Cyprus faces a significant drop in the results of the OECD’s international assessment, PISA. A staggering 61% of 15-year-olds lack proficiency in Reading Comprehension, 53% in Mathematics, and 52% in Physical Science.
The country scored 418 points in Mathematics, below the PISA average of 472, trailing behind 47 other nations. Cyprus shares the same level as Moldova and Bulgaria, closely followed by 32 others.
In Physical Science, Cyprus received 411 points against the PISA average of 480, falling behind 51 countries and standing on par with 9 others, with 20 following closely behind.
For Reading Comprehension, Cyprus obtained 381 points, well below the PISA average of 468. It is surpassed by 61 countries, shares the same level with three, and is trailed by 16 others.
Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou, addressing the results, expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “The results do not satisfy anyone. Cyprus’ performance is much worse than that of other European countries. If we are not shaken by these results, I don’t know what else needs to happen. The education system is in need of a change,” she emphasized, highlighting a commitment to a shift towards practical skills, changes in curricula, teaching approaches, and assessment systems for students and educators.
