The weather has turned and pupils in Belgium's Dutch-speaking schools are now also one week into a new academic year (those in the French system went back Monday 26 August).
But though Belgium's institutions are again filled with children, teachers fear for the quality of education they provide, as chronic staff shortages remain unresolved. Just days before a new school year, some headteachers were scrabbling to fill vacancies. Between 2022 and 2023, teacher vacancies leapt up a staggering 25%.
Efforts to address this have had little effect and some schools are forced to make alternative arrangements. In Brussels, primary schools are moving towards a four-day week, ceasing classes entirely on Wednesday (which is usually a half day). Though educators say this has minimal impact on attainment, overall standards have been slipping across the country, as performance falters since the pandemic.
Then there is the childcare angle to consider: no school midweek will inevitably have repercussions for parents. And although some expats find plenty to praise in the instruction provided in Belgium, the system is not bulletproof. "The right to education is in danger," teachers associations have warned.
Teachers do an amazing job at managing complex human situations on the spot. But with conditions showing little sign of improvement, how long can they keep the show on the road?
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1. Property prices in Belgium up 35% in the past ten years
Property price inflation is most pronounced in border areas, near to Luxembourg and the Netherlands in particularly. Read more.
2. Teacher shortage sees Brussels primary schools opt for four-day week
"The measure was taken out of necessity. Two years ago, we had a huge staff shortage and the Wednesday morning was not getting filled." Wednesdays are normally half-days. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 6 – 8 September
With two coinciding beer events and a comic strip festival, this weekend encapsulates Belgium. Find out about these events and plenty more in our weekly guide. Read more.
4. Audi Brussels remains at a standstill as workers take vehicle keys
Workers have seized the keys of around 300 completed and unfinished vehicles, saying that no cars will leave the factory until Audi clarifies the future of the site. Read more.
5. Belgian e-bike maker Cowboy secures €5m in funding and key Asian investor
As well as the €5 million funding round, Cowboy will be launching a crowdfunding campaign next week Read more.
6. Brussels Government puzzle: N-VA willing to join complex negotiation talks
"It is high time for reforms. Waiting until after the municipal elections would be criminal negligence." Read more.
7. Bump in the road for the EV revolution
Volvo has rolled back its electric car plans. Is the EU to blame? Read more.
