Cyprus educational system
The national educational system of Cyprus
The Greek-Cypriot educational system is based on a centralized educational model. This implies that the financial resources, school curricula and additional programs as well as the teaching staff are controlled by the government. Compulsory education begins at the age of 6 and lasts until the age of 15. Formal school education is organized into three levels: elementary (ages 6-12), gymnasium (ages 12-15) and lyceum (ages 15-18). Fewer than 10% of students fail to go on and graduate from high school thereby entering the labor force between the ages of 15 and 18. There are currently around 112000 students enrolled in the school system in the age range 6-18. Perhaps the most positive aspect of the Cypriot educational system is the high cultural and social value placed on education. This is translated into the high percentage (50%) of high school graduates that sought University education in other countries or at local universities.
A major feature of Cyprus education is the use of common textbooks for all schools, at the level of primary, as well as secondary education. These are written and provided either from the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus or the Greek government.
Science learning in the elementary schools is mostly hands-on, whereas in secondary level is more textbook-based. The orientation of the Elementary School Science Curriculum is towards the inquiry approach to teaching and learning science and students conduct experiments using science equipment to understand and explain natural phenomena and scientific concepts.