Curriculum, subjects, and number of hours

Secondary Technical and Vocational Education (STVE) programmes provide a balanced course of general education and technological/practical specialisation to prepare pupils for immediate employment in industry or for further education in a higher education institution. STVE includes a variety of subjects that may be classified into the following four categories: 

• common core subjects,
• elective subjects,
• technological/workshop subjects, and
• practical training.

As of the school year 2016-2017, the time allocated for the practical training of STVE pupils has increased as follows: 
Theoretical Direction: Pupils are placed in industry for two (2) weeks at the end of Year 1 and for two (2) weeks at the end of Year 2 - total of four (4) weeks.

Practical Direction: Pupils are placed in industry for four (4) weeks at the end of Year 1 and for four (4) weeks at the end of Year 2 - total of eight (8) weeks.

Pupils attending the Hotel and Catering field of studies of the Practical Direction are placed in hotels or restaurants for three (3) weeks at the end of Year 1, while in Year 2 they are placed in hotels or restaurants for eighteen (18) consecutive weeks between the first week of May and the first week of September. This means that work experience accounts for 25 % of their school year.
Pupils enrolled in Technical Schools can choose between Eleven (11) fields of study.

Teaching methods and materials

There is no set methodological approach that is imposed by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. Teachers in Technical and Vocational Schools of Education and Training are expected to choose the teaching methodology which is best suited to their circumstances. 
The system of STVE is based upon an instructional approach that places pupils at the centre of the educational process. Modern teaching methods are currently being introduced, including group work and creative learning techniques. Pupils are encouraged to take initiative in their learning and teachers are systematically trained to implement new teaching methods. Modern educational technologies are also employed to motivate pupils and promote independent learning. Aiming to provide pupils with the experience required for their smooth transition into the labour market, the equipment used in laboratories simulates real workplace situations as closely as possible. Core teaching materials are the same for all Technical and Vocational Schools of Education and Training. These are produced by the Curriculum Development Unit of the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus and provided free of charge to the schools.
There are no official recommendations regarding homework. However, this is considered as an indispensable part of the teaching/learning process at Technical and Vocational Schools of Education and Training.