site.btaEducation Ministry Proposes Curriculum Changes to Balance Subjects

Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev announced proposed changes to school curricula aimed at creating a better balance between language learning and general education. Speaking in Stara Zagora, South Central Bulgaria, he emphasized that the goal is not to undermine schools that teach foreign languages and where subjects are taught in foreign languages, but to ensure students receive a more well-rounded education. “The changes are only a proposal, currently under discussion, and decisions in the field of education must be well thought out,” he added.

Currently, students in foreign language high schools have up to 18 out of 35 weekly hours for foreign language classes, leaving little room for subjects like history, physics, chemistry, and biology. The proposal suggests slightly reducing foreign language classes in 8th grade (from 18 to 16 hours), allowing more time for other subjects. Valchev stressed that students’ language skills will not be compromised, and schools could group students based on language proficiency levels.

He also highlighted concerns about students losing valuable learning time, especially those who already have strong language backgrounds. Broader educational reforms are under discussion, including the structure of vocational training programs, the timing of graduation from lower secondary school, and external assessments.

There is a debate about how ambitious vocational training programs should be. "We have removed unnecessary higher education material," Valchev said, adding that difficult programs discourage a large proportion of students from pursuing specialized training. “I believe that we will benefit if we optimize a large part of the specialized training programs and make room for general education,” he said.

The discussion on the completion of basic education is forthcoming, Valchev added. According to him, there is a high degree of agreement that it should end later. "The other is about national external assessment and state matriculation exams. If we have a shorter high school stage, the question is whether there should be external assessment in tenth grade," he said.

According to Valchev, the education system is well organized, and this is not the main challenge for the Ministry of Education and Science. “There are always difficulties and shortcomings, such as unfinished repair work on school buildings and a shortage of teachers, but the main challenges are related to the curricula and improving results, especially in mathematics and natural sciences, but also in Bulgarian language and functional literacy. This is related to curricula, assessment, and additional training and qualification of teachers, but each of these topics is a big one in itself,” he added.