school
Foreign nationals often find it difficult to find the right school for their children as, indeed, do German parents. This choice is difficult because of the great variety of types of school and syllabuses.
The school year begins after the summer school holidays, which are from the start of August until the middle of September.
School attendance is compulsory for all German and international children resident in Germany from the ages of 6 to 15. For all children compulsory school attendance begins with primary school (‘Grundschule’, grades 1 to 4). After this period or after an additional two-year transition period (remedial grade), a decision is made concerning future schooling. The types of school in question are:
- a ‘Hauptschule’ (secondary modern/junior high school) at which pupils can obtain a certificate of completion of basic secondary schooling (‘Hauptschulabschluss’) after the 9th or 10th grade depending on the German Federal state;
- a ‘Realschule’ (also a secondary modern/junior high school) at which the pupils can obtain their ‘Mittlere Reife’ after the 10th grade (a certificate roughly equivalent to GCSEs in Britain or GEDs in the USA);
- a ‘Gymnasium’ (grammar school/high school) at which pupils can obtain their ‘Abitur’, after the 12th or 13th grade depending on the Federal state (the ‘Abitur’ is a certificate roughly equivalent to A-levels in Great Britain or SATs in the USA).
Attendance at schools in the state education system is free of charge in Germany. There are not many private or international schools, for which fees must be paid, in Germany. Those which do exist are usually very expensive. In larger cities, special classes have been set up in some primary schools to allow international children to learn German in addition to their normal school subjects so that they can later be integrated into normal classes. There is an international school near Erlangen at which classes are taught in English (Franconian International School).
In Germany almost all teaching takes place in the morning, usually between 8.00 and 13.00 (although this may change in the near future). In the lower grades teaching is usually very much shorter, often just a few hours per day, and less regular. In the upper grades at the grammar schools pupils can choose to major in certain subjects according to their interests. Some classes, sport, for example, may take place in the afternoon. In the afternoons, pupils are expected to do their homework for the next day. The time required for this varies immensely.
The International Office is currently engaged in putting together a list of recommended schools. Do not hesitate to ask for information and help among your colleagues and your new neighbours and acquaintances.
Contact person at the International Office
