The implementation of the Optional All-Day Secondary School (POSME) program in the last two school years at Agios Dometios High School brought positive results, which led the authorities to make the decision to extend it. Thus, the Directorate of Secondary General Education of the Ministry of Education is proceeding with the expansion of POSME from the new school year that begins next September to another Gymnasium, specifically in the province of Paphos. It is noted that the school in which POSME will be implemented will be announced soon.
Asked about the decision to extend it to another province, after the picture that has been recorded in the High School of Agios Dometios for as long as it has been implemented, the Deputy Director of Secondary Education of the Ministry of Education, Giorgos Koutsidis, told "F", that the Ministry considers that POSME is another important step in the modernization of the country's public education, adding that the aim of this action is to support students and their families through a modern and creative school environment.
It is worth noting that the institution of All-Day School in Secondary Education (in this case in schools of the high school cycle), enables students to stay at school after the end of morning classes, i.e. from 13:35 to 16:30, receiving free meals. Students who will attend the first and second grades of the Agios Dometios High School - as the program will continue there - as well as the students of the first grade of the Gymnasium of the Paphos school, which will be announced in the near future, have the right to participate in the All-Day Gymnasium.
As Mr. Koutsidis explained, the students of the All-Day School have the opportunity to participate in a program that combines remedial teaching with creative activities and skills development. Through the program, students have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of Mathematics and Greek, and to cultivate collaboration, communication and creative thinking skills. In addition, creative activities related to students' interests are offered, such as Physical Education, Theater and Art. At the same time, explains the Deputy Director of Secondary Education, it also functions as a safe and supportive space for children, contributing to their socialization and the development of a positive attitude towards learning.
Regarding the pilot implementation of the institution at Agios Dometios High School, it was carried out under the guidance and support of the European Commission through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI 2023), as part of the wider efforts to enhance quality and inclusion in public education in Cyprus, while the program was evaluated by competent bodies, receiving particularly positive comments for its contribution, both in the academic support of students and in their social and personal development. Results, which played an important role in the decision to extend it to other high school schools from next September.
