What's going on in Czech Republic

How does education in the Czech Republic differ from other countries in Europe?

Generally there are no major differences. The school year begins on 1 September and ends 30 June. The education system is structured as follows:

• Pre-primary education, ages 3-6. Common title is Mateřská škola (MŠ)
• Primary education, ages 6-15. Common title is Základní škola (ZŠ)
• Secondary education, ages 15-19. Common title is Střední škola (SŠ) or Gymnázium (Note: some of these schools are also for pupils ages 11-19)

In accordance with the national programme for development of education in the Czech Republic, a new system of curricular documents for the education of pupils from 3-19 years of age has been implemented in recent years. The general principles of education framework programmes include: (1) defining a new strategy of education which emphasises key competencies, their connection to the educational content and application of the knowledge and skills in practical life; (2) supporting lifelong learning; (3) establishing the basic educational level for all graduates of each stage of education; and (4) supporting educational autonomy of schools and professional responsibilities of teachers for the results of education.

The conception of education is based on key competencies which include competencies in the area of learning, problem solving and communication as well as social, interpersonal and civil competencies.

How is ICT being implemented in the Czech Republic?

The vast majority of Czech schools have computer rooms with an Internet connection, while some have access directly in their classrooms. Schools receive a subsidy for financing ICT education for their teachers and this training is provided through a network of SIPVZ training centres. The current number of centres is 785 with about 3000 certified trainers. The Czech eTwinning NSS works in close collaboration with the SIPVZ programme and together we prepare a lot of actions concerning ICT in education and eTwinning.

Now just over two years after its launch, how has eTwinning impacted the Czech Republic?

The number of schools involved in eTwinning is constantly increasing. What we consider a major success is the fact that many school teachers have started cooperating among each other, making eTwinning no longer an extra activity taken on by one keen individual but instead a collaborative group effort and natural part of school life. We currently have more than 1100 registered schools and almost 450 eTwinning projects.

What kind of projects are Czech schools most often interested in?

Projects are very often focused on foreign languages and multicultural aspects, accompanied by an entertaining way of learning. They often develop into long-term partnerships and friendships among teachers and pupils.

Are there special eTwinning activities going on in the Czech Republic?

Of course! We arrange several seminars per month across the country. Seminars focus on project management within the school, international cooperation and eTwinning tools. Recently we have developed a new type of seminar for advanced teachers: during the seminars teachers work with computers and try to start an eTwinning project. Instructors of the seminars are our ambassadors: experienced teachers who have been working in eTwinning for a long time.

In March, we are organising a trilateral Czech-Polish-Slovak seminar in a cross-border region of Karviná and a Visegrad meeting of Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Slovak teachers in Brno. We wish to develop a professional cooperation and relationships with our neighbours. Between NSS we have established close relationships and organise many actions together.

From 13-14 April we are planning a National eTwinning Conference where the best Czech projects will be presented and national Quality Labels handed out. We would like to warmly invite any interested people; the event will be translated into English. If you would like to take part, please send an email to etwinning@socrates.cz.

During the summer holidays we would like to repeat the eTwinning Summer School, a three-day action for teachers which was a great success last year. Finally, to spread the message about eTwinning we have issued an eTwinning publication (electronic version available at www.etwinning.cz) and are currently collecting short videos from schools to make a film collage about interesting eTwinning projects.

Do you have any advice for teachers who wish to twin up with schools in the Czech Republic?

Many Czech teachers are willing to find a partner school in Europe. You can find them via the Portal, however, if you are not successful, please send us an email! We will publish your request on our website or help you find a suitable school directly. We are always pleased to assist teachers who are interested in working with our schools.

Are you interested in getting involved in an eTwinning project with a school in the Czech Republic?

Learn more about the Czech Republic by having a look at information on its national school structure and eTwinning projects.
 

• Education system
• General information (Wikipedia)
• eTwinning projects
• National Support Service

Web Editor: Scheeck Nathalie Published: 24.09.2008 Last changed: 05.02.2010