German Education 2008

On Friday we had a class with Stephan Anders, who had to teach us more about German education. To me this was really a lecture I had honestly looked forward to, because I am studying to become a teacher and I am really passionate about the subject. For the past month we have been part of the German education system as we were exchange students at the University of Tübingen. Stephan is really well-read on this subject and could speak with ease concerning every issue the group was interested in. Education is a very big part in Germany's culture. He also informed us of how the education system works. They start at the bottom with kindergarden at the age of three years. This is only optional. Then you have Elementary school that starts at the age of 4 years which you attend until the age of ten. After which you can decide (or the teachers decide) what school to go to. Here you have four options: Gesamtschule (Comprehensive school), Realschule, Gymnasium, Hauplschule. After Gymnasium they can either go to university or they can start to work. English is compulsory in some of the schools. We mainly focused on the university system and what it entails. If you want to go to university you will go to a gymnasium at the age of ten years. There you will have to past the level “Abitur” if you want to go to university. When you graduate you will be 27 years old but you will have a masters degree. Education has always been free in Germany. The state was responsible for all the education. But three years ago they have introduced tuition fees. We looked at a few pros and cons of free education. It is still a very touchy subject for some people.

by Vivienne O. Cleophas

 

Last Update (30/01/08)