Secondary school: a tranquil and realistic next step following primary education.
When selecting a secondary school for their child in Germany, parents should consider factors beyond just grades. The choice of school type and its educational focus, the child’s interests and strengths, language support programs, regional variations, school environment, teaching styles, and future career aspirations are all key considerations.
Type of Secondary School
Germany offers several types of secondary schools—Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule, and Gesamtschule. Each has a different academic focus and outcome, so parents should align the choice with their child's aspirations.
Child’s Interests and Strengths
Visiting schools to observe teaching style and facilities, and discussing options with teachers can help match the school environment to what motivates the child beyond just academic performance.
Language Proficiency and Support
For non-German speakers or expats, many schools provide integration and German as a Second Language (Deutsch als Zweitsprache) programs to support students linguistically, which is crucial for successful integration.
Regional and Local Regulations
Education policies vary by German federal state, including the length of primary school and school tracks offered. Parents should check with local education authorities to understand specific rules and options in their area.
Flexibility and Transfer Options
Transfers between different secondary school tracks are possible under certain conditions, and parents should know the options for changing paths if needed.
School Quality and Teaching Methodologies
The quality of teaching, support services, and school culture matter significantly. Parents are encouraged to research schools thoroughly, meet teachers, and consider how each school cultivates skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity, which are important for future readiness.
Future Aspirations and Career Goals
Considering how different school types align with the child’s intended career path (e.g., university education vs. vocational training) can shape the best fit.
School Visits
During school visits, factors such as the school's profile and offers, equipment and care, digitalization, atmosphere, school psychological services, and municipal education offices should be considered.
Comprehensive Schools
Comprehensive schools unite primary, intermediate, and gymnasium under one roof, often without early selection, and offer various certificates. Children in comprehensive schools can adjust their performance over the school years without having to change schools.
Gymnasium
In gymnasium, targeted promotion and stronger subject orientation is possible due to a more homogeneous learning group. The decision between comprehensive school and gymnasium is important, as it primarily prepares for university.
Involving the Child
It's important to involve the child in the school decision-making process. Open days provide the opportunity to visit schools and gain concrete impressions. Conversations with families whose children already attend the desired school can also be helpful.
Adjusting to Change
Changing from one school form to another, such as from gymnasium to intermediate school, can be stressful. If the school choice doesn't fit, a change is usually quickly possible through a counseling session, entrance exam, or trial period at the new school.
Legal Considerations
Legally, the decision about which school form the child should attend after primary school lies with the parents. Before teachers give a recommendation for a school, a class conference takes place where each child is discussed.
Private and Alternative Schools
Private and alternative schools, such as international schools, Waldorf or Montessori schools, often charge tuition and have their own pedagogical concepts. It's good if children have already developed learning strategies that they can continue to use at the next school and if they have learned to organize themselves and keep track of their learning materials.
Stay Calm
Gerhard Brand, the German Minister of Education and Research, urges parents to stay calm. The school choice is important, but not final. If a school doesn't work out, there are always opportunities for change.
[1] Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [2] Deutsches Seminar für Pädagogik [3] Schulwelle [4] Schulpsychologie [5] Bundesverband der Deutschen Elternvereine
In the process of choosing a secondary school for a child in Germany, it's essential for parents to consider the education-and-self-development focus that each school type offers, as this will greatly influence the child's personal-growth and learning experiences. To make an informed decision, parents could involve their child in the school decision-making process, research comprehensive schools or private and alternative schools, and consider factors like the school's teaching methodologies, language proficiency support, regional regulations, and future career aspirations.
