In recent years, model gymnasiums and lyceums have become a significant institution within Greek secondary education. Admission of students into model schools at the first year of gymnasium and the first year of lyceum involves special examinations. The Ministry of Education sets the date of these exams through an official government gazette. The exams are held for sixth grade primary students and third year gymnasium students under the Ministry’s supervision, and they follow the same coded system as the national university entrance exams. The questions are common to every model school in the country, and the exam is held on the same day and at the same time everywhere. For sixth grade students the exam lasts two and a half hours, while for third year gymnasium students it lasts three hours.

How the Entrance Exams Work

The questions for the two examined subjects, Reading Comprehension and Mathematics, are handed out at the start of the exam, and students must manage their time so they can answer both subjects adequately. Answers are given in multiple choice format. The questions and answers for the model schools for the 2023-2024 school year are available on the Ministry’s website. As is easy to see, the questions follow the new educational methodology, which emphasizes critical thinking, a text centered approach, and holistic knowledge. This means the family, and above all the student, needs to prepare correctly and effectively from earlier grades, with particular focus on the final two.

Choosing Schools and Applying

Candidates may state a preference for two model schools and one experimental school. Under the relevant legislation, candidates can submit an application to sit the exams for admission to a model school and declare a preference for up to two model schools, regardless of where they live. Applying to a model school does not exclude them from the lottery for admission to an experimental school. Applications to sit the exams are submitted electronically during the window set by the Ministry of Education, through the website of the chosen model school. Once the application is complete, the candidate receives a confirmation of submission containing a student code, which serves as their examinee card.

Why Mindset Matters as Much as Preparation

Through its research on achieving successful admission to model schools, Boffins Academy reached the conclusion that handling the matter correctly on an emotional level is equally important. A family’s mindset around model schools should be defined by specific values, attitudes, and beliefs that support and reinforce the learning process and the personal development of students. Here are some key points.

Six Keys to the Right Family Mindset

1. Support and Encouragement. Parents should encourage their children to make the most of the opportunities model schools offer, showing them the value of education and the importance of effort. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement, support at the difficult moments, and the creation of a supportive learning environment at home. Admission to a model school promotes education and values; it is not a contest of skills, nor a vehicle for social advancement for parents who may, at this point, be projecting their own issues.

2. Realistic Expectations. It is important for parents to hold realistic expectations of their children’s performance. Pressure to achieve high scores can lead to anxiety and disappointment. Instead, recognizing effort and understanding the difficulties children may face is of vital importance.

3. Cooperation with the School. Cooperation with teachers and school administration is essential for achieving the best possible results. Parents should take an active part in school events, follow their children’s progress, and communicate regularly with teachers. Educators and families should always be in the same camp, not opposing ones.

4. Cultivating Independence. The family’s mindset should encourage the development of autonomy and self discipline in students. This includes encouraging children to take responsibility for their studies, to organize their time, and to set personal goals. It also includes making clear that each child is accountable to themselves alone; they owe nothing to anyone but to justify their own effort.

5. Valuing Lifelong Learning. Education does not stop at graduation. Parents should teach their children the value of lifelong learning and continuous self improvement. This mindset will help students develop a positive attitude toward education and knowledge throughout their lives.

6. Balance Between Academics and Other Activities. It is important for parents to encourage their children to maintain a balance between academic obligations and other activities, such as sports, art, and social life. This contributes to well rounded development and to preserving students’ mental health.

Bringing It Together

When every family works to put all of the above principles into practice, it can create an environment that helps children reach their goals and make the most of the opportunities that model schools offer.