Pupils will finish year on time despite corona closure
The school year will not be extended and secondary students will receive their diplomas despite the school closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday, the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Education Ministers adopted common principlesExternal link and measures to help harmonise solutions at a national level for education in primary and secondary school levels as well as teacher training.
Cantons are usually responsible for educational matters in Switzerland which is why the nationwide closure of all schools by the government until at least April 19 was so unprecedented.
+ Read more about why the government changed its mind on school closures here
Schools have been adapting to the nationwide closure, which is now in its third week, with a variety of tools including online instruction.
The cantonal education ministers agreed that the 2019/2020 school year would be accepted despite lessons being carried remotely due to school closures. The schoolyear will not be extended and school calendars in each canton will remain valid. In addition, vacations will not be used for teaching.
External Content
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished… We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
Report cards will be issued by schools and include mention that there was no classroom teaching during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The measures also guarantee that all upper secondary students who pass their courses will be allowed to pursue further studies or a job placement this autumn. Students in their final year of general or vocational schooling will also receive their diploma provided they pass their courses. A decision on how the diplomas will be issued is expected in May.
By the end of April, addition information will be provided on the pupils making the transition from primary to secondary and secondary to upper secondary school.
An announcement on the future of school closures is expected by the government before Easter, reports say.External link
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
More
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
More
In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?
More
Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people
More
French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland
More
Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.