Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
Mathematics is recognized as an important subject throughout the school system. It is a compulsory subject in all national examinations (Grades 6, 9, and the preuniversity Matura examination in Grade 13), and taught as a compulsory subject in all secondary schools in most years. Also, all three science subjects are compulsory subjects in elementary schools and in all preuniversity secondary schools. At least two science subjects from among biology, chemistry, and physics are taught in all other secondary schools during at least two years. Mathematics and science are two out of six compulsory curricular subject areas in kindergarten for children ages 1 to 6. Learning mathematics in school is promoted in each of the lower grades with popular school competitions (International Kangaroo tests). In upper grades, competitions are offered for all science subjects and mathematics, and are popular among students. The best achievers at the school level get the bronze award and the right to compete at the regional and national levels for silver and gold awards. Gold awards in any subject are among criteria for awarding stipends to talented students.
Similar to most European countries, in Slovenia initiatives that promote learning mathematics and science are a regular part of work to support talented and gifted students, as well as slower learners.36,37