The German School System

Education – important to know Culture and education are one of the tasks of the 16 federal states There is not only one educational system in Germany The organisation and the educational aims of all school-forms are committed to different school-laws of the 16 federal states

General Information All children and young people between the age 6 and the age of 18 have to attend a school. There are four years of primary school, grade 1 – grade 4. All children attend primary school together. After that they can take one of three school paths (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium) based on their school performance at the elementary level. In some of the federal states grade 5 and 6 are combined to form educational units, called “Orientierungsstufe” or “Förderstufe”. In comprehensive schools (grade 5 – 9/10) the traditional school paths exist integrated or cooperatively. Special education schools accomodate all students, who do not fit into the traditional paths, due to various handicaps.

Primary School In primary schools children learn reading, writing and mathematical skills. There are other subjects like music, sports, painting and practical work, which complete the timetable. Very important at that age is the training of social skills. The first day of primary school is a very important event for German children. Customs include giving children a bag of sweets ( Schultüte) on their first day of school.

Hauptschule Hauptschule is supposed to prepare pupils for vocational education and ends with a Hauptschulabschluss. The Hauptschule is designed for those who are less academically gifted. Graduates generally enter an apprenticeship ( Lehre) in a manual trade, combined with some part-time studies at a Berufsschule. Hauptschule meanwhile - more or less - has become a kind of “rest-school” for socially disadvantaged children and immigrant students.

Realschule Realschule is supposed to prepare mainly practically and theoretically oriented students for trade, technical and administrative professions. It ends with a Realschulabschuss after 10th grade. The emphasis is more on mathematics and language skills than on manual activities.

Gymnasium Gymnasium (until 12th or 13th grade) – prepares students for higher education and ends with the Abitur (necessary for enrolling in university). Since not all German children and youths fit into the typical school categories, possibilities exist to change the chosen path.

Gesamtschule The Gesamtschule combines elements from the Hauptschule, the Realschule and the Gymnasium. This type of school was introduced later than all the other types, mainly on the initiative of the education ministers in Länder governed by the SPD (Social Democratic Party). Children spend six years at a Gesamtschule, from the 5th to the 10th grade. Depending on their ability, they get a Hauptschule or a Realschule leaving certificate. Pupils wishing to do the Abitur attend school for another three years.

All German schools are primarily half-day schools. Only a relatively small amount of schools are full-day school. After the German Federal Elections in 2002 the German Government gave financial support to enable the states to introduce full- day schools.

Graduation Hauptschul-graduation can be achieved in grade 9 or 10 and Realschul-graduation in grade 10. Students of comprehensive schools can achieve their Hauptschul-graduation in grade 9 or 10, their Realschul- graduation or the permission to attend a Gymnasium in grade 10. While Hauptschul- and Realschul-graduates begin a cooperative program (work and school) or attend various Fachoberschulen, Gymnasium students continue attending the Gymnasium for 2two or three years, where upon they receive their Abitur-level degree enabling them to apply at university or college. The above mentioned cooperative program, called Duales System, is a combination of work in the field and parallel schooling.

Private Schools Private schools are an alternative to all public schools, the number of private schools is growing but there are still not too many.

Evening Schools In evening schools or colleges students who already have learnt a profession make up for grades which they were not able to achieve when going to school in the age of 15 – 18.

The end Thank you for your attention.