The German School System German children start school

The German School System

/German children start school at the age of six or seven. Anyone younger than that can attend kindergarten or pre-school. However, this is not compulsory.

/Primary school takes either four or six years to complete and all German children are required to attend. They learn how to read, write and explore the subjects of Geography, Physics, Biology, Politics, Music, Art and PE. Religious Education is also compulsory.

After the completion of primary school, students have the choice to attend one of the following secondary school options:

Gymnasium /Highly theoretical school for very academic students who want to attend university later on.

Realschule More practice-oriented school for students with average academic talent who, later on in life, would want to complete an apprenticeship, e. g. as a nurse or insurance broker.

Hauptschule Very practice-oriented school for students who are not overly academic but rather strive for a hands-on profession, e. g. as a tradesperson. As part of the curriculum, students also complete several work experience placements.

Gesamtschule /All previously-mentioned schools, but under one roof, which makes changing from one option to another easier.

/Whichever option students choose, one thing stays the same for everyone: all German students are required by law to attend school until they turn 18; however, this can be done in Berufsschule.

Berufsschule /This is similar to TAFE. It is part of an apprenticeship during which a student goes to work e. g. three days a week and attends Berufsschule e. g. two days a week.

And what’s more /German students do not have to wear a school uniform and there are only very few private schools!