Serbia to Reduce Elective Subjects and Class Hours in Gymnasiums

A significant shift is on the horizon for Serbian high school education, as the Ministry of Education has announced plans to curtail the number of elective subjects and their corresponding class hours in gymnasiums. This move, slated to take effect from the 2026/2027 academic year, has sparked considerable discussion and some uncertainty among educators and students alike. The core of the proposed reform centers on streamlining the curriculum, potentially impacting how students engage with subjects beyond the core academic requirements.

While the Ministry has communicated that changes are in preparation, the specifics remain somewhat vague. A key point of contention is whether these reductions will apply universally to all gymnasium students or be phased in, affecting only those entering the first year of the new academic cycle. This ambiguity has led to a degree of consternation, as school directors await definitive guidance. The current system allows students to select two elective subjects, each with a set number of weekly hours, a structure that has been in place for some time.

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Changes to the teaching and learning plan for gymnasiums are in preparation, which will include a reduction in the weekly number of hours for elective subjects.

The proposed new model appears to involve a reduction to a single elective subject per grade level, with a corresponding decrease in weekly instruction time. This could mean that students might only engage with one chosen subject per year, rather than the current system which allows for broader exploration. The Ministry's stated aim is to refine the educational offering, but the implications for student choice, in-depth learning, and the overall breadth of education are yet to be fully understood. As the Ministry prepares to publish the official regulations, the educational community waits with bated breath to see the final shape of this significant reform.

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It is planned that in the first and second grade of gymnasium, the student will choose one elective subject from a list of two elective subjects. In the third grade, the student will also choose one elective subject from a list of two elective subjects, which they will continue to study in the fourth grade.