Slovakia 7th Grade Curriculum - Ethical Education/Religious Education

Ethical Education and Religious Education are compulsory optional subjects in Slovak primary and lower secondary schools. Students choose either Ethical Education or Religious Education. Ethical education is an alternative to confessional Religious Education.

Curriculum Reform

A new State Educational Programme for Primary and Lower Secondary Education (Štátny vzdelávací program (ŠVP) pre primárne a nižšie sekundárne vzdelávanie) was approved in May 2023 and is being implemented gradually. This reform focuses on 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and soft skills. The new curriculum will be mandatory for all primary schools from the 2026-27 school year.

Ethical Education Curriculum (prior to 2026-27 reform)

The curriculum for Ethical Education focuses on personal development (self-understanding, positive self-esteem), social development (knowing other people, empathy, assertiveness), and moral development (understanding and acceptance of ethical standards and principles). It covers topics such as open communication, human dignity, empathy, expression of feelings, assertiveness, and prosocial behavior.

Religious Education

Religious Education in Slovakia is confessional and a compulsory subject in church schools. In state schools, it is a "compulsory optional" subject, alternating with Ethical Education. The curriculum for Religious Education is determined by the respective religious communities.

General Education Framework

Primary school in Slovakia consists of nine grades, divided into two levels:

• Lower Primary Education (ISCED 1): Grades 1-4
• Upper Primary Education (ISCED 2): Grades 5-9

Seventh grade falls within Upper Primary Education (ISCED 2). The framework teaching plans for primary education are part of the state educational programmes and define the minimum number of lessons for each subject. Schools have some flexibility in creating their school educational programmes based on the state framework.