General Upper Secondary Education

Teaching and learning in general upper secondary education in North Macedonia are based on national curricula developed according to learning outcomes.

The curriculum includes general education subjects and aims to develop key competences, critical thinking and preparation for further education. Teaching is organised through subject-based instruction and follows national standards and guidelines.

Recent reforms have introduced competence-based approaches, with a stronger focus on learning outcomes and student-centred teaching methods. Digital competences and the use of digital tools are increasingly integrated into the teaching process.

Teaching and learning are supported by materials developed in line with national standards. Recent initiatives include the development of new textbooks and teaching resources, based on updated methodologies and quality criteria.

Teachers participate in continuous professional development aimed at improving teaching practices, including the use of innovative and digital approaches.

Sources: Law on Secondary Education; Bureau for Development of Education; Ministry of Education and Science.

Curriculum Structure and Elective Areas

General secondary schools implement teaching plans where the first two years are common for all students. In the third and fourth years, students select combinations of courses from one of the following areas:

• Natural sciences and mathematics
• Social sciences and humanities
• Linguistic and arts

The syllabus is composed of four components: compulsory subjects, elective subjects, compulsory elective programmes (sports, music, visual arts), and project activities.

Weekly Teaching Hours

The total number of weekly hours for compulsory and elective subjects is:

• I year: 29 weekly hours
• II year: 31 weekly hours
• III year: 29 weekly hours
• IV year: 29 weekly hours

Additionally, students must complete 70 hours of project activities annually.