Slovak education
Slovak education
There are different forms of education in Slovakia. Children from one to three years of age start
their schooling 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. 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 language and Math 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 can sometimes lead to their overloading 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
-
Economic ss
- Agricultural ss
- Business Academy
-Vocational schools
-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. 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
Zones.sk – Zóny pre každého študenta