As a country that has no raw materials its economy is largely dependant on a skilled labour force.

Germany invests heavily in education. Attendance at all public schools is free of charge and tuition at university is also free. The Basic Law guarantees everyone the right to choose his or her school as well as occupation.

The school system is under the supervision of the state. Due to the country’s federal structure, that responsibility is shared by the federal and states government. Legislation and administration falls within the 16 states. The basic structures of the states schools systems are guided by the “Agreement between the States of the Federal republic of Germany for the Standardization of the School System” of 14 October 1971. This agreement covers such matters as compulsory schooling, recognition of certificates,etc.

Education begins at an early age. A child can start attending Kindergarten from the age of 2 to 6 or 7 years depending on their readiness for Grundschule . The main focus at Kindergarten is psychosocial development of the child. They are thought about forming relations, manners through play. Due to limited places that offer this service it is not compulsory for children to attend.

School attendance is compulsory from the ages of six (6) to eighteen(18) years. To satisfy the compulsory schooling requirement, pupils must attend a full-time school for nine years and thereafter attend a part time vocational school( Berufsschule) to satisfy the the compulsory vocational schooling requirement unless they continue their schooling at a full- time general education or vocational school.

The highlight of a child’s life is the first day of school. It is even made more special by the handing over of the SCHULTULE ,this is a bag given by the parents containing all the tools the child will need and a bonus of sweets . Each school has its own colours for identification of its pupils. Grundschule (primary school) starts at the age of 6 it lasts for 4 years , children are taught at an early age about team work. They are arranged in groups of 6-7 in class. All subjects are taught in German.In the first two years they are not graded but thereafter the teacher assesses individual performance in subjects .

After comlpeting primary school, most children attend the secondary general school(Hauptschule). This school imparts basic general education to its pupils. Every pupil is taught German,mathematics, natural sciences and one foreign language usually English, and social sciences. To smoothen the transition from school to working life , the pupils are given vocational orientation. The secondary general school certificate awarded at the end of five or six years is used to gain access to vocational training programmes.These pupils may also attend a part time vocational school (Berufsschule) until they are 18.

Realschule is the intermediate school positioned between the general secondary school and grammar school ( Gymnasium). The intermediate school encompasses six years of schooling . , grades 5-10. The intermediate school certificate qualifies the recipient to further their education at upper level schools such as a full time vocational training school ( Fachoberschule).

The grammar school ( Gymnasium) offers more comprehensive learning to its pupils. It is generally a nine year secondary school. IN the upper stages grade 11-13, a course system has replaced conventional classes. In the upper stages pupils are afforded to structure their coursework to certain fields. Subjects are divided into three general categories : language,literature and art, the social sciences,and mathematics , science and technology. Upper secondary instruction at the grammar school concluded with the Abitur examination, which covers four subjects. Upon completing 13 years of schooling and passing the Abitur examination , the pupil is awarded the “certificate of general higher education entrance qualification” ( Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife). This certificate entitles the recipient to study the subject of his or her choice at a university or equivalent institution.

Once the pupil is equipped with the certificate they may register with any University and pursue a career of their choice. There are two traditional degrees students may register for a Diplom and Magista both are equivalent to a Masters degree. There are current discussions to introduce a Bachelors Degree similar to the Anglo Saxon system.

Report by Cleopatra Nomonde Mqayl (Medunsa)