Teachers dismiss scheme for homework-free weekends

Primary school teachers have dismissed as a publicity stunt the Education Ministry's announced "Bag at School" scheme, which foresees children in Greece not being given any homework on one weekend per month so they can spend more time with their families.

The Greek Teachers Federation (DOE) said on Friday that the ministry's rhetoric regarding the initiative, which references the need for children to have more free time, runs contrary to the government's education policy.

"The time that is needed each day for homework to be carried out is directly linked with the curriculum and the teaching targets for each grade, as well as the learning material," said DOE, which accused the government of not changing anything during its three years in office and continuing with the policies implemented by previous governments.

DOE gave the example of the government approving the...