Education Minister Barbara Nowacka will decide by the end of March whether to make health education a compulsory subject starting in September.
Health Education to Replace Life Skills Education
Health education will replace life skills education. This school year, the subject is not mandatory, despite initial announcements from the Ministry of Education.
Decision Expected by End of March
The Minister of Education and Science (MEN) announced on TVN24 that a decision regarding mandatory health education for the next school year will be made by the end of March. She stated she will present her decision “literally in a few days.”
Nowacka emphasized the importance of informing teachers and school principals, as it impacts scheduling.
Previous Decision to Make Subject Optional
When asked why the subject is not mandatory this year, Nowacka explained that a decision was made by the leadership of the Civic Coalition to keep it optional, limiting the minister’s ability to act. However, she expressed hope that a year of advocacy has been effective.
Importance of a Well-Prepared Curriculum
Nowacka stressed the need for a “smart, well-prepared subject.” She highlighted a report commissioned by the Ministry of National Education, revealing numerous health problems among young people, which she presented to the Council of Ministers.
She acknowledged potential student complaints about an additional hour of class but emphasized the potential life-saving impact of the subject.
Scope of Health Education
Health education is currently taught in primary schools (grades IV-VIII, one hour per week, with grade VIII classes only in the first semester) and secondary schools (one hour per week for two years).
Parental Opt-Out Option
Parents who did not want their child to participate in health education classes had to submit a written resignation to the school principal. Students of legal age could submit the resignation themselves.
