On February 10, the Greek Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharakis, addressed the Committee on Educational Affairs of the Parliament to initiate a national dialogue about the introduction of a new high school framework and the establishment of a National Diploma. Highlighting significant issues in the current high school system, she observed that the high school has become predominantly a preparatory stage for exams, while the educational process, especially in the final year, has been heavily undervalued. Zacharakis emphasized that there is a noticeable drop in school attendance as students approach the end of their academic year, and educators feel pressed for time to impart knowledge due to a vast curriculum.

The Minister pointed out that real learning has increasingly shifted outside the classroom towards after-school support, driven not by choice but by necessity stemming from the system itself. As these discussions unfold, the goal is to construct a more just and reliable system of knowledge certification, addressing these pressing issues to enhance educational outcomes in high schools across Greece. The anticipated reforms are significant, considering public concerns and the need to create a robust educational framework that supports student learning rather than merely preparing them for exams.

Overall, the proposed changes reflect a response to the evolving educational landscape in Greece, where there is a growing imperative to ensure that high school serves its fundamental purpose: to educate and empower students rather than solely act as a stepping-stone to further examinations. This initiative could have lasting implications for the future of secondary education in the country, as it strives to balance curriculum demands with the goal of genuine learning assessment.