1. EDUCATION IN GERMANY By: Emily Goss, Steph Leone, Billie Jo Keiser

2. Germany Country in west-central Europe.

3. Germany Capital: Berlin Population: 82 million people Has the second largest population in Europe. German is the only official language. More than 99% can read and write.

4. Elementary Level Education Pre-school education is optional. It is not free. Development is fostered through play. There are waiting lists to attend these schools.

5. Types of Elementary Level Education Nursery and day care services: Kinderkrippe Private child care services: Tagesmütter Preschool education: Kindergarten

6. Private Childcare Services Private nannies or childcare called Tagesmütter. Children 8 weeks old to 3 years. Care provided in the home to a group of 4 or 5 children. Similar to nanny services.

7. Nurseries and Day-Care Services Often called Kinderkrippe. Children ages 1 to 3. There is a fee for children to attend. Resembles United States day care programs.

8. Kindergarten Children age 3 to 6. Half day: 8 am to 12 pm or 2 pm to 5 pm. Full day Often divided into groups by age. Different from the formal education students receive in primary school.

9. Costs Usually based on parent income. Kindergarten: 80 to 120 € per month. Number of children and hours required influence the cost.

10. Primary Level Grundschule Schooling normally begins at six Children attend grundschule for four years. Teachers offer basic instruction to the core subjects

11. Secondary Level There are three different types Haupstschule (grades 5-9) Realschule (grades 5-10) Gymnasium (grades 5-10)

12. Hauptschule The main objective is to prepare students for their entry into the world of work. All children learn English and sometimes French Once students have obtained their leaving certificate, they can go into practical vocational training and start working in the public service.

13. Realschule This schooling gives children a more broad general education and expects the students to have more independence. With this certificate they have access to several training options such as vocational training, work in public service at either secretarial or executive level. This is very popular in Germany.

14. Gymnasium This is designed to provide students with an education which will enable them to pass the Abitur exam. 8 or 9 years of school education Secondary Level II which is the last two or three years of Gymnasium. Students self select courses themselves Have to select to Leistungskurse (special subjects)

15. The Gesamtschule The comprehensive school Comibines the elements from Hauptschule, Realschule and the Gymnasium. 6 th to 10 th grade

16. Cultural Traditions: Planning is a big deal to them Only close friends and relative are invited into their homes Work and personal lives are clearly divided Traditional greeting consists of a quick, firm handshake No elbows on the table and finish your food

17. Fun Facts: German have made some great discoveries! First to adopt DST Home of Oktoberfest The story of the Easter bunny

18. German Black Forest Cake Cake Ingredient: Topping Ingredient: 1 cup whole milk 3 eggs 1/2 cup canola oil 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all- purpose flour 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup baking cocoa 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 cans pitted tart cherries 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Whipped cream

19. Websites http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Germany http://www.internations.org/germany-expats/guide/15985-family-children- education/childcare-and-kindergartens-in-germany-15989 http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/germany-facts.html http://www.expatica.com/de/education/pre_school/Preschool-options-in- Germany_18248.html http://www.ukgermanconnection.org/schools-german-education-system http://www.expatica.com/de/education/school/The-ABCs-of-the-German- school-system_11321.html?ppager=0 http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/germany-country- profile.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10223647/Twenty-things-you- didnt-know-about-Germany.html http://www.germany.travel/en/ms/german-originality/heritage/the-easter- bunny-the-tale-of-the-eggs.html http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/german-black-forest-cake