System of education in Slovakia

System of education in Slovakia 

There are different forms of education in Slovakia. Children from one to three years of age start their schooling (výučbu) in nursery school where they spend a few hours each day playing and doing some activities. They start socializing with other children.

Children at the age of three usually go to kindergarten where they learn social rules, ethics and the principles of the alphabet and mathematics. This attendance is not compulsory.

Elementary education: 

Primary schools are attended by children between six and fifteen and this nine-year school attendance is compulsory. The school year begins in September and finishes in the late June. Children gradually learn to read, write and count.

The main subjects are: Mother tongue and Maths and later Chemistry, History, Geography, Science, Computer Studies and languages are added.
At the end of each school year pupils get school report (certificate). This is followed by a long awaited two months´ holidays. Children also have Christmas, Easter and spring holidays as well as a few national holidays.
Some years ago a new type of school was introduced – the eight-year grammar school
One positive effect is that talented children are given an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills. But on the other hand a new curriculum (šk. osnovy) can sometimes lead to their overloading (preťažovanie) that can result in the loss of a childhood full of fun and care freeness.
In the final year of elementary school many pupils face a problem. Everybody needs to choose his future occupation. The choice depends not only on our interests but also on our success at school.

Secondary education: 

Secondary studies last for four years and secondary schools are attended by the students from the age of 15 to 19. We can choose from different kinds of secondary schools such as:
-  Secondary technical schools
-  Medical secondary school (ss)
-  Economic ss
-  Agricultural ss
-  Business Academy
-  Apprentice centres (učilištia)
-  Grammar schools – they prepare students for university studies
 

Nowadays in contrast with the past more emphasis is placed on foreign languages. The high mobility of students, the possibility to seek for work or study in other countries has brought the necessity studying foreign languages.
To finish secondary education, students have to pass the school-leaving examination (maturity). This exam consists of * written part (external part) and *oral part (internal part).

The Slovak and foreign language exams as well as some technical subjects exams are compulsory. From each subjects a student selects one question that should be answered and discussed for 20 minutes. If students fail on their first attempt, they have got a second chance in September.
University education
 
It is the highest form of education. This education usually lasts from 4 to 6 years and starts at the age of 19. If we want to study at university we must successfully pass the entrance examination.  Many students want to continue their studies at universities where they study:
-  Law (law school)
-  Medicine (medical school)
-  Universities with humanistic orientation and many others
Slovak universities use two-term system: winter and summer terms are regular periods of the academic year.
 
When students successfully accomplish their university studies they are given a degree in their field of study.
- Bachelor’s degree is the lowest level of university studies and lasts for 3 years
-  The title of Master (Mgr.) after pedagogical or philosophical studies
- The title of Engineer (Ing.) after economic or technical studies

Some renowned Slovak Universities:

- Comenius University in Bratislava
- The University of Constantinus Philosopher in Nitra
- The University of St.Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
- Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
- The University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik in Košice
- The Technical University Košice