Around 760,000 primary and secondary school students are returning to classrooms in Slovakia on September 1 after the summer holidays. More than 57,500 children will start primary school for the first time, while around 65,000 teachers are also returning to schools.
The new school year brings major changes, as all primary schools begin implementing the new national curriculum, starting with first-year pupils. The reform places greater emphasis on critical thinking, practical skills, problem-solving, communication and teamwork.
Education Minister Tomáš Drucker (Hlas-SD) said schools should prepare children for real life, not simply for their next test. He stressed that students should not only memorise information but also understand it and be able to apply their knowledge in practice.
The reform also responds to the growing role of artificial intelligence and other technologies. Drucker said schools should teach children how to use technology responsibly while remaining safe and aware of its risks.
Source: TASR
