The upper secondary education is not compulsory.
After completing their "Gymnasio", pupils can be registered at all types
of "Lykeio" as well as the Technical Vocational Schools (TES) and
Technical Vocational Lykeio (TEL), which can be either State schools or
private institutions. In State schools, education is provided free of
charge and there are both daytime and evening courses. The type of courses
offered at these schools are:
- Lykeio offer daytime courses lasting 3 years and
evening courses lasting 4 years. There are various types of "Lykeio". The
existing types of Lykeio are the General Lykeio, the Technical-Vocation
Lykeio, the Comprehensive (Polikladiko) Lykeio, the Classical Lykeio, the
Ecclesiastical Lykeio and the Music Lykeio. There are also Lykeio Sports
Departments.
Pupils successfully completing any type of "Lykeio" receive a leaving
certificate (Apolytirio Lykeiou), giving access to tertiary education
(Universities, Technical Institutions).
-
Technical Vocational Schools
(TES) and Technical Vocational Lykeio (TEL), offer daytime courses lasting
2 years and evening courses lasting 3 years. They prepare pupils for the
world of work. - Technical Vocational Lykeio (TEL ) constitute the
second largest category of lykeio. Graduates can participate in General
Examinations in order to be admitted to the University or TEI ( non
university technological institutes of tertiary education) without
examinations, on the basis of their grade record at the TEL.This privilege
of entering without examinations is, however scheduled for abolition under
the new Law for education. - Pupils who wish to learn a trade can enrol in a
Technical Vocation School (TES). Class participation in TES is compulsory
and full-time. Attendance is for 2 years in daytime TES and 3 years in
evening TES. Graduates from TES obtain a diploma of specialisation and can
either enrol in a second year of TEL, or Comprehensive Lykeio or enter the
labour market.
Entry requirements
Pupils who have completed the Gymnasio can enrol in any upper secondary
institution on the basis of the lower secondary school-leaving
certificate. There are no entrance examinations. The pupil must be at
least 14 years old.
Tuition fees
The public general upper secondary school is free of charge and school
books are distributed free of charge to the pupils by the State.
Languages
The teaching of foreign languages (either English or French or German) is
provided in all types of Lykeio; in the Classical Lykeio German is always
taught.
Promotion
At the end of each school year, in June, pupils sit official written
examinations in each subject to determine whether they move up to the next
year. The final mark of each pupil is based on her/his average mark for
oral assessment and the marks in the written examinations at the end of
the year.
Certification
At the end of the third year of Lykeio, pupils sit a final examination
which, if passed, entitles them to the leaving certificate (Apolytirio
Lykeiou).
Financial assistance
For upper secondary school, financial assistance is in the same forms as
for compulsory schooling.
Oher information
Apart from Lykeia and Technical schools students, can enter a number of
different vocational schools run by various Ministries such as Nursing
schools, Tourism, farming, art, military etc. Of all these schools however
only the schools of apprenticeship of AOED are important in terms of
student numbers. Graduates of these schools have the same status as
graduates of TES.
Training is offered by a large number of institutions in Greece, both
public and private. The local authorities and the social partners are also
present in this field.
The Organisation for vocational education and training (OEEK) - under the
control of the Ministry of Education - is responsible for technical
education and training policy, according to the rules of Greek national
Law and the European directives. Also OEEK is responsible for the private
and public institutions providing vocational education (IEK). Members of
the board of OEEK are from the Ministries of Education, National Economy
and Labour and also include representatives from the social partners
(employers and employees).
Institutions of vocational education (IEK) are either private or public.
Most of them specialise in new teaching methods (combine theory and
practice in small enterprises) and offer courses in new technology,
leading to diplomas in qualifications recognised in Greece itself and in
Europe.
From 5 to 15 September each year, candidates bring the necessary papers
(application form, identification card or passport , certificate from Lykeio etc) to the IEK where they want to continue their education.
Selection of candidates then takes place and successful students start
their compulsory programme on 2 October.
Some of the specialities of IEK are computing applications, management of
small enterprises, marketing, accounting, tourism and hotels,
floriculture, electronic systems and automation, health and social
services, practical chemistry and products, wear and footwear etc.
The Organisation for vocational education and training (OEEK) has
responsiblity for the recognition of foreign diplomas.
The EKEPIS - HELLENIC CENTER FOR THE ACCREDITATION of the continuous
training for adults through life-long learning - is responsible for KEK
(Vocational Training Centres). EKEPIS is under the control of Ministry of
Labour and Social Security. KEK are often private or belong to social
partners, municipalities, prefectures etc.
KEK are responsible for the training of unemployed people through special
training programs, most of them funded by Ministry of Labour and Social
Security and European Social Fund (ESF). KEK can be found all over the
country but most of them have their main office in the big cities. A final
list of KEK has be drawn up in 1998.
Their lessons were due to start in September 1998 and contain theoretical
and practical lessons. After training, graduates should find work through
employment offices and Job Clubs of ManPower Employment Organisation (OAED).
Many KEK also have direct contacts with businessmen, so they are able to
send the best graduates for work directly after training.
POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL
Outside the education system, OAED (the Greek public employment
organisation) provides initial training for young people, through
apprenticeships (3 years) and short intensive courses ( TEK - continuing
vocational training ) in auto mechanics, electrician, refrigerator
mechanics, metal worker, cutting-sewing, woodworking, painting, pottery,
gardening etc.).
One serious problem is that the links between education and economic
activities are tenuous and rather ad hoc. The availability of EU resources
- rather than the needs of the job market - have dictated the direction of
the development of training programmes.
Apart from OAED, there are two more private Institutions, ELKEPA and EEDE
(see below). They both offer specialised training programs for young
people in areas such us computing, marketing, management, total quality
management, hotel & tourist management etc.
