The Government confirmed that the merger of the 1st and 2nd cycles of basic education will go ahead next school year. This decision represents a significant reorganization of the Portuguese education system structure.
Fernando Alexandre, the Minister of Education, was the one who guaranteed this measure, assuring that students will not spend less time in school as a result of this merger. This guarantee comes in response to concerns that may exist among parents and guardians.
The 1st cycle corresponds to primary education (1st to 4th year) and the 2nd cycle covers the 5th and 6th years. The merging of these two cycles aims, according to the executive, to optimize resources and create a smoother transition between stages of basic education.
With implementation scheduled for the beginning of the next school year, this reform is expected to affect thousands of students across the country, while maintaining the total hours currently established.
