Improving teaching methods, transitioning to new curricula, construction and modernization of schools, training of teaching staff, and decent wages for teachers – all these tasks are being implemented in stages and are receiving positive feedback. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko during his visit to the Petkovichi Educational and Pedagogical Complex Kindergarten – Secondary School, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"All the instructions given by the Head of State on improving the education system are being implemented. This includes the phased adjustment of curricula so that a child, upon entering school, receives a strong, comprehensive education and learns everything necessary for adult life. We have introduced additional career guidance classes. Children are happily learning to be tractor drivers, drivers, and seamstresses," said Igor Petrishenko.
During his conversation with teachers, he heard words of gratitude for the Ministry of Education including CT test tasks in school programs. "This means no additional tutoring sessions are needed. I think we will continue this practice: teachers will improve their subject teaching methods and participate in preparing tasks. And our institute will process all of this," noted the Deputy Prime Minister.
He called the improvement of the material and technical base an important aspect. "Over the past 10 years, about 50 schools have been built in the country, and 7 this year. They are equipped with the latest technology so that students can develop comprehensively. Physics, chemistry, and biology classrooms are being equipped," Igor Petrishenko said. For example, in 2019, in accordance with the state program "Education and Youth Policy" for 2016-2020, general secondary education institutions across the country will receive a total of 280 chemistry classrooms, 30 biology classrooms, and 1000 interactive whiteboards. Br13.2 million has been allocated from the republican budget this year for the purchase of equipment.
And, of course, to enhance the prestige of the teaching profession, a decent financial valuation of their work plays a significant role. "We are reaching the parameters set by the Head of State – to achieve a level of 80% of the average salary in the country. Today I spoke with teachers, and they said there are no problems with financial incentives or other social aspects. Local authorities are actively and substantively assisting. This includes helping young specialists to settle in – so that they have comfortable conditions not only at their workplace but also at home," the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
The history of the institution in Petkovichi dates back to November 1, 1919, when it was a primary school. Currently, 128 schoolchildren (including 20 first-graders) study in one building of the complex, and 60 kindergarten pupils are growing and developing in the second. With an average class size of 12 students, each pupil is closely monitored by the teacher. According to Igor Petrishenko, this is an excellent incentive for students to study conscientiously and an opportunity for teachers to prepare bright graduates capable of passing any Centralized Test. This also allows for the testing of various methodological practices and innovations to disseminate this experience throughout the country. After all, improving the methodological base is another important aspect of modern education in Belarus. The best pedagogical methodologists (257 of them in the country) are primarily working on this, accumulating advanced methodologies from all over the country.
By the way, education in the complex is conducted in the Belarusian language, and this is evident in how freely the children express themselves in it. However, for example, in the chemistry and biology classroom, which has been updated under a state program, schoolchildren are forced to use textbooks in Russian. Therefore, Igor Petrishenko pointed out the need to compile a detailed list of schools where education is conducted in Belarusian in order to address the issue of educational materials in a targeted manner.
Overall, the institution provides comfortable conditions for the education and upbringing of children. In addition to cosy and well-equipped classrooms, they have access to a gym and a choreography hall, a complex of grounds at the stadium and a playground on the kindergarten territory, a hobby centre, and workshops for technical and service labour. Interacting with the children, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at the continuation of pioneering traditions at the school, encouraged the institution's work on the chess and draughts training project, and wished for young inventors and robotics enthusiasts to participate in competitions and implement their developments in practice.
An integrated (rural and educational-methodological) library was established at the institution in 2012. The leader centre is where initiatives and projects of public organisations and the active youth associations of the school are born, and the school newspaper is published.
During their visit, the guests familiarised themselves with the work of the agro-class, the inter-school pedagogical class, and were able to assess the effectiveness of the student business company "BelArt". Since 2012, senior pupils have been making souvenirs with a national flavour themselves, using an ancient embroidery technique (resembling weaving). The pupils then sell them. According to 11th-grader Vadim Khotyanovich, this work is entirely beneficial – it improves hand motor skills, enhances brain function, and provides entrepreneurial experience that will certainly be useful in life.
Since 2017, an innovative project "Implementation of a model for fostering entrepreneurial culture among students through the organisation of network business communities" has been implemented at the educational institution. A district resource centre for organising educational work on the sixth school day has been established at the institution.
News of Belarus (BELTA)