School and after school caring
Children in Germany are subject to compulsory schooling. As a rule, this occurs when they reach the age of six - depending on the federal state, a certain deadline applies; in Saxony, according to § 27 of the Saxon School Act, 30 June applies. The registration is obligatory and can be punished with an administrative offence fine up to 1,250 € for the parents, if you should not follow this obligation. If your child is required to attend school, you must register it at the primary school in the previous year of enrolment. The school administration office will send a letter to the parents in good time. This letter also serves as confirmation of school enrolment and lists the municipal primary schools that can be considered for the residential address.
For younger children, parents can apply for early attendance in 1st grade (optional children). The duration of compulsory schooling is nine or ten years, depending on the federal state. In Saxony, it is currently nine years. In addition, there is a three-year compulsory vocational school in Saxony. The school landscape is varied, depending on the federal state there are differences. Children in Saxony attend primary school for four years.
Afterwards in Saxony a change takes place either to a grammar school or a high school as secondary school forms. The secondary school comprises grades 5 - 10. The grammar school comprises grades 5 - 12. As a rule, the educational recommendation is issued to the fourth-graders in spring. The educational recommendation is not mandatory; parents can also register their child at a grammar school with a recommendation for secondary school. There are a few things to keep in mind. Further information can be found in the links below. Many schools also offer an open day.
In some federal states there are alternative comprehensive schools where children are taught together regardless of their performance. Other types of schools are special schools or integration places for children with disabilities at other types of schools. In addition to private schools (e.g. bilingual) there are Waldorf and Montessori schools as well as Jenaplan, Freinet and Democratic schools, which pursue a differentiated pedagogical approach.
Questions and answers
What alternative types of schools are there?
In Waldorf schools, special emphasis is placed on the development of practical, artistic, creative and social skills. Several subjects are often linked through projects in the classroom. There is no fixed curriculum, the curriculum rather adapts to the development of the child. A degree at the Waldorf School is not recognised by the state. However, after finishing the 12th grade, one can take the secondary school leaving certificate before an external examiner. The student stays one year longer for the Abitur. A change from or to the Waldorf School is possible at any time, but not easy due to the very different curriculum.
In a Montessori school the individual needs of the child are in the foreground and are promoted. The pupils should above all learn to act independently and to make decisions under the motto: "Help me to do it myself". There are over 1000 Montessori institutions in Germany, ranging from day-care centres to secondary schools. The schools are state-recognised.
In the Freinet School, special consideration is given to the individuality of the child, i.e. the child largely decides for himself what he wants to learn and for how long. The decision in the group is also important; this teaches the children a basic understanding of democracy. There are mainly primary schools with this concept.
In a Jenaplan school, education and upbringing belong inseparably together. They are made up of the four pillars of conversation, play, work and celebration. The school should become a place of life. The social competence is to be strengthened by cross-class learning, discussion rounds, weekly parties and breakfast together. The Jenaplan School offers all state degrees.
At a democratic school there is no fixed curriculum. The pupils organize their daily routine according to their own interests, they have the choice between different projects, courses and activities. Decisions are made together, everyone gets involved and supports each other. The students are prepared for a middle school diploma, which is then taken at an external examination. If you pass this exam well, you can go on to grammar school and finally take the Abitur.
At a Club of Rome school, people are particularly committed to a sustainable future for people. This is about learning beyond the school horizon. This includes interdisciplinary teaching, learning laboratories, etc. Each child is individually supported with its strengths and weaknesses. Here, too, all school-leaving qualifications are possible.
Are lessons allowed at home?
No - in Germany school attendance is generally compulsory. This means that every child must attend a recognised school for several years. Supporting your child in learning at home is of course not only good, but also very important for the child's best interests.
How do I find the right tutoring?
Private tutors can be found through regional newspapers, the Internet, counselling centres and personal contacts. The offer is very large. Therefore you will find here some points you should pay attention to. At a trial appointment, you can check whether the tutor is suitable for your child. After all, the learning outcome also depends on whether the student like the tutor or not. The learning environment is also important. In a noisy environment, for example, concentration is difficult.
Checklist
Document
Many ways to success
Brochure about the Saxon school system
Federal state of Saxony - www.publikationen.sachsen.de
The Saxon school system
The Saxon school system in a map in a simplified representation, without the second education path.
Federal state of Saxony - www.schule.sachsen.de
Helpful Links
Registration at a high school in Saxony - Amt24 - State Chancellery of Saxony
Here you can find out more about the necessary steps to enrol your child at a secondary school in Saxony.
Here you can find out more about the registration process at Saxon primary schools - Saxony
Here you will find helpful information for the registration process.
Registration at a secondary school in Saxony - Amt24 - State Chancellery of Saxony
Here you can find out more about the necessary steps to register your child at a secondary school in Saxony.
Here you will find an overview and explanation of the Saxon school system - Saxony
Helpful information to the Saxon school system you your child's development.
An overview of which schools offer an open house - Saxony
Visiting different schools can help in the selection process.
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