The New School Year Begins

Schools across Slovenia have come back to life as pupils and students begin a new academic year. The return brings a mixed demographic picture: there are fewer children starting primary school than last year, but 1,000 more students are entering secondary school.

The new year also introduces several changes, most notably new curricula. The changes will shape what students learn as schools resume their regular routines.

Yet school principals, teachers and parent representatives have placed the emphasis on something broader than lessons and textbooks. They say schools should first and foremost provide a safe environment, where children and young people learn not only academic material but also how to live alongside one another.