Greece Expands Practical Skills Training in Primary Schools

Athens — Greece is introducing new initiatives in primary education aimed at equipping students with practical life skills alongside academic learning. The Ministry of Education has announced measures that include compulsory swimming and life-saving lessons as well as the expansion of school farming programs.

From this year, all third- and fourth-grade pupils will attend ten two-hour swimming sessions annually. The lessons will be held in small groups at municipal swimming pools, with transportation provided free of charge to students.

A key feature of the new curriculum is the integration of "swimming and lifeguarding," which will go beyond basic swimming techniques. According to sources from the Ministry, the new lessons will include theoretical information, rescue demonstrations, and basic self-protection and first aid skills.

The new policy also outlines specific conditions for the swimming lessons to ensure student safety:

• A strict teacher-to-student ratio will be maintained, with a minimum of one teacher for every ten students.
• For students with special educational needs, the teacher-to-student ratio will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Teachers will be required to be in the water on a rotational basis to supervise the students.
• During transportation to and from the pool, students must be accompanied by a Physical Education teacher or, if not possible, by the class teacher.

At the same time, more than 4,000 schools will cultivate vegetable gardens. The aim is to provide hands-on experience in agriculture while fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among students.

Officials describe the measures as a first step in shifting education toward everyday skills. Similar practices in East Asia, where pupils clean classrooms, help prepare meals, and manage “edible schoolyards”, are cited as models. While cultural and logistical challenges may limit wider adoption in Greece, supporters believe the new programs will strengthen responsibility, teamwork, and self-sufficiency in young learners.

Source: ekathimerini.com