School System in Germany

German public education system has provided quality education to students without any financial pressures from schooling to universities.

Education system in Germany is different in various aspects as compared to other countries. It provides quality education and produces skilled and high performing students. There are two types of education systems in Germany private and public. Most of the students in Germany attend public schools. Germany also invites students from all over the world to get qualified from top most universities of Germany. Most schools and universities provide quality education and conduct sessions in German language. International students can easily learn German language by attending language classes and several courses. German education system runs under 16 federal states of Germany and every state has its own policies and procedures regarding education system.

Children having age from three to six can attend kindergarten while it’s not compulsory. After that, school becomes compulsory for children from nine or ten years of age. Children have to attend elementary school from grade 1 to 4 children commonly referred as Grundschule in Germany, where the subjects taught are the same for all. After that subjects differ from grade 4th depending on the academic specialty and wish of family. There are three different kinds of schools in Germany: Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium. Grundschule teachers mostly recommend schools for their students on basis of these things as students' academic achievement, self-confidence and interest and capability to work autonomously. In many states parents have the right to decide which school their children will attend after the fourth grade.

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Hauptschule:

The Hauptschule from grades 5 to 9 includes the same subjects as the Realschule and Gymnasium, however at a slower pace and with some vocational-oriented courses.

Realschule:

The Realschule (grades 5-10 in many states) provides part-time vocational schools and higher vocational schools. While students of Realschule who are high performing and have good academic records are allowed to switch to Gymnasium on graduation.

Gymnasium:

The Gymnasium provides a diploma that is known as Abitur. It prepares students for further university study as well as for academic and vocational credential. Gymnasium offers common subjects that include classical language, modern language, mathematics and natural science. Many states have changed their curriculum so that students can get Abi when they complete their 12th grade. 

Gesamtschule:

The Gesamtschule is in some states. It is basically combination of both of the Hauptschule and Realschule. It is offered to students of all capability levels in the 5th to the 10th grades. Hauptschule certificate is given to students who complete their Gesamtschule through 9th grade successfully  

Berufsschule:

After completion of the Hauptschule and Realschule, there is Berufsschule,. Berufsschule combines part time academic study and apprenticeship. Apprenticeship is basically getting specialization in a particular field. Students are provided with certificates who complete their apprenticeship program in a particular field or trade work. 

Students are required to complete their nine years of education regardless of any school that student attends. If student is dropped out from Gymnasium then he must complete his nine years of education through Realschule or Hauptschule. Students are also required to learn and study minimum any one foreign language for at least five years while in Gymnasium, second foreign language is also required to study and learn.

The School Day:

German public schools offer morning classes which starts normally between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. and they end between 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. one class period is of 45 minutes along with a short break in between classes. Schools do not provide lunch facility to children. German Public schools emphasize on giving lots of homework to students so that they can study at home as well. Their main focus is on three R's referred as reading, writing and aRithmetic. As student moves upward in next grades, their curriculum and syllabus extends from Grundschule and it depends on three secondary schools that students have attended.

The School Year:

The school year comprises of two semesters and it starts in August. Students can enjoy longer breaks for Christmas Eve and in summer while short breaks are given for Easter in autumn while the schools remain close in public holidays. There is break of two weeks for Christmas and summer break is for about 6 weeks. Every state has its own system of setting dates for holidays.

Schools for Special Students:

There are various schools that educate special children and they are called Sonderschule or Förderschule.  These schools are staffed with experienced and well trained teachers and every class has smaller number of special children as compared with normal classes. Some special students have ability to attend Hauptschule and Gesamtschule and they don’t go for special schools.

Private Schools:

There are various types of private schools in Germany. These schools normally charge tuition fees and may offer differed courses leading to provision of certificates, the German Abitur and diplomas.

 Internat:

The Internat are basically boarding schools in Germany that offer various study programs in order to produce high performing students. Most of the boarding schools offer Abitur and other specialized courses. Along with academics, their main focus is also on co curricular activities like music Internat, sports Internat etc. there are various boarding schools that provides separate boarding schools for boys and girls.

International Schools:

There are several international schools in Germany that offer courses in English language that lead to IBO or diploma or certificate. After that students can continue for their further college or university studies.

Parochial Schools:

These are numerous Protestant and Catholic private schools. These schools offer the standard German Abitur.

Home Schooling:

Home schooling is not allowed and considered as illegal in Germany. Students have to attend schools either private or public and several laws regarding this have been maintained.

Higher Education:

There are various university level schools. One of them is classical universities. Classical universities provide general education to students in six years. While now after certain amendments in curriculum, students have to acquire Bachelor degree after completion of four years. Other type of universities includes Technical universities. These universities offer a training program to students for their particular career field. They provide training for four years. Along with these universities, there are many Hochschulen that provides study of art and music.