Poland in the EU

The discussion was structured around questions related to the reopening of education and training institutions, with a particular focus on organisational and safety aspects, as well as on the state of play regarding school leaving examinations and admissions to higher education. In addition, ministers reflected on how member states’ cooperation can facilitate the continuation of cross-border learning mobility.

Ministers drew attention to such aspects as sharing the decision to open kindergartens and schools to regions, local governments or the educational institution themselves, applying the principle of voluntary return of children to school and providing alternatives in the form of remote education, determining the age group of students for whom full-time education is a priority, using split education models, reducing class sizes and ensuring student safety by applying the principle of social distancing, wearing masks and disinfecting rooms.

The second area of ​​discussion were issues of assessment and classification, including the organization of final exams. Successful completion of the school has a great impact on the possibility of further education at the next stage of education, including in another Member State. Many European Union countries have decided to conduct the exams with some changes in terms of timing and examing methods. Due to exceptional circumstances, exams  this year have altogether been canceled in some Member States.

During the videoconference, international learning mobility issues were also raised under the Erasmus + programme. It has been agreed by the ministrers, that EU guidelines addressing this issue are needed before the start of the new academic year.