Polish citizens demand practical skills and better environments in new school report

A new report titled ‘Szkoła do życia’ (School for Life), published by the Civic Education Center (CEO), reveals high and diverse expectations for the Polish school system. The study examined 21 areas of school activity, all of which were deemed important by at least 70% of respondents. Key priorities include practical life skills (81%) and preparation for the workforce (80%).

Public perception of the current system is critical, with 36% of Poles rating schools poorly and only 25% rating them well. Dissatisfaction is most pronounced among younger demographics, with 46% of those aged 18-25 giving a negative assessment.

The report also highlights ideological divides regarding specific curriculum topics. For instance, there is a significant gap between political groups regarding the role of religion in schools and the implementation of mandatory health education. While vocal debates often feature ‘guardians of tradition’ and ‘seekers of innovation,’ the majority of the population seeks incremental improvements rather than a total revolution.