According to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, if a pupil wishes to complete Year 12 and continue their studies abroad, every possible condition will be created for them.
Speaking in Parliament during the interpellation format, Kobakhidze stated that private schools will be able to retain the 12-year curriculum, whilst special classes will be created in public schools for those wishing to continue their education abroad.
The Prime Minister explained that pupils will face no artificial obstacles, and statements to the contrary are speculative.
“Naturally, the content of the general education programme must be reviewed, and the final year’s programme must be maximally adapted to entrance examination requirements; we will definitely do this. Second, if 12 years of study aren’t necessary to achieve essential objectives, then, of course, it’s better to move to 11 years. The only thing opponents countered this message with was that under an 11-year education system, pupils would find it difficult to continue their studies in foreign higher education systems. Nobody spoke about whether 12 years are necessary, whether the existing system is good; the only issue was that if a child doesn’t study for 12 years, they can’t go abroad to university from the first year. Here, too, we have a simple solution.
This isn’t the main issue; the main thing is whether 11 or 12 years is better. Nobody talks about this; I say again, the talk is about whether they’ll go abroad or not. Of course, migration generally has many disadvantages. When a child goes abroad to study from the first year, the vast majority don’t return to the country. Therefore, going abroad has more minuses than pluses, though of course, this is each pupil’s and parent’s choice. We cannot interfere with this, but if someone wishes to continue their studies abroad, suitable arrangements will be made here as well.
Firstly, this requirement does not apply to private schools, which will still be able to offer the 12-year curriculum.
Secondly, regarding state schools, if anyone wishes to complete Year 12 to continue their studies abroad more easily, specialised classes will be established in various cities, including Tbilisi. We can organise suitable specialised classes in each district.
Consequently, if anyone has a desire to complete Year 12 and continue studying abroad from the first year, every possible condition will be created for this.
Accordingly, statements concerning the creation of artificial obstacles for children are entirely speculative. No artificial obstacles will be created for pupils. Everyone who wants to complete Year 12 and continue their studies abroad will be given this opportunity,” Kobakhidze stated.
Additionally, Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the reform of the education system is fully aligned with the requirements of the Bologna Process.
According to Kobakhidze, the government has fully analysed every requirement of the Bologna Process.
“We analysed in depth every requirement of the Bologna Process, including regarding the length of study and other regulations, and naturally, proceeding from our responsibility, we presented the concept in full compliance with Bologna Process requirements,” Irakli Kobakhidze stated in Parliament.
