One of the paradoxes of the era in which our children will live is that the more digital we become, the more we will need a broad base of basic knowledge, and not so much narrowly specialized skills. This was said by the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev during a meeting at the NPMG “Acad. Lyubomir Chakalov“ with principals and teachers from mathematical and natural-mathematical high schools, at which measures to promote the study of mathematics and natural sciences were discussed.
“Our system is overambitious in terms of profiled training“, emphasized Minister Valchev. In his words, overly ambitious programs in some natural sciences such as chemistry and physics demotivate students with average cognitive abilities. At the same time, the hours in these subjects are severely limited, and the material is difficult, which forces teachers and students to rush through it.
„Today it is increasingly clear that mathematics and natural sciences will be the basis of future professions. Because mathematics develops skills such as logical thinking, abstract intelligence, discipline of thinking and concentration - skills key to the 21st century.”, emphasized Minister Valchev. In this regard, the Ministry of Education and Science is considering various measures to promote the teaching of mathematics and natural sciences, which should also be discussed with representatives of mathematical high schools.
It is being discussed that the profiled preparation should not be so ambitious, and that the curricula should be restructured so as to give more time to consolidate knowledge, for exercises and for deep learning. The Minister also presented an idea for regulating hybrid profiles in high schools. This will allow for expanded study of, for example, mathematics or natural sciences in the main profile. “We need to reorient the education system towards the interests of society and towards the preparation of personnel for areas that will contribute to the economic development of our country”, the minister pointed out.
The issue of some of the mathematical and natural-mathematical high schools becoming specialized schools was also raised. This will enable students who are admitted to them after the 4th grade to continue their education until they complete the high school stage. The schools will separately continue to admit students after the 7th grade and open additional classes, if necessary.
The discussion was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Dr. Emilia Lazarova, the Director of the Directorate “Content of Preschool and School Education“ at the Ministry of Education and Science Evgenia Kostadinova, representatives of the academic community, experts from the Ministry of Education and Science, teachers and school leaders.