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The Cypriot National Curriculum

The Cypriot National Curriculum

The Cypriot national curriculum is a structured educational framework designed to provide students with a balanced education that covers academic, personal, and social development. It is regulated by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth and is mandatory for students from the age of 4 years and 8 months to 15 years.

The learning stages of the curriculum are outlined below.

Pre-Primary Education (Ages 4 years 8 months to 6)

Focus: Basic social, emotional, and early academic skills.

Mandatory for all children before entering primary school

Primary Education (Ages 6 to 12)

Focus: Core subjects including Greek language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, music, and art.

Develops literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and foundational academic knowledge.

Lower Secondary Education / Gymnasium (Ages 12 to 15)

Focus: Core subjects continue, with an increasing emphasis on subjects like foreign languages (English, French), natural sciences, history, computer science, and civics.

Graduation Certificate: Apolytirio Gymnasiou – Awarded upon completion of Gymnasium.

Upper Secondary Education (Ages 15 to 18)

There are two pathways:

Lyceum (General Secondary Education) – Academic focus with a choice of specialisations.

Technical/Vocational Education – Focus on professional skills and technical knowledge.

Graduation Certificate

Apolytirio Lykeiou (for general secondary education) – Required for university admission.

Apolytirio of Technical/Vocational Schools – Focused on professional fields. Graduates of Technical/Vocational Schools can also be admitted to universities, through Pancyprian Access Examinations.

Key Examinations:

The Apolytirio Lykeiou (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) is awarded after final exams at the end of upper secondary school and is a qualification for higher education, both in Cyprus and abroad.

The Pancyprian Access Examinations, i.e. entrance examinations for the public universities of Cyprus and Greece.

The curriculum is designed to ensure students develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to contribute to society and pursue further education or career opportunities.