American Schools Vs. German Schools
Written by Sarah Owen, Aryan Brunette, and Lea Kopke
What Effect do German Communities Have on Their Schools?
German schools also have a little more homework than most American schools, but it varies on the school. Public schools are nearly free to the public, other than small textbook, lunch, and material fees. Overall, German schools use their funding in an almost completely different way than Americans do. In Germany, schools are different. Their schools are also funded by taxes and progressive income-based customer fees, but much of that money goes towards teacher pay checks and improving their classrooms.
What is A Typical School Day Like In Germany?
How Does The German School System Work?
To be a primary educator you need 3.5 years of schooling, to be a lower secondary educator you need to have 3.5 - 4.5 years of education. Finally to be a upper secondary educator you need 4.5 years for normal training then an extra 2.5 years for practical training in a school setting.
Children aged three to six, can attend kindergarten. After that, school's mandatory for nine-ten years. For grades one through four children attend elementary school (Grundschule). Then, after fourth grade, they are separated according to academic ability, wishes of their families and attend one of three different kinds of schools: Hauptschule (grades five-nine) , Realschule (grades five-ten in most areas) or Gymnasium. Grundschule teachers recommend their students to a particular school based on things such as academic achievement, self-confidence and ability to work independently. However, in most areas, parents have the final say (German School System, paragraph 2).
Hauptschule teaches the same subjects as Realschule and Gymnasium, but has a slow pace with occasional vocational-oriented courses. It leads to part-time enrollment in vocational school combined with apprenticeship training until 18. The Realschule leads to part-time vocational schools and higher. The Gymnasium leads to a diploma called the Abitur and prepares students for university study or for a dual academic and vocational privileges. In recent years many areas have changed the curriculum so students can get the Abitur faster. Other areas are making the transition but may still require you to be at a certain grade level (13). The Gesamtschule, or comprehensive school, is only found in some areas. It takes place of Hauptschule and Realschule. It enrolls students with ability levels in the fifth through the tenth grades. Students who successfully complete the Gesamtschule through ninth grade receive the Hauptschule certificate, while those who complete schooling through tenth grade receive the Realschule certificate. Beyond Hauptschule and Realschule comes Berufsschule, combining part-time academic study and apprenticeship. The successful completion of the apprenticeship program leads to certification in a particular trade or field of work. These schools differ from others because the control rests with federal government, industry and trade unions not with local and regional school authorities.
No matter what school a child attends, they must complete at least nine years of education. A student dropping out of Gymnasium, must enroll in Realschule or Hauptschule until nine years are completed.
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