Children in Germany start school at the age of 6 and subjects are the same
for all students from grade 1 to 4. After the 4th grade, they are separated
according to their academic ability and attend one of three different kinds of
schools: Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium.
The Hauptschule (grades 5-9 in most German states) teaches the same subjects as
the Realschule and Gymnasium, but at a slower pace and with some
vocational-oriented courses. It leads to part-time enrollment in a vocational
school combined with apprenticeship training until the age of 18.
The Realschule (grades 5-10 in most
states) leads to part-time vocational schools and higher vocational schools. Students
with high academic achievement at the Realschule can switch to a Gymnasium
on graduation.
The Gymnasium (grades 5-13 in most
states) leads to a degree called the Abitur and prepares students for
university study or for a dual academic and vocational credential. Subjects
offered here include classical language, modern language, and mathematics-natural
science.
Beyond the Haupschule and Realschule lies the Berufsschule.
This combines part-time academic study and apprenticeship. When the student
successfully completes the apprenticeship program, he earns himself a
certification in a particular trade or field of work.
No matter what kind of school a student attends, he/she must complete at
least nine years of education. German children only attend school in the
morning. School life in Germany also means more homework and very few
extracurricular activities.
Sources
- http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/germanschools.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Germany
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