"The course will effectively consist of two parts: health education as such, and a non-compulsory component on sexual health," Nowacka said.
She added that the sexual health module would likely amount to "one or two lessons per year."
Health education was introduced in the 2025/2026 school year as a voluntary subject, replacing classes on family life education. It is currently taught in primary schools in grades four through eight and in secondary schools.
Nowacka said the curriculum for both the core subject and the sexual health module would be developed by a team of experts, including doctors, specialists and teachers.
She added that the ministry would encourage parents to allow their children to participate in the sexual health component, stressing that "knowledge about sexual health is just as important as any other aspect of health."
The move follows criticism from some conservative and religious groups, which have opposed making health education compulsory, particularly its sexual education elements.
A coalition of more than 70 civic organisations previously called on the ministry not to introduce a mandatory subject covering sexual education, arguing that parents should have primary responsibility for such issues.
The Catholic Church has said the course could violate constitutional provisions, maintaining that sexual education should remain under parental authority.
Nowacka has rejected those claims, saying the subject is consistent with the constitution and reflects modern educational needs.
About 30 percent of eligible students are currently attending health education classes, according to the education ministry.
(gs)