School Year 2025-2026

1. TYPE OF SCHOOL - LEVEL

St. Mary’s School, Limassol, is a private Secondary Education school based on the categories defined by the Ministry of Education (YPAN).

STUDY PROGRAMS

Since the school's establishment in 1923, it has offered students the opportunity to become familiar with foreign languages. For this reason, Greek, Italian, French, and English are taught in all grades of Gymnasium and Lyceum.

2. ADMISSION TERMS

All graduates of Primary Education who have successfully completed the 6th grade are eligible to apply for a place in the Gymnasium cycle of the school.

The school's policy is that the first registration is made only for the 1st grade of Gymnasium by submitting a primary school diploma, an authentic certified copy of the birth certificate, and a completed Registration and Consent Form. If a student belongs to one of the religious minorities (Maronites, Latins, Armenians) and one of the parents is Cypriot, they must submit copies of both parents' IDs and a baptismal certificate.

No new student is registered in any other grade of Gymnasium or Lyceum.

New students interested in attending the Gymnasium cycle of the school in secondary education are required to sit written entrance exams, which are usually held in March and always in consultation with the Ministry of Education (YPAN).

Graduates of our school's Primary Education are enrolled in the Gymnasium cycle without exams, provided they have been evaluated as excellent through a final assessment. The assessment process takes place in the classroom, as part of the lesson, by the responsible teachers. Through this process, it is determined whether the students possess the necessary knowledge to progress to the 1st grade of the Gymnasium.

The entrance exams concern both English-speaking and Greek-speaking sections. They are divided into three parts, which include: a) Language (comprehension, grammar, essay), b) Mathematics, and c) General Knowledge (Religion, History, Geography, Science). The exam is based on the curriculum of the first semester of the 6th grade of primary school (i.e., what has been covered from September to the end of February).

GRADUATION TERMS

Graduates from our school are students who have completed successfully the seventh year.

GOALS

The primary and main goal of the School is to impart to students the necessary and essential knowledge to enable them to continue their higher education at universities worldwide, with the advantage of an excellent knowledge of major European languages (Greek, English, French, Italian). Additionally, the School aims to provide them with the spiritual and moral values that will make them proper, useful, and well-rounded individuals in society.

Another primary goal of the School is to cultivate in students the concept of equality, regardless of origin, gender, age, or religion. Among other things, the right to education and the right to free expression are upheld, but in a way that does not offend the reputation and personality of others.

DURATION OF STUDIES

Attendance in secondary education at this School is seven years: three years in the Gymnasium cycle and four years in the Lyceum cycle.

SUBJECTS TAUGHT

The subjects taught per grade and duration (1 period = 45 minutes) are as follows:

CONTENT OF EACH SUBJECT

RELIGIOUS STUDIES: The purpose of the Religious Studies course is to introduce students to the Christian faith and the universal, timeless phenomenon of religion. Additionally, the main goals of the course are to experience the harmonious relationship of humans with God, themselves, their fellow humans, and nature. Within the framework of the Christian tradition, it promotes openness to God, upholds the dignity of the human being and the integrity of creation, seeks freedom and justice, and contributes to peace and brotherhood.

In the Greek-speaking sections of the secondary school, the curriculum is defined by the Analytical Program of the Ministry of Education. A similar curriculum is followed in the English-speaking sections. In the high school cycle, both Greek-speaking and English-speaking sections delve deeper into Christian Ethics and the New Testament.

LANGUAGES: As mentioned earlier, the identity of our school is characterized by the learning of languages, which are taught throughout the duration of the students’ studies. The purpose of these courses is the acquisition, consolidation, and development of written and oral skills that will lead students to a complete and comprehensive mastery of the language. Over the years, everything necessary is taught to enable students to handle the language with ease and to evolve into independent users. The goal and purpose of the school is to educate students not only in the use of the language but also to convey and transmit the culture, literature, and civilization of the language. Graduates of this school have the necessary qualifications and certifications to enter higher education without the need for language preparation.

ENGLISH: Students have the opportunity to sit for IGCSE English Language, IGCSE English Literature, and GCE AS/AL English Literature exams. Our school is an examination center for EDEXCEL, so our students have the advantage of being examined in a familiar environment.

FRENCH: Students are prepared for DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, DELF B2, DELF C1, GCSE French, GCE AL French, and Pan-Cyprian exams.

ITALIAN: Students are prepared for CELI Impatto, CELI 1, CELI 2, CELI 3, GCSE Italian, and GCE AL Italian.

