Aspects of the effectiveness of the Greek 'Holoimero' ('all-day') primary school

Abstract

The ‘holoimero’ school is a special school type in Greece that functions until late in the evening. ‘Holoimero’ constitutes one of the most important components of the latest educational reform. During its operation, at the end of the morning shift, the ‘holoimero’ or ‘all day’ school seeks for the creative occupation of the students who decide to participate in its programme, which includes activities not offered in the morning shift. The present research investigates the factors of the effectiveness of ‘holoimero’ that, according to some of its teachers, are of great importance. The main argument of the present study is that certain variables are related to the effectiveness of the ‘holoimero’ school. Some of these variables are school financing and autonomy, school climate, openness to the community, flexibility, pedagogical innovation, and active involvement of those concerned with the organisation and implementation of the curriculum.