The Polaris Programme’s education team continues its visits to hromadas and webinars, supporting preparations for senior school reform and the establishment of academic lyceums.
Workshop “My Educational Path” and Dialogue Platforms for Educators
On 26 February 2025, a series of meetings dedicated to secondary school reform took place at Academic Lyceum No. 3 in the Obukhiv hromada, Kyiv oblast. Artem Horobets, an expert with the Polaris Programme, discussed key aspects of optimising the school network in the Obukhiv hromada with students, parents, and teachers.
Workshop for Year 9 and Year 11 Students
• Year 9 students explored how to choose their educational path after basic school, factors to consider, and what success means in the modern world. The topic of continuing studies in vocational schools and colleges sparked particular interest.
• Year 11 students discussed the quality of specialised education and choosing their future profession.
“The meeting reassured me about my career choice and eased my concerns about the NMT (National Multisubject Test) exams,” shared one graduate.
Dialogue Platforms for Teachers and Parents of Year 7-8 Students:
• “Student Success Pathways”
• “Senior Specialised School: Opportunities and Challenges”
During the discussions, educators emphasised the importance of creating high-quality learning conditions and ensuring access to specialised education. Participants addressed issues such as logistics, staffing, and the need to modernise educational institutions.
Olena Kolomiiets, Head of the Education Department:
“It’s crucial to listen to all participants in the education process—only then can we create an effective specialised school.”
The event confirmed that communication between students, parents, teachers, and policymakers is a key condition for successful education reform.
“Success Pathway” Education Forum in the Lubny Hromada
On 4 March 2025, the Lubny hromada in the Poltava region hosted a forum organised by Polaris Programme experts. The event brought together over 50 participants, including educators, policymakers, local government representatives, and community members, to discuss secondary school reform.
What Happened at the Forum?
• “World of Professions: First Steps” – career guidance lessons for primary school students
• “Who’s Who? Working Together” – career selection for Year 8-9 students
• “World Café: The Social Impact of School Network Optimisation” – a discussion on reform challenges
• Masterclasses on first aid, adolescent sexual education, and somatic practices
What Educators Say:
Natalia Brekalo, Principal of the Shemet Brothers Academic Lyceum:
“The forum became an important platform for experience exchange. Lubny is actively engaged in implementing reforms.”
Olha Stryzachenko, Principal of the Hniden Lyceum named after Petro Yatsyk:
“This forum helped us structure our vision for change and find ideas that we are ready to implement in our schools.”
Discussion on Secondary School Reform in Poltava
On 5 March, Oleg Fasolya, a leader in the Polaris education team at the local and regional level, visited Poltava. He met with the hromada leadership, council members, and education department representatives to discuss key aspects of senior school reform and future cooperation with the Programme.
Key Discussion Points:
• The impact of reform on education quality
• Benefits and challenges of implementing changes
• Optimising the school network structure
• Experiences from other Ukrainian cities and international practices
• Preventing superficial reforms and ensuring quality control
• Research in Poltava schools for effective planning of changes
Kateryna Babich, Acting Mayor of Poltava:
“As a mother, I fully understand how important these changes are for children. Quality education is not just about curricula; it’s about creating an environment where children can realise their potential. We thank the Polaris Programme and the entire team for their support and joint efforts in shaping the future of education.”
Webinar on Teacher Certification: Key Changes Discussed
On 6-7 March 2025, the Polaris Programme team held a webinar on teacher certification. The event attracted significant interest, with 1,260 registered participants and over 900 educators and administrators taking part in discussions.
Senior Polaris Programme expert Serhii Dyatlenko stressed the importance of applying the current Certification Regulations, which were thoroughly reviewed during the event. He also noted that the new edition of the Regulations differs significantly from previous versions, urging school leaders to leave old approaches behind to avoid mistakes.
Main Webinar Topics:
• The role of certification in teachers’ professional development
• Certification procedures and qualification requirements
• Responsibilities of certification committees and school administrators
• Avoiding duplication of certification when changing workplaces
• Retaining qualifications and titles when transitioning to new positions
The Polaris Programme continues to support all stakeholders in building a high-quality specialised education system.
We are looking forward to more meetings, discussions, and collaborative efforts on reforms!