GREEK: Students are prepared for IGCSE Greek as a First Language, IGCSE Greek as a Second Language, International AL Modern Greek, Certification of Very Good Knowledge of the Greek Language at Level C1, and Pan-Cyprian exams.

The Greek-speaking sections follow the Analytical Programs of the Ministry of Education for philological subjects, while the English-speaking sections follow the Greek Language Proficiency program for teaching Greek as a second language.

HISTORY: In the Greek-speaking sections of both Gymnasium and Lyceum, students follow the Analytical Programs of the Ministry of Education. In the English-speaking sections of the Gymnasium, students are taught about American history from 1900, and Russian history after the 1905 revolution, 20th-century British history, and World War II. In the Lyceum classes, all students, both Greek-speaking and English-speaking, follow the Analytical Programs of the Ministry of Education.

MATHEMATICS: The teaching of mathematics focuses on developing students' knowledge, and skills and deepens their understanding of concepts that will help them use mathematics in their daily lives. The curriculum starts in the first year of Gymnasium, taught in English, so that students can consolidate the terminology and typology that will help them become familiar with the subject. In the second year of Lyceum, students have the opportunity to sit for IGCSE exams, in the third year of Lyceum, those in the practical direction sit for IAS exams, and finally, in the fourth year of Lyceum, those who choose Mathematics can sit for IAL exams.

SCIENCES: The teaching cycle of sciences includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. These courses are offered as tools to promote students' scientific competence and develop their critical thinking through observation, reflection, recording, and analysis of phenomena and experiments.

PHYSICS – CHEMISTRY - BIOLOGY: In the first year of Gymnasium, the three teaching periods are divided into two for Biology and one for Chemistry. In the second and third years of Gymnasium, the periods are divided into one teaching period for each subject (Physics 1, Chemistry 1, Biology 1). In the first and second years of Gymnasium, the Greek-speaking sections follow the Analytical Program of the Ministry of Education for Biology and Chemistry, while the English-speaking sections follow a similar program in English. In the third year of Gymnasium, the Greek-speaking section's program is differentiated, with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics taught in English and oriented towards IGCSE levels. The English-speaking sections follow the same program. In the first year of Lyceum, both Greek-speaking and English-speaking sections continue to prepare for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics for the IGCSE exams, and in the second year of Lyceum, they sit for these exams. In the third year of Lyceum, in the practical direction section, students are taught the material for the AS Physics and AS Chemistry exams, while in the fourth year, they continue with A2.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: The purpose of the Physical Education course is the development of motor skills as well as the acquisition of knowledge in the broad spectrum of sports, both classical and modern. Another important goal of the course is the acquisition of knowledge in the basic principles and techniques of first aid, which constitutes lifelong knowledge for students. The Physical Education course is taught in all three years of the Gymnasium and the two years of the Lyceum.

INFORMATICS: The purpose of the course is to teach the technological abilities and skills that every modern citizen should have. Students are taught basic computer programs, tools that are essential qualifications for their future professional careers. Students are taught all seven units of the ECDL, and by the end of their attendance, they secure the ECDL Standard Certificate.

ACCOUNTING: The purpose of the course is to understand the general principles and international accounting standards. Starting in their first year of Lyceum, students build critical thinking skills and strategic competencies within business disciplines, laying the groundwork for a structured academic journey. By the second year, they gain the opportunity to take the LCCI Elementary Book-keeping exam. Progressing to the third year, students advance to the LCCI Intermediate Book-keeping exam, further solidifying their expertise. Finally, in their fourth year, they prepare for and sit the International AL GCE Accounting and Pan-Cyprian exams, marking the culmination of their secondary education in accounting and business studies.

ECONOMICS: The purpose of the course is for students to understand the ways in which the economy of a state or region operates, as well as that of a business. Also, to understand how economic decisions affect society and common phenomena. This includes the study of production, distribution, and consumption of resources, as well as the policies applied to solve economic problems and promote economic prosperity and justice. Overall, the goal is for students to be active members of society, to be able to perceive and consider the impacts of the economy on society, preparing them for the future as active participants in economic matters.

MUSIC: The purpose of the Music course is the musical development of all students through experiences that reinforce their skills, and knowledge, so that, with their active participation as listeners, performers, and composers, they communicate through music and build a creative lifelong relationship with it.

