The lights of the 108-year-old historical high school never go out.

Selçuk Anatolian High School, which started education and training in Sivas 108 years ago, is setting an example for Turkey today with the opportunities it provides for students preparing for university entrance exams. The school, which hosts students preparing for the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) until the evening hours, offers a home-like atmosphere with free refreshments. The lights of this historic school, where many teachers from various branches assist students, never go out despite the advancing hours of the day.

Founded in 1916 under the name Sivas Teacher’s School, the Historic Selçuk Anatolian High School has been serving education and training for 108 years. The school, which has adopted the principle of raising high-level and successful students for years, is setting an example for Turkey with the project it has implemented. The school provides education and training to students between 08:00 and 15:30, and after classes, it hosts students preparing for university entrance exams. Students preparing for the YKS can come to school and study at any hour. The project, designed for students who cannot find a suitable study environment at home, also includes the assistance of teachers from various branches in the study area. Free soup, tea, coffee, and snacks are provided to students at the historic high school, where the lights stay on until late in the day. The project, aimed at increasing students’ success, receives great support from parents.

“The Turkey Century Education Model requires this”

Providing information about the project, Selçuk Anatolian High School Principal Davut Ataman stated, “Selçuk Anatolian High School, with its 108-year history, is one of the most established institutions in Turkey and Sivas, illuminating the future of Turkey with the students and bureaucrats it has raised. In my meetings with students and parents, I identified that children have such a deficiency. During my visits to parents to address this deficiency, I saw that students were having difficulties studying. As a result of my consultations with my teachers, I decided that our school will be open whenever students want to study late at night. Furthermore, our teachers can come and immediately solve students’ questions and provide explanations. This application has been taken as one of the best examples by our ministry and is showcased as a model for all of Turkey. The Turkey Century Education Model already requires this. It is very wrong to limit education to four walls or specific hours. The aim of the Turkey Century Education Model is to raise thoughtful, reading, understanding, responsible, and virtuous individuals who value national and moral values. The Turkey Century Education Model is also our primary duty. We are striving to prepare the most suitable and ideal environment for our students to learn one more word and solve one more question. To provide a home atmosphere for our students, we offer them lunch, tea, cakes, and fruits here. We provide the most suitable environment for our students under the supervision of our teachers, and I personally oversee it. With their efforts and endeavors, we receive positive feedback. Our parents are very pleased with this application. The number of our students increases every day. This project has become a model for all of Turkey. About 10-15 parents call and come to the school daily. Our students, who cannot find a suitable study environment at home, come here to work as they find the best opportunities. By being present here, when a student does not understand a topic, our teacher immediately intervenes. When our student cannot solve a question, our teacher immediately helps. There is a very nice family atmosphere here. Our students have the opportunity to study as long as they want until late hours,” he said.

“We can study until late hours”

Student Ali Eren Çakır stated, “Normally, our classes end at 15:30. After class here, we can study until late hours by benefiting from various opportunities such as food, tea, coffee, and cakes. This opportunity has been very beneficial for us. Because some of my friends, including myself, do not have a proper studying environment at home. We thank our teachers for this. Our teachers are here to help us solve questions and support us. My studies have significantly improved compared to before. Since this project has just started, it has had a significant impact. My goal is to win Mechanical Engineering at METU. I hope I will be successful,” he said.

“Our study efficiency really increases here”

Eslem Berra Karasubaşı stated, “I think this project is very qualitative. Because our study efficiency really increases here. The opportunities provided by our teachers are genuinely in very good condition. Our teachers from different branches stay with us here. When I get stuck while solving questions, I can consult my teachers. Since we work together with our friends here, it becomes a very productive environment. This honestly contributes a lot to me. After class, we can come here and start studying.”