English Language Teaching in Slovakia

Question 1

a framework to classify educational programmes in internationally agreed categories

Answer 1

 ISCED LEVEL 0 – EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
 ISCED LEVEL 1 – PRIMARY EDUCATION
 ISCED LEVEL 2 – LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION
 ISCED LEVEL 3 – UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION
 ISCED LEVEL 4 – POST-SECONDARY NON-TERTIARY EDUCATION

Question 2

CEFR

Answer 2

 A1.1 – Grades 3 / 4
 A1.2 – Grades 4 / 5
 A2.1 – Grades 6 / 7
 A2.2 – Grades 8 / 9
 B1.1 – Grade 1 Grammar School
 B1.2 – Grade 2 Grammar School
 B2.1 – Grade 3 Grammar School
 B2.2 – Grade 4 Grammar School

Question 3

Until 2009/2010

Answer 3

 children had to start learning a foreign language (English or German) in grade 5
 most primary schools in bigger towns offer English language from the 1st or 3rd grade
 English language teachers are not qualified to teach Young Learners
 no approved methodology
 2008 - Changes in the Slovak school legislation were finally approved by the Government (ISCED, CEFR)

 need for qualified primary English teachers
 project ŠPÚ (2008-2013) Vzdelávanie učiteľov základných škôl v oblasti cudzích jazykov v súvislosti s Koncepciou vyučovania cudzích jazykov na základných a stredných školách
 5000 primary teachers applied for re-qualification
 they were split according to their English language proficiency level and previous qualifications
 the aim was for them to pass B2 level

Question 4

September 2011

Answer 4

 English became the first compulsory foreign language
 Framework curriculum – the obligatory number of 6 weekly periods for the first four grades (1 – 4), usually: 1-1-2-2
 having finished the 5th grade of primary education – the learner masters proficiency level A1

Question 5

1st September 2019

Answer 5

 English is not obligatory – 3rd grade
 pupils can choose: German, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian
 majority of elementary schools - English
 BUT! English still compulsory in the lower secondary education (grade 7)

Question 6

Materials available

Answer 6

 YL teachers of English in Slovakia are able to choose the course books and materials according to the needs of their classroom.
 The course books are paid for by the Ministry of Education – as long as they are on the list of APPROVED MATERIALS.
 Teachers can also select materials according to their preferred teaching approach.