In the Greek-speaking sections of the Gymnasium, the curriculum is defined by the Analytical Program of the Ministry of Education. A similar curriculum is followed in the English-speaking sections.

TEACHING PERIODS WEEKLY

The school operates with a schedule of 35 morning periods, which begin at 08:00 and finish at 13:45.

PROVIDED SUPPORTIVE TEACHING

St. Mary’s School does not provide supportive teaching.

PROVIDED DISTANCE LEARNING

St. Mary’s School provides distance learning through the Microsoft Teams platform:

• For students who, due to serious health problems, are required to self-isolate.

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Regarding issues of special education and training, the provisions of the law and regulations on the education and training of children with special needs are applied proportionally.

DURATION OF TEACHING PERIOD

The duration of a teaching period is 45 and 40 minutes.

The daily teaching periods are seven. Five 45-minute periods, and two 40-minute periods with two intermediate breaks (20 minutes and 30 minutes).

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

In the first, second, and third years of Gymnasium, the school is divided into Greek-speaking and English-speaking sections. In the first and second years, in the Greek-speaking sections, all subjects are compulsory and taught in Greek, with the only exception being Mathematics, which is taught in English. In the English-speaking sections, all subjects are compulsory and taught in English.

In the third year of Gymnasium, the Greek-speaking sections continue their education as in the previous two years, with the difference being the switch from Greek to English for the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The English-speaking sections continue as they are.

In the first year of Lyceum, the sections continue in Greek-speaking and English-speaking, but with English as the language of instruction as they prepare for the IGCSE and GCSE exams.

In the second and third years of Lyceum, students must select between the theoretical and practical directions. The language of instruction is English.

In the fourth year of Lyceum, apart from the four core subjects, students must select three from the proposed subjects that belong to the AL/Pan-Cyprian levels.

It is understood that the language of instruction for foreign languages is the same (e.g., the French course is taught in French).

During the school year, Midterm Assessments are conducted in the examined subjects. At the end of the school year, final exams are conducted, which include the material determined by the teachers based on the regulations of the Ministry of Education and/or the GCE, IGCSE, GCSE in the following subjects:

• First to Third Gymnasium: Modern Greek, English, French, Italian, Mathematics, Sciences.

• First Lyceum: Modern Greek, English, French, Italian, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Accounting.

• Second to Third Lyceum: Theoretical Direction: Modern Greek, English, French, Italian, Accounting. Practical Direction: Modern Greek, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Accounting.

The delivery of the courses is done with the help of modern teaching tools. All classrooms without exception are equipped with interactive whiteboards and computers, which at any time can provide educators with access to the internet and the application of information technologies in education.

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

PROGRESS REPORTS/DIPLOMA

Progress reports are given to students at the end of the two semesters, January and June. The reports include the grades of all taught subjects for the semester, with a maximum grade of 20, the student's behavior, and the number of absences for each semester. At the end of each school year, final exam grades (for applicable subjects) and midterm assessment grades are recorded in student reports. Total number of absences for the entire school year are also added to the final student reports.

The diploma (School Leaving Certificate) is awarded after successful completion of studies.

3. SCHOLARSHIPS

Even though school fees are low, the top two second-year Lyceum students with the highest academic performance and an exemplary behavior grade (20/20) throughout the year receive a full scholarship for their third year.

4. SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

The school year is divided into two semesters as follows:

First semester: September 8 – January 16

Second semester: January 21 – May 29

Final exams: June 1 – 19

School holidays and breaks are as follows:

• October 1 – Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic of Cyprus (Wednesday)

• October 4 – Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Saturday)

• October 28 – Ochi Day (Tuesday)

• December 22 – January 6 – Christmas holidays

• January 19-20 – Teacher training days

• January 30 – Feast of the Three Hierarchs

• March 3 - Green Monday

• March 25 – National Anniversary and Feast of the Annunciation

• April 1 – EOKA Anniversary

• April 12-27 – Easter holidays

• May 1 – Labor Day

• May 29 – Feast of the Ascension

• June 9 – Pentecost – Feast of the Holy Spirit

• June 11 – Feast of St. Barnabas

• Summer holidays – July and August

Established school celebrations:

• October 28

• November 21 – School Name Day

• Christmas celebration

• Feast of the Three Hierarchs

• Tree Day

• Anniversary of March 25, 1821

• Anniversary of April 1, 1955

• Graduation ceremony

5. TEACHING STAFF

The teaching staff of our school consists of educators with recognized academic qualifications, and professional experience, establishing them as highly qualified experts in their respective fields.

