curriculum cuts — curriculum cuts — Cyprus is undergoing significant changes in its education system as the 2025-26 academic year commences, with Education Minister Athena Michaelidou labelling this period as pivotal for assessing recent innovations. The minister shared with philenews that the government has been working on a comprehensive redesign of the educational framework for two and a half years, focusing on methodical and scientific approaches to mitigate past issues associated with educational reforms.
- In closing, Minister Michaelidou insisted that “Education is changing, and this change is the most hopeful and substantial investment for the Cyprus we envision.”
A central element of this overhaul is a substantial reduction and updating of the curriculum. Minister Michaelidou has characterised this shift as a strategic decision aimed at prioritising essential knowledge over rote learning. “We have already succeeded in having a concise and necessary curriculum in all subjects,” she stated, while acknowledging that some subjects still require significant cuts to allow for a greater emphasis on skills development, critical thinking, and creativity.
This reform has garnered strong political support from the government, as well as backing from academics, inspectors, and educators. In a bid to modernise education, a new Technical Gymnasium will be piloted this year. This innovative programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and the labour market, helping students to familiarise themselves with technical professions and emerging technologies. “Our goal is for school to connect with real-life needs,” Minister Michaelidou explained.
The curriculum will also be enriched with new subjects that focus on essential life skills. Financial education will now be part of all gymnasium classes and introduced at the primary level, while Citizenship Education will be reinstated across all educational tiers, from preschool to lyceum and technical schools. This initiative aims to cultivate active citizenship values and skills among students.
Additionally, the return of the Work Week programme in lyceums is set to enhance connections between education and the workforce, providing students with valuable professional experience opportunities. Social education will also be updated to include important topics like fire safety, ensuring a well-rounded education that addresses contemporary issues.
“We want children to gain experiences, cultivate culture on fundamental issues and acquire citizen consciousness and readiness for today’s needs and shaping tomorrow,” the minister emphasised. The expansion of the all-day school programme is another significant change, positioning it not merely as a social provision but as an essential educational structure in primary and secondary education.
Revisions to teacher evaluation processes are also a priority, with the aim of establishing a new foundation for assessing educational work. “If we truly wish to see significant changes, both in learning outcomes and in school climate and professional development of our educators, we must institutionalise these evaluations,” the minister stated.
Improving learning conditions for children with disabilities has been identified as a critical area for intervention. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and humane education system, beginning with necessary legislative updates.
Minister Michaelidou acknowledged that building trust and cooperation with society, educators, and parents is one of the ministry’s greatest challenges. “We want a school that responds to the needs of the times, but also to shaping tomorrow’s society, based on values and life skills,” she said. “Changes require time and stability to acquire depth and duration.”
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education as a top priority, stating, “The Government has positioned Education as an essential priority and this is confirmed today with the horizontal reform already being implemented. We proceed with determination because reform means vision, plan, but also actions.”
In closing, Minister Michaelidou insisted that “Education is changing, and this change is the most hopeful and substantial investment for the Cyprus we envision.”
