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.
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!