Reform of specialised senior secondary schools opens up new opportunities for students

This was the focus of an open event held in Boryslavska community in Lviv region, which brought together experts from DECIDE, educators, school leaders, parents and community activists.

Our team of experts – Maryna Zamfir, Zenovii Siryk and Tetiana Tsiupra – explained the key concept behind the creation of a specialised secondary school.

During the discussion, the experts noted the high standard of the educational network in Boryslavska community. Plans are in place to establish a single academic lyceum for senior students, separate from other educational institutions. This will concentrate resources within a single institution, enable the creation of modern laboratories and inter-class groups for the study of specialised subjects, and provide students with appropriate learning conditions.

According to Ella Kachmaryk, Head of the Education Department at the Boryslav City Council, the future lyceum has significant prospects for development, and there are already grounds to expect that up to a thousand students will study there in the coming years. ‘Boryslavska community is looking into the possibilities for developing the lyceum within the framework of the senior school reform. Institutions operating under new approaches may, in particular, receive state support,’ emphasised Ella Kachmaryk.

The discussion focused on the following key issues:

• How will Grade 10 become a specialisation and adaptation year, with the option to change the chosen specialisation?

• What factors should be taken into account when creating individual learning pathways for students?

• Which subjects and courses will be taught at an advanced level, and which can be optional?

• Why should the lyceum be a separate legal entity, and what benefits does this bring to the community?

• How can general secondary education institutions be reorganised into gymnasiums in line with the law?

• What risks might arise if decisions on the formation of the network are delayed?

• Why is it important to submit an application for state funding on time in order to create a modern STEM laboratory?

Separately, DECIDE experts held a working meeting with city councillors to discuss in detail further management decisions on the formation of senior secondary schools.

Special attention was paid to timely communication with the participants in the educational process. After all, trust between all parties – the authorities, educators, parents, and schoolchildren – is the key to the success of the reform.

‘The reform of specialised upper secondary schools is a complex process. Many practical questions arise within communities. This is precisely why the involvement of local self-government experts is essential. Boryslavska community considered various models for organising senior secondary education, including the option of establishing two lyceums. Together with the local authorities, we analysed demographic indicators, the capacity of educational institutions, logistics, and their material resources. This helped the community make an informed and well-founded decision on the establishment of a single academic lyceum. On 26 February, the Boryslav City Council approved an updated plan for the transformation of the network of general secondary education institutions in the community,’ notes Zenovii Siryk, DECIDE Regional Expert.

We continue to provide advisory support to communities in all regions of Ukraine on the implementation of specialised senior school reform.

To date, more than 560 communities in Ukraine have received consultations.

To receive expert advice, please fill in the form via the link. Our expert team will hold an online meeting or visit your community for an open session.

The DECIDE project is implemented by NGO DOCCU and PHZH International Projects in Education with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine.

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