The good news is that this year's generation of first-graders counts 21,886, which is a ten-year high.

One of the novelties in the new school year will be the learning of foreign languages from second grade onwards. Pupils will also be able to choose extra subjects in the 4th and 7th grades. Schools in the country will also have to deal with austerity issues and face restrictive employment possibilites, despite the fact that there will be 4,000 more children compared to the previous school year. Schools also face cutting morning day-care and after-school care, cutting social clubs and smaller classes, as well as cutting additional help for children with special needs.

Ensuring a quality education will also be one of the priorities of Slovenia's next education minister.

K. J., Radio Si