The subject of physical and sports education will be a compulsory subject in elementary schools (ZŠ) for at least three hours a week and in secondary schools for two hours a week. This follows from the amendment to the Education Act from OĽANO, which was approved by the members of the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic on Tuesday.
An exception should be made for those primary schools with less than five classes, as they are assumed not to have a gymnasium. "The legislation in question allows schools to teach physical and sports education beyond the minimum scope, for example by increasing optional (available) hours," the explanatory report reads. The proponents claim that physical and sports education is the only subject that has a direct impact on the physical and mental health of children and youth.
The legislative change is to be effective from September 1. However, with the amendment, the deputies postponed the effect for schools that do not have access to a gymnasium as of August 31, 2023 due to the possibility of completing the construction of the missing school infrastructure. The amendment is to apply to them from September 1, 2025. In the same way, the effect is also postponed for the fourth year of church schools. They have only one available hour, which they mostly use for the subject religion.
Also during Tuesday’s session, parliament approved a motion to lower the minimum required age to join the Police Corps from 21 to 18 years, according to an amendment to the law on the civil service of Police Corps members, the Slovak Intelligence Service, the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps and the Railway Police.
(TASR)
