Education Guide
In recent years, the Slovak education
system has been undergoing reforms, increasing the creativity of
students and providing opportunities for teachers and schools to
have more say in syllabus design and teaching methods.
In the field of education, great attention is paid to teaching
foreign languages and using information communication technology.
All primary and secondary schools in Slovakia are now connected to
the internet, and computers play an ever-greater role when teaching
a wide range of subjects.
Children start school at the age of six. Compulsory school
attendance in Slovakia is free, and lasts for ten years. The
education system is comprised of public, private and faith
schools.
There are four levels of education:
Pre-school education is not compulsory and
children may attend pre-school facilities up to the age of
six.
Compulsory primary education begins at the
age of six, and is divided into two levels. Over the first four
years, pupils acquire basic knowledge and skills. Pupils usually
continue to the second level (from 10 – 15 years) at primary
school.
Secondary education (15 – 18 years) is
provided by a number of types of schools, according to the pupils'
desire for further study or a future career. Gymnáziá (grammar
schools) prepare pupils for study at universities, while stredné
odborné školy and stredné odborné učilištia (technical colleges)
and odborné učilištia (vocational schools) provide professional
education and training. Secondary school students usually finish
their studies with maturita school leaving exam (the equivalent of
'A'-level exams), which form the basis for acceptance to
university.
University education can be obtained at 33
public and private higher education institutions.
Slovakia has a long tradition of extra-curricular activities.
Pupils can develop their talent and skills in a number of areas
involved with art, music, sport, drama, and other activities.
Links to the Eurydice database on the
education system in Slovakia