1.2 million kids start school today

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Pre-school and grade-one students will head to class for orientation today across Turkey, one week before other students in the education system.

The orientation program is designed to provide young students with the chance to adapt to the new learning environment and ensure they are not frightened by their surroundings, according to education officials.

The orientation program will be commenced with a ceremony by Education Minister Nabi Avcı at Ataşehir Halil Atamavcı School in Istanbul.

General Director of Basic Education Funda Kocabıyık said the adaptation process of students began with a good beginning at school, their love for school and the development of their abilities.

Noting that the new students would have orientation lessons for the entire week, Kocabiyik said: “A total of 223,097 students will begin pre-school education and 1,200,165 primary school students will begin lessons in first grade. As enrollments continue, these numbers may change.”

The 2013-2014 school year starts for other students on Sept. 16 and will continue until June 13, 2014