Around this subject, a storm has erupted. There is a free textbook
A new health education subject has been introduced in Polish schools, facing significant backlash from conservative circles, yet a free textbook has recently been released to support it.
Starting in the 2025/2026 school year, Polish schools introduced a new subject called health education. However, this initiative faced considerable controversy, especially from conservative factions and church officials, with many students opting out of the classes—over 80% in places like Rzeszów. The backlash was fueled by statements from religious authorities like the Polish Bishops' Conference, which publicly encouraged parents to withdraw their children from the course.
Recently, as winter holidays came to an end, the discussion around health education had dwindled. While those enrolled attended classes, most students seemed to have forgotten about the subject. However, the University of Medicine in Wrocław reignited the conversation by releasing a new health education textbook, which is available for free download. This initiative aims to provide resources for the education sector amidst ongoing debates regarding the curriculum's appropriateness and the public's reaction to it.
The release of this textbook underscores a significant development in Poland's educational landscape, particularly in light of the polarized opinions surrounding health education. As students prepare for their summer break in 2026, it will be interesting to observe whether this resource will change perceptions and lead to increased enrollment in the subject or if the controversy will continue to overshadow its potential benefits.