Slovakia Primary School Physical Education (8th Grade)

The Physical Education curriculum for 8th grade in Slovakia is part of the Health and Movement educational area within ISCED level 2 (lower secondary education). The curriculum aims to develop students' physical literacy, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.

Curriculum Goals

The overarching goal of Physical Education is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for maintaining and improving their health and well-being throughout their lives. This includes developing physical fitness, mastering fundamental movement skills, and understanding the benefits of regular physical activity.

Curriculum Content

The curriculum is divided into four modules:

1. Health and its Disorders: Students learn about the impact of physical activity on health, the importance of preventing lifestyle-related diseases, and how to administer first aid.

2. Healthy Lifestyle: Students explore the principles of proper nutrition, the benefits of incorporating physical activity into their free time, and the importance of active rest for recovery.

3. Fitness and Physical Performance: Students learn to assess their own physical fitness levels, use exercises to develop physical abilities, and evaluate their own and their classmates' performance.

4. Sports Activities of the Movement Regime: Students apply their knowledge to improve their sports performance, learn the rules of various sports disciplines, and demonstrate their physical literacy in different sports settings.

Core Thematic Units

The curriculum includes several core thematic units:

• General Gymnastics: This forms the foundation for all physical activities and is integrated into every lesson. It focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, body control, and coordination.
• Athletics: Students learn basic athletic movements, running, jumping, and throwing techniques.
• Fundamentals of Gymnastics Sports: This includes elements of artistic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics, focusing on developing strength, flexibility, and coordination.
• Sports Games: Students learn the rules and basic techniques of various sports games, such as basketball, soccer, handball, and volleyball.
• Swimming: Students develop basic swimming skills and water safety knowledge.
• Seasonal Activities: This includes activities like skiing (both downhill and cross-country) and exercises in nature, adapted to the specific season.

Assessment

Student progress is assessed based on their performance in the various thematic units, their understanding of key concepts related to health and physical activity, and their overall physical fitness levels. General physical performance and development are typically assessed at the end of each school year, with an initial assessment at the beginning of 5th grade and a final assessment at the end of 9th grade.

New National Curriculum

A new national curriculum was introduced in Slovakia, with implementation beginning in September 2023. While specific details about the impact of this reform on 8th-grade Physical Education are not readily available, it is expected to further emphasize the development of physical literacy, health-related fitness, and lifelong engagement in physical activity.