A new law will come into effect in September. This law allows students to have studies completed in hobby schools recognized at their regular school. For example, a student may receive an exemption from music or physical education classes.
For this, the curriculum of the hobby school must align with the school's curriculum. The student submits an application, and the school makes an agreement with the parent. For example, whether the student leaves earlier or arrives later at school.
Schools have previously had the opportunity to recognize studies completed in hobby schools. For example, Kanepi Gymnasium has already done this. Starting this year, it will also extend to basic schools.
Diana Leenurm, the director of Kanepi Gymnasium, says that creating a timetable is challenging. The students are from different classes, and there are few of them. If a student does not wish to attend physical education classes, they can use that time to study other subjects.
Leenurm emphasizes that the teacher's workload increases if they have to guide students individually.
In Tartu, Ilmatsalu Basic School has created individual curricula for students. Students can decide for themselves how they use their time. The school emphasizes that students often use this opportunity for creative work.
Jaan Reinson, the director of Tartu Descartes School, says there are many questions. For example, whether schools have enough space for free periods. It is also difficult to monitor whether students continue attending hobby schools.