Poland: "Reform26. Compass of Tomorrow" – the Ministry of Education presents the details of its major school reform
A clear and coherent core curriculum, more hours of practical and project classes, a new grading system, and more autonomy and support for teachers – these are the basis of the new reform presented by the Minister of Education.
Reform26 is a long-term comprehensive system change that will be phased in starting in the 2025/2026 school year and concluding in 2031/2032, with the introduction of a reformed examination formulae.
Its planned changes include:
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Introduction of new, practical subjects such as citizenship education, health education, and a revised approach to nature study.
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New, clear, and coherent core curriculum – fewer details to remember, more key competences.
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More practical and project activities.
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Changes in the assessment – more emphasis on descriptive assessment, feedback, and competencies development.
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Focus on student, and teacher well-being.
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Changes to the 8th year and upper secondary school leaving examinations (matura exams).
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More autonomy and supporting to teachers – free training, postgraduate studies, modern methodological tools.
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Equal distribution of instruction time and fewer teaching hours in the 7th and 8th years of primary school.
The Reform26 calendar will be as follows:
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On September 1, 2025, two new subjects, citizenship education and health education, were introduced in schools. The core curriculum for physical education also changed.
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From 1 September 2026, a new core curriculum will apply in preschools and in the 1st and 4th years of primary school.
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From 1 September 2027, the new core curriculum will apply in the 1st year of secondary schools.
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In 2031, the new 8th year leaving examinations, and the new matura exams will be hold for the first time.
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In 2032, examinations in the new formula will be held for the first time for graduates of technical secondary schools.
The Profile of a graduate of a preschool and primary school (Profil absolwenta i absolwentki), a document developed by the Educational Research Institute, is at the centre of this new reform. The document defines what competencies, knowledge, and attitudes a student needs to have when completing a given stage of education. It is a compass for the entire reform, which organises the goals of education and makes them comprehensible to students, parents and teachers.
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