Yusuf Tekin sends a message regarding YKS: Is the system changing again?

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin visited the Demirören Media and Technology Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, which was designated as a pilot school under the "Haberimiz Olsun" project.

The "Haberimiz Olsun" project, carried out under the coordination of the General Directorate of Innovation and Educational Technologies, aims for students to access accurate and reliable information and to evaluate the national and global agenda with a conscious and critical perspective.

Within the scope of the project, students take part in various stages of digital content production such as news research, text writing, presenting, filming, voice-over, interviewing, editing, and broadcast preparation.

Tekin was a guest on the news bulletin prepared and presented by the students and answered the young people's questions. The program was broadcast on the Education Information Network (EBA), EBA YouTube, TRT EBA, and the Ministry of National Education's social media accounts.

"WE HAVE MADE A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE CURRICULUM"

When asked what the difference would be for students in the new academic year compared to previous years, Tekin said that the steps taken within the scope of the Century of Turkey Education Model would come to the fore.

Stating that the curriculum changes have brought about a significant paradigm shift within the Ministry of National Education, Tekin expressed that they aim for students not only to learn information but also to be able to use what they have learned in daily life and in the society they live in.

Stating that the Century of Turkey Education Model aims for students to transform the knowledge they acquire at school into skills through analytical thinking, Tekin reminded that the model began to be implemented in the 2024-2025 academic year.

He noted that the model is being implemented this year in grades 1, 2, and 3 in primary schools, grades 5, 6, and 7 in middle schools, and grades 9, 10, and 11 in high schools.

"GAMES WILL BE A PART OF EDUCATION"

Stating that they are focusing especially on children's games this year, Tekin said that they will make games a part of the education and training process.

Tekin expressed that games will contribute to the acquisition of values such as cooperation and solidarity, in addition to being used in combating problems such as obesity and digital addiction in children.

In this context, stating that one of the main themes of the academic year will be "Games in the Heart of Education," Tekin also conveyed that they have prepared a policy document on how games will be used in the education process in schools.

"WE HAVE REACHED THE PEAK IN PISA"

Touching on Turkey's PISA results, Tekin said that the country has achieved significant success in the field of education.

Stating that Turkey has shown a significant rise in PISA results since 2015, Tekin expressed that the peak point was reached in the 2025 cycle.

Arguing that this success emerged as a result of the steps taken over the years, from increasing the number of classrooms and schools to teacher appointments, and from free textbooks to Support and Training Courses, Tekin stated that they want students to grow up as individuals who can question and think critically.

"THE EXAM SYSTEM WILL NOT CHANGE IN YKS"

Answering the students' question, "What kind of YKS awaits us next year?", Tekin said that no changes would be made to the exam system.

Stating that false and misleading news has been published on this subject, Tekin expressed that the only element that will change for students who will move to the 12th grade next year is that the questions will be prepared according to the curriculum the students are subject to.

Tekin said, "Neither the system nor the procedure of the exam will change; there is no change. We were asking from the curriculum every year, now we will ask from your curriculum."

"THE NAME OF THIS GEOGRAPHY HAS BEEN TURKISTAN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF HISTORY"

Answering a student's question about why the concept of "Turkistan" is important within the scope of the Century of Turkey Education Model, Tekin said that this geography has been called Turkistan throughout history.

Arguing that the concept of "Central Asia" was used during the Soviet Union period to weaken the bond between Turkey and the Turkic world, Tekin stated that concepts used throughout history should be handled in their scientific forms, stripped of ideological approaches.

EVENTS WILL BE ORGANIZED IN SCHOOLS FOR GAZA

Touching on the developments in Gaza, Tekin said that they have been carrying out work to raise awareness in Turkey since the period when Israeli attacks began.

Tekin announced that various events will be organized in schools this year as well, with the motto "Let kites not be shot down, let the sky remain for the children," to draw attention to the tragedy experienced by Palestinian children.