6. TUITION FEES

The school has always had low tuition fees to give students from all social classes the opportunity to attend.

Tuition fees are prepaid at the beginning of each month/quarter/year. All payments can be made via JCC, bank, credit card, or cash.

Registration fees are non-refundable if a student withdraws from the school.

Students who belong to religious minorities and receive partial funding from the Republic of Cyprus are required to cover the remaining fees.

Annual tuition fees are structured as follows:

• Gymnasium: €2,900 for Years 1–3.
• Lyceum: €3,000 for Years 1–2 and €3,200 for Years 3–4.
• Additional costs include a registration fee of €110, an optional insurance fee of €10, and a €20 contribution to the Parents’ Association. Expenses for books and uniforms vary depending on class level and individual student needs.

Tuition fees apply to the 10-month academic year (September–June) and are subject to an annual increase of 5–20%, adjusted in accordance with prevailing economic conditions.

7. SCHOOL NAME

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL

SCHOOL ADDRESS

1A Georgiou Griva Digeni

3035 Limassol

LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCHOOL

The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart Ltd

8. SCHOOL FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

The school has been housed since 1965 in the center of Limassol, opposite the city court and near the Agios Nikolaos roundabout. It has large, comfortable, and bright classrooms, two computer rooms, a chemistry lab, a music room, and a library. It also has a large internal and external yard, a basketball and mini-football field, a 500-seat theater, a covered area for Physical Education, and a large parking area for the buses that transport students of the school. The offices of the Principal, the Secretariat, and the Accounting Department are located at the main entrance of the building, as well as the large parking area for the teachers' vehicles.

9. LIBRARY

The school library offers a diverse collection of books covering subjects such as the four languages taught at the school, literature, history, geography, and religion. The space is reserved for fourth-year Lyceum students to use as a study area during their free periods. Additionally, each classroom has a small library exclusively for its students, fostering easy access to reading materials and encouraging a culture of learning within the class.

10. STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

Students have the right:

• To education as well as the freedom to access information, expression, and dialogue within the framework of mutual respect and dignity,

• To an inclusive environment that celebrates individual, social, and religious diversity, free from stigmatization, racism, or discrimination of any kind,

• To safety, clean spaces, and health,

• To be safeguarded against bullying, harassment, and any form of verbal or physical violence,

• To submit requests or complaints to the Principal.

Students must demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times, both on and off school premises

Students are obliged:

• To attend school in the approved school uniform, which is mandatory. Violators are referred to the Principal and are not admitted to class. The gym uniform is not part of the daily school uniform.

• Avoid frequent absences. Absences are recorded per teaching period (1 absence = 1 missed period)

  • If a student accumulates 130 absences by the end of the school year, they will be required to repeat the class.

  • The maximum number of absences allowed per semester is 65.

  • If a student is absent for an entire school day, he/she receives 7 absences

  • Absences are not excused except in exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies, surgery, or other serious circumstances.

• To use the entrance and exit of the school located at the back of the school, on Evripidou Street.

• To arrive no later than 7:45 a.m., before the bell rings for the morning assembly in the schoolyard.

  • Repeated delays in arriving at school in the morning, as well as delays in entering the classroom after breaks, are recorded in the attendance register with reference to the time of delay.

  • Systematic morning delays or failure to return to class promptly after breaks is considered a breach of school conduct. It is dealt with by referring the student to the disciplinary committee, which acts accordingly.

• During school hours (08:00 a.m.–1:45 p.m.), students are not permitted to leave the premises. If a student has an urgent need to leave, due to health issues or other emergencies, they must first notify the Principal. The Principal will then inform the parents/guardians, who must collect their child from the school’s main entrance. Upon returning to school, the student must check in at the Principal’s office to confirm their presence.

• To always keep the sanitary facilities (toilets, etc.) and school spaces clean. They must also take care of their complete personal hygiene: hair, hands, body, clothes, etc.

• To respect all staff, teaching and non-teaching, their classmates, as well as themselves, to participate actively in the lesson, and not to hinder the flow of the lesson or the school in any way. To be receptive to suggestions from the Principal and their teachers.

• Mobile phones are prohibited in school during the school day.

• If a student is found in possession of a mobile phone, it will be kept in the office until the end of the day.

• If this is repeated by the same student 3 consecutive times, it will be referred to the disciplinary committee, which will decide the punishment.