Cross-Curricular Topics of Contemporary Curricula in the Lower Grades of Primary School in the Republic of Croatia

Cross-curricular topics are topics that will instil in students from an early age universal values ​​and competencies for action in modern society. There are seven cross-curricular topics in the Republic of Croatia: personal and social development, learning how to learn, civic education, health, entrepreneurship, the use of information and communication technology and sustainable development. The fundamental meaning of introducing cross-curricular topics into the teaching process is the adoption of topics of general human values ​​and competencies for a dignified life in the 21st century. The methodology consists of analysis matrix of different cross-curriculum topics and outcomes that students in individual classes should achieve. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness of the importance of education for active and independent action within the community. Outcomes of interdisciplinary topics are realized in the teaching hours of all subjects. Regardless of the importance they carry within themselves, modern teachers often neglect cross-curricular topics, depriving students of knowledge and skills that would be useful to them in everyday life, in relation to themselves, their work and others.