500,000 public high school and junior high school students will end their academic year on Thursday, 21 Sivan 5774. They will be joined by an additional 1.5 million students in kindergarten and elementary schools at month’s end. Over 2 million students were in the school system in the 5774 school year. The new public school year begins on 6 Elul 5774 (September 1, 2014). In recent years, the school year opened on August 27th.

During the summer, the Ministry of Education will be running over 100 free digital camps to assist students wishing to learn English and media via distance learning. These camps are intended for students over fourth grade. Over 3,000 children nationwide will take part in these digital camps, divided according to age. Students will need a PC, internet connectivity, headphones, microphone and email account. Camp will encompass 10 online 90 minutes sessions.

The digital camps program began last year as a pilot project. Officials explain students participating in the program will benefit from an obvious boost in their skills that will better prepare them for the upcoming academic year.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)