Official statements on the first day of school

The new school year started in Romania marked by changes and challenges

Daniela Budu, 06.09.2022, 14:00

After two years of pandemic, the new school year started in Romania with opening festivities in which parents, grandparents, and politicians participated alongside the pupils. On Monday, on the first day of school, almost three million pupils and preschoolers were present in the 17,800 educational units across the country. The new school year comes with many changes and challenges. Classes resumed earlier this year, new rules were introduced and others disappeared.

As a first, 5th grade pupils will be granted both welfare aid and scholarships from the beginning of the school year, and the grades obtained in secondary school will no longer count for the National Assessment. Instead of the two semesters so far, there will be five learning modules. Theses will no longer be mandatory, and instead of semester averages, there will be only one annual average for each subject. The Minister of Education, Sorin Cîmpeanu, presented the news of the school year on Radio Romania. Sorin Cîmpeanu:

“There will be five learning periods, which will alternate with rest periods. Another change will be the Green Week, introduced for the first time in the structure of the school year. Also, only one annual average grade is needed. We are interested in a rhythmic evaluation along the way, we are interested in an evaluation of the students skills, and not necessarily of their ability to memorize. Also, the awards were substantially increased for Romanian pupils who achieve outstanding performances at international Olympiads”.

President Klaus Iohannis participated in the festivities occasioned by the start the new school year at a college in Bucharest, where he stressed that education must be centered on pupils and students interests and skills, on their individual potential, which must be supported. President Klaus Iohannis:

“Assessments are important as long as they correctly reflect the pupils and students competences, giving them the opportunity to improve their performance. The chance for adequate professional development must be offered to everyone. The difference in status between the theoretical and the vocational route is no longer justified, as it discourages students, parents and teachers alike”

Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă chose to mark the start of the new school year at a military college in Craiova (south), where he stated that the young generation has a huge potential, and the Government is coming up with solutions to make sure each and every child can benefit from a good education. Nicolae Ciucă:

“We know that there is a need for modern nurseries, kindergartens, schools, high schools and universities. That is precisely why we allocate resources for the construction of new such school units or for the modernization and enlargement of existing ones. To make sure that no pupil is left behind, we have developed programs aimed at reducing school dropout and supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds”.

The Prime Minister has also stressed that education will remain on the Governments priority list and that the new laws in the field will bring Romanian education back to the top. (MI)