Slovakia - Questions and answers

The new concept of secondary school-leaving examination (maturita) in gymnasium is just being sought. In the sense of the achievement of high-quality general education the significance of at least one compulsory foreign language in secondary school leaving examination is underlined. From the view of acquiring the abilities and skills that are needed for efficient solution of problems in any activity Mathematics should be justified, too, as the second compulsory subject .

In the present, three basic models are considered.

In the first model, three compulsory subjects (Slovak Language and Literature, Foreign Language, and Mathematics), and two optional subjects (chosen from among: second foreign language, History, Study on Society, Information Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, and other profiled subjects in the appropriate study concentration of the gymnasia) should be represented in secondary school-leaving examination.

The second model counts with Slovak Language and Literature as a compulsory subject and as well as four additional optional subjects chosen out of these four subject groups:

• foreign languages and Mathematics,
• Information Science and Natural Sciences,
• Humanities,
• other profile subjects of study concentration.

The final structure and concept of secondary school-leaving examinations will be accepted as a result of the achieved consensus within the professional educational community and public at large.

Question 2. Are there any other forms of student performance planned to be a part of the grade in each of the examinations (student's field or laboratory work etc.) in the reformed examinations? What will be the relationship between the written and oral part of the examination in each subject?

In order to secure more objectivity the written form of secondary school-leaving examination is considered. Its main aim will be the verification of the knowledge level according to given standards with emphasis on the acquisition of the skills to analyse, compare, and solve application and problem tasks. The examination should include the tasks of complex character with application of logic operations, independent projecting and implementation of procedures of solution, etc.

The concept of the school-leaving examination in individual subjects is at the stage of preparation. It schould have this structure:

1. aim of the secondary school-leaving examination in the subject
2. forms of the secondary school-leaving examination
3. aim and content of written examination
4. aim and content of oral examination
5. concept of processing individual forms of examination and the way of its evaluation
6. organization and realization of the secondary school-leaving examination.