The recent episode of ‘Kloertext’ on RTL Télé, aired on Thursday evening, delved into the diverse visions that various political parties hold for Luxembourg’s education system. The debate featured Claude Meisch (Democratic Party - DP), Francine Closener (Luxembourg Socialist Workers Party - LSAP), Djuna Bernard (Green Party - déi Gréng), Martine Hansen (Christian Social People’s Party - CSV), Fred Keup (Alternative Democratic Reform Party - adr), and Marc Ruppert (FOKUS) as guests.
The central theme revolved around the concept of a robust public education system, one that places paramount importance on providing equal opportunities for all students. Additionally, the notion of a core, or common, curriculum (“tronc commun”) remained a topic of discussion, reflecting the ongoing challenges within the realm of educational policy.
Minister of Education Claude Meisch expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that have transpired over the past two years under the banner of “Curriculum 25.” This initiative has engaged approximately 1,200 teachers, educators, parents, and students in crafting a vision for the future of schooling in Luxembourg.
Francine Closener of the LSAP advocated for the development of a comprehensive national plan encompassing the entire spectrum of an individual’s educational journey, spanning from pre-school to the final year of secondary education. She stressed the need for coordination in this continuum, highlighting the existing gaps between primary and secondary education.
Closener also emphasised the importance of soliciting input from experts, parents, and students before implementing any sweeping educational reforms, echoing a sentiment shared by Minister Meisch.
Across the political spectrum, there is a consensus on the imperative to enhance equal access to quality education and opportunities within the nation’s schools.
A long-standing discussion in the education sphere revolves around the implementation of a common curriculum, a model that would delay the division of students until the age of 15, as opposed to after Cycle 4.2, as is currently the case.
The Green Party has been particularly vocal in support of this concept, as highlighted by Djuna Bernard, who stressed the belief that students generally only set their academic priorities at a later stage. This approach could pave the way for a comprehensive overhaul of vocational education, requiring “a fresh perspective and mindset.”
Martine Hansen, representing the CSV, expressed scepticism about the feasibility of a common curriculum, stating that she is “certain” that it would not work. Instead, her party is bothered by the fact that there are eleven distinct academic sections within classical secondary education. The CSV proposes conducting a comprehensive analysis to dismantle these sections, replacing them with a system featuring major and minor subjects. This revamped structure aims to provide a uniform educational offering across secondary schools, allowing students greater flexibility in creating their timetables, according to Hansen.
The Minster of Education disagreed. He argued that certain subjects, such as computer science and humanities, were historically absent from classical secondary education sections until recently. He contended that these subjects are crucial for both individual development and the nation’s economic future, thus warranting their inclusion in the curriculum. “I don’t see how this would be a confusing mess in which no one would be able to find their way around,” he stated.
Meisch expressed regret that many ideas would be immediately torn apart and said that in the last ten years he had sometimes had the feeling that many people just contradict everything he says out of principle.
Claude Meisch DP
Minister of Education, Children and Youth
Co-lead candidate South
Francine Closener LSAP
MP and co-led candidate Centre
Party president
Djuna Bernard Green Party
Co-party president
MP
Martine Hansen CSV
MP and former Minister for Higher Education
Co-lead candidate North
Fred Keup adr
MP
Party president
Marc Ruppert FOKUS
Founding member & party president
Former DP secretary general, teacher
