Slovakia Gymnasium Physical Education Curriculum

The Slovak Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport oversees physical education within the Slovak education system. The national strategy for sport and physical activity is outlined in several key documents: the Act No. 440/2015 Coll. on Sports, the Conception of State Policy in the Field of Sport - Slovak Sport 2020, and the Conception of Work with Sport-talented Youth. These documents aim to promote and develop professional and amateur sport, as well as organize sport at national, regional, and local levels.

Curriculum Structure

Physical education is a compulsory subject in Slovak schools. The curriculum is guided by the State Educational Programme, which outlines the main content, objectives, and standards for education. Schools then develop their own School Educational Programmes, which provide specific details on curriculum implementation, including hourly subsidies, teaching methods, and learning resources.

The State Educational Programme allocates specific time for physical education:

• Lower Secondary School (ISCED 2): 10 lessons (45 minutes each) over five years.
• Upper Secondary School (ISCED 3): 8 hours over four years.

There is ongoing discussion to increase physical education to three lessons per week for all education levels.

Activities and Resources

Physical education in Slovak gymnasiums typically includes a variety of activities:

• Games
• Individual kinetic exercises
• Exercises with equipment
• Collective sports
• Exercise in nature
• Sports training (swimming, skiing)
• Relaxation exercises
• Competitions and matches
• Performance testing

Learning resources may include gyms and equipment, video projection, multimedia resources, professional literature, and access to swimming and ski training facilities.

Extracurricular Activities

Beyond the formal curriculum, schools may organize additional physical activities, such as sports days, club activities, and participation in regional or national competitions. Schools may also provide facilities for unorganized sport activities for children and youth. Funding for these activities can be supported through education vouchers.

Teacher Training and Development

Physical education teachers are trained at sports secondary schools and universities. Continuing education and methodological guidance are provided by the Institution for Teachers' Education and Training.