the quality of education provided.

Under the new Educational Assessment and Teacher Assessment System [13], the assessment function remains pedagogical and aims to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process: teachers, parents, and guardians, the system and pupils themselves.

The innovations of the proposed evaluation system are summarized in the following points:

1. In the evaluation plan, there are provisions for formalizing teachers' assessment of support programs.

2. In addition to the formative assessment, the project also includes the evaluation of the educational project, which will allow our education system to be informed about the degree of achievement of its expectations and to formulate its policies accordingly.

3. The plan establishes a new mechanism for the selection of the most appropriate teachers by post, which will occupy the promotion posts. 4. The plan provides for the creation of jobs for evaluators.

5. Essential, measurable/observable criteria for the numerical score are given which refer to the value of the teacher in his / her didactic work.

6. Provision is made for the creation of a Senior Teacher's position in order to give opportunities for experienced teachers to continue teaching.

7. The School Unit Director participates substantially in the evaluation of teachers.

8. The evaluation procedure is envisaged for the continuous improvement of the evaluation criteria, the forms and procedures used in the evaluation and evaluation of the Evaluators.

9. Procedures for the submission and examination of objections by teachers are foreseen.

Amendment of the four-month evaluation rules

The House of Representatives has voted on July 27, 2019, the adoption of the amending Regulations concerning the evaluation of the pupils in the four-month period at the Public Secondary Schools.

This is a very positive development towards the modernization of the Cyprus education system, as the four-month evaluation of the pupils is in line with the modern pedagogical assessment principles focusing on identifying weaknesses, direct feedback, reinforcement, and the development and progress of pupils and is a useful tool for teachers to undertake targeted interventions to improve the quality of teaching and learning outcomes.

Continuation of the Afternoon Training Program for the Unaccompanied Minors / Applicants under International Protection

Following a proposal from the Ministry of Education and Culture (MoEC), the Council of Ministers has approved the continuation of the Afternoon Training Program [14] at State Institutes for Unaccompanied Minors/Applicants under International Protection during the following school years.

The Council of Ministers proceeded with the decision to continue the Program, taking into account its successful operation, from 2016, and the multiple benefits offered to the participants.

During the Program, the children will be taught Greek as a Second Language and Mathematics (14 and 6 teaching sessions per week respectively).

Enhancement of digital literacy skills in the 5th and 6th grades of primary schools

The Council of Ministers, following a proposal from the Ministry of Education and Culture (MoEC) has reached a decision to rename the course "Design and Technology" to "Design and Technology - Digital Technologies".

The decision of the Council of Ministers serves one of the main priorities of the MoEC for the integration of Digital Technologies [15] in Primary Education.

With this integration, students of the 5th and 6th grade will: a) acquire technical knowledge and skills on how computer systems and the Internet work; b) engage in problem-solving activities by cultivating their skills, c) provide the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to acquire digital competence / culture, and d) achieve their smooth transition to the Gymnasium cycle.

Host classes of migrant pupils integrating migrant children into the education system, it has reached an agreement with the European Commission to conduct a study and peer counseling by European experts.

The Ministry, under the coordination of the Pedagogical Institute, will cooperate with officials of the European Commission who will study existing policies for the reception phase of migrant pupils. This collaboration is expected to be completed by the end of the current school year and is important in the effort being made for the smooth reception and integration of migrant children into our education system.

2018

Certification of the English Language at public schools

Starting the academic year 2019-2020, the Ministry of Education and Culture has decided to apply a pilot program for one year in cooperation with the University of Cambridge for the certification of the English language [16] in public schools. The pilot program will include on-line screening in September for children of the 7th grade, PET (Preliminary English test) for 9th grade students and IGCSE examination for 12th grade students.

The aim of the Ministry, with the application of the program in the coming years, is to give the families of students a financial benefit and at the same time to reduce the stress and discomfort experienced by students during the afternoons when they have to study for the IGCSE examinations.

IGCSE English as a Second Language is officially certified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). As a result, graduates of public schools will hold a Certificate of Language Certification recognized by universities, as well as employers' organizations worldwide. New legislation on the establishment and operation of private Τutorial Centres

The Register of Approved Private Tutorial Centres and the Register of Teaching Staff of Private Tutorials have been reviewed based on the new legislation [17] which has been voted on the establishment and operation of private tutorial Centres.

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Source URL: https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/cyprus/national-reforms-school-education_el

Links [1] https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/news-and-press/news/cyprus-responses-covid-19-outbreak [2] http://elearning.schools.ac.cy/index.php/el/ [3] http://enimerosi.moec.gov.cy/archeia/1/ypp11153a [4] http://archeia.moec.gov.cy/mc/245/2020_05_20_enimerosi_covid_19_pros_diefthyntes_dimotiki.pdf [5] http://archeia.moec.gov.cy/mc/245/2020_05_19_protokollo_asfaleias_ygeias_dimotikis_ekpaidefsis.pdf [6] http://archeia.moec.gov.cy/mc/245/2020_06_03_odigies_epanaleitourgias_eidikon_scholeion.pdf [7] http://enimerosi.moec.gov.cy/archeia/1/ypp10836a [8] http://archeia.moec.gov.cy/mc/245/2019_parousiasi_euc_epimorfosi_covid19.pdf [9] http://archeia.moec.gov.cy/mc/245/2020_05_13_protokolla_asfaleias_ygeias_mesi_ekpaidefis.pdf [10] http://archeia.moec.gov.cy/mc/245/2020_06_04_protokollo_asfaleias_ygeias_pagkypries_exetaseis.pdf [11] https://www.moh.gov.cy/moh/moh.nsf/index_gr/index_gr?OpenDocument [12] http://www.moec.gov.cy/dme/en/innovations_reforms_lyk.html [13] http://www.cna.org.cy/pdf/ant/06072019.pdf [14] http://http://enimerosi.moec.gov.cy/archeia/1/ypp9260a [15] http://enimerosi.moec.gov.cy/archeia/1/ypp8817a [16] http://enimerosi.moec.gov.cy/archeia/1/ypp8383a [17] http://www.moec.gov.cy/idiotiki_ekpaidefsi/entypa_diadikasia/idrysi_kai_leitourgia_idiwtikou_frontistiriou/diadikasia_idr ysi_leitourgeia_frontistiriou.pdf