Many Paths to Success Saxony’S School System Contents

Many Paths to Success Saxony’s School System Contents

03 Everyone Counts! Opportunities for All 18 Berufsschule (Vocational School): in Saxony’s Schools – Foreword Dual Education

04 Saxony’s School System - Chart 20 Berufsfachschule (Full-time Vocational School): Professional Education at School 07 Opportunities for Everyone: Education in Saxony 21 Fachschule (Professional School): Advanced Occupational Training 08 Many Paths to Success: An Overview of Saxony’s School System 22 Fachoberschule (Specialized High School): The Path to a Fachhochschule (University 10 Grundschule (Elementary School): of Applied Science) Getting off to a Good Start 23 Berufliches Gymnasium (Vocational High 12 Oberschule (High School): Education School): The Alternative Path to an Abitur for Practical Use 24 High School Diplomas for Adults: 14 Gymnasium (Academic High School): Adult Education Preparation for Higher Education 26 Continuing Education 16 Förderschulen (Special Needs Schools): Individual Support 27 Information and Advice Everyone Counts! Opportunities Abound for Everyone at Saxony’s Schools

Dear students, parents, and readers,

Success can be achieved in numerous ways. This naturally applies to Saxony’s education system as well. Each individual needs to decide for themselves how to define their respective goals and success. In order to make the right decision, it is important to be aware of the various options available.

This brochure provides answers and information about educational opportunities in Saxony. Our educational environment is as diverse as the educational needs it must meet, and extends from elementary and high schools through to vocational schools and adult education, where adults of any age can acquire general high school diplomas. In addition, there are special needs schools that offer custom support to students with disabilities so that they can lead an independent life as much as possible in our society.

“Everyone counts!” is the motto of Saxony’s education policy. Our structured school system takes into account the various predispositions, talents and educational goals of the students. This also makes individual entry into Saxony’s school system possible for students who have grown up bilingual or multilingual. “Everyone counts!” – This is a commitment local schools are going all out to live up to: new streamlined curricula relieve teachers, giving them more freedom to attend to the individual development of each student. In this way, schools have more practical options for action and heightened individual responsibility. The continual improvement of teaching quality is an important issue that schools are working on together with the Ministry of Education, often with external support.

Dear readers,

Saxony’s school system gives everyone a chance – and some even two! The socially equitable distribution of educational opportunities in Saxony was just recently confirmed yet again by the education monitor. In its diversity, our school system delivers what it promises by paving many different paths to a good education and success. The fact that there are only a handful of academically weak students in Saxony can be accredited to the good work of our high schools.

Whatever educational path is to be pursued, I hope that this brochure offers you interesting insights and helps you make the right decisions regarding your own education or that of your children.

Brunhild Kurth Saxon State Minister for Education

Editorial | 03 Saxony’s School System

(simplified depiction, without adult education)

UNIVERSITY *

FACHSCHULE1 FACHSCHULE FACHSCHULE FACHSCHULE FACHSCHULE (PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL) (PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL) (PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL) (PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL) (PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL) SCHOOL ATTENDANCE YEARS SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

life FACHOBERSCHULE 14 (SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOL) Professional Professional

FACHOBERSCHULE FACHOBERSCHULE (SPECIALIZED HIGH (SPECIALIZED HIGH 13 life Professional SCHOOL) SCHOOL)

FACHOBERSCHULE life Professional BERUFLICHES 12 BERUFSBILDENDE (SPECIALIZED HIGH BERUFSSCHULE SCHOOL) BERUFSFACHSCHULE FACHOBERSCHULE GYMNASIUM FÖRDERSCHULE (VOCATIONAL (Vocational school, dual education 2, 3, 5-year programs, vocational (SPECIALIZED HIGH GYMNASIUM (ACADEMIC (2 or 3-year programs) SCHOOL) (VOCATIONAL SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL) preparation year, one-year preparatory vocational training program) HIGH SCHOOL) 11 BERUFSFACHSCHULE HIGH SCHOOL) (Full-time vocational school, Realschulabschluss 2 or 3-year programs) Realschulabschluss 10 (Secondary (Secondary school diploma) school diploma)

Hauptschulabschluss Hauptschulabschluss 9 (Lower secondary school (Lower secondary school diploma) diploma) GYMNASIUM (ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL) 8 MITTELSCHULE2 (MIDDLE SCHOOL) 7 ALLGEMEINBILDENDE FÖRDERSCHULE (COMPREHENSIVE SPECIAL 6 NEEDS SCHOOLS) Grade levels with indicative features 5

3 ALLGEMEINBILDENDE FÖRDERSCHULE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (COMPREHENSIVE SPECIAL 2 NEEDS SCHOOLS)

Early education,

1 Dependent on the vocational qualification attained (recognized vocational discipline)

04 | Chart General Education School Vocational Training Schools n Primary education n Initial vocational training n Secondary education I n Study qualification n Secondary education II n Professional development

* Admission as per Section 17 of the Saxon UNIVERSITY * University Freedom Law (Sächsisches Hochschulfreiheitsgesetz – SächsHSFG)

FACHOBERSCHULE life 14 (SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOL) Professional Professional

FACHOBERSCHULE FACHOBERSCHULE Abitur (graduation diploma (SPECIALIZED HIGH (SPECIALIZED HIGH required for university entrance, 13 life Professional SCHOOL) SCHOOL) comparable to the Advanced Placement tests) FACHOBERSCHULE Abitur (graduation diploma required for university BERUFLICHES 12 BERUFSBILDENDE (SPECIALIZED HIGH BERUFSSCHULE entrance, comparable to the Advanced Placement tests) SCHOOL) BERUFSFACHSCHULE FACHOBERSCHULE GYMNASIUM FÖRDERSCHULE (VOCATIONAL (Vocational school, dual education 2, 3, 5-year programs, vocational (SPECIALIZED HIGH GYMNASIUM (ACADEMIC (2 or 3-year programs) SCHOOL) (VOCATIONAL SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL) preparation year, one-year preparatory vocational training program) HIGH SCHOOL) 11 BERUFSFACHSCHULE HIGH SCHOOL) (Full-time vocational school, 2 or 3-year programs) Realschulabschluss 10 (Secondary school diploma)

Hauptschulabschluss 9 (Lower secondary school diploma) GYMNASIUM (ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL) 8 2 Since August 1, 2013, schools of MITTELSCHULE2 (MIDDLE SCHOOL) this kind are referred to as Oberschule (High School). 7 ALLGEMEINBILDENDE FÖRDERSCHULE (COMPREHENSIVE SPECIAL 6 NEEDS SCHOOLS) Grade levels with indicative features 5

3 ALLGEMEINBILDENDE FÖRDERSCHULE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (COMPREHENSIVE SPECIAL 2 NEEDS SCHOOLS)

upbringing and care

Chart | 05 © pressmaster | fotolia.com

06 | Opportunities for Everyone Opportunities for Everyone. Education in Saxony © Stephen Coburn | fotolia.com

The Saxon school system gives everyone a chance, and some even two. Students* possess a variety of skills and interests, which is why Saxony’s schools offer a number of different paths to success. The wide selection of educational opportunities takes into account the personal development of each student and creates the basis for lifetime learning. To get our bearings in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, we need to have a diversified set of skills that we can combine with specialized knowledge.

In this brochure, we provide you with an introduction to the different types of schools and educational options available in Saxony. A brief overview is followed by detailed chapters of each type of school. The first part of the booklet provides information on the various approaches, goals and subjects at general education schools (elementary and high schools, comprehensive schools and special needs schools). The second part covers vocational schools that open up other pathways, particularly for high school graduates.

You will not only learn the theoretical fundamentals for your future profession, but you will also have the opportunity to acquire Fachhochschulreife (university of applied science entrance qualification) or the Abitur (university entrance qualification). A separate chapter covers special needs schools, where students with disabilities or developmental disorders receive the specialized as- © pressmaster | fotolia.com sistance they need.

Schools compete globally in terms of quality For more information, the following brochures There are 1,753 general, adult and voca- and performance. Saxony’s schools are rising to are available in German: tional schools with 439,000 students and this challenge by offering diverse educational 34,400 teachers in Saxony. opportunities with projects, participation in Ein guter Start competitions or special profiles that make each Grundschulen in Sachsen school unique. The school profiles available online are a great way to discover the diversity Fit für die Zukunft on offer: Oberschulen und Gymnasien in Sachsen www.bildung.sachsen.de Vielfalt als Chance Sonderpädagogische Förderung in Sachsen

Wege zum Beruf Berufsbildende Schulen in Sachsen

Opportunities for Everyone | 07 Many Paths to Success. An Overview of Saxony’s School System © Yuri Arcurs | shutterstock.com © Yuri

Grundschule (Elementary School) p. 10 Oberschule (High School) p. 12 Grades 1-4 Grades 5-9/10 During the first four years of school, chil- High schools provide a general and voca- dren learn much more than just reading, tional preparatory education with many writing and arithmetic. Experienced el- opportunities for students to be supported ementary school teachers follow the chil- in honing their individual performance and Arcurs | shutterstock.com © Yuri dren’s individual learning development developing specific interests. This lays the closely and nurture their love for learning foundation for further professional train- and acquiring knowledge. All children re- ing. At the end of ninth grade, students can ceive a recommendation for either Ober- obtain either a Hauptschulabschluss (lower schule or Gymnasium (which is more aca- secondary school diploma) or a qualifizierter demic) in fourth grade. Hauptschulabschluss (qualified lower secondary school diploma). At the end of 10th grade, the students are able to receive their Ein guter Start Realschulabschluss (high school diploma). Grundschulen in Sachsen Gymnasium p. 14 (Academic High School) Grades 5-12 At a Gymnasium, students can obtain their Abitur (university entrance certificate) after eight years. Grades 5 and 6 serve as an orientation period so that students are not © reinerseiner | photocase.com committed to one type of school so early. A switch to Gymnasium from high school is still possible after grades 7-9. In grades 8 to 10, Gymnasium offers various specializations called profiles. Förderschulen p. 16 (Special Needs Schools) Grades 1-9/10 Eight different types of special needs Fit für die Zukunft schools help children and youth attain the Oberschulen und Gymnasien highest levels of independence possible in in Sachsen their private and professional lives. These schools accept students with learning difficulties or physical disabilities that regular schools are not adequately equipped to handle.

Vielfalt als Chance Sonderpädagogische Förderung in Sachsen

08 | Many Paths to Success © Yuri Arcurs | shutterstock.com © Yuri

Berufsbildende Schulen school), Berufliches Gymnasium (voca- curriculum or study at berufsbildenden (Vocational Schools) tional high school) and Fachschule (pro- Förderschulen (vocational special needs In Saxony, the vocational schools such fessional school) are usually integrated schools). The diploma they receive is the as the Berufsschule (vocational school), into vocational training centers. Young equivalent to the diploma awarded by Berufsfachschule (full-time vocational people with disabilities are generally other vocational schools. school), Fachoberschule (specialized high integrated into the vocational training

Wege zum Beruf Berufsbildende Schulen in Sachsen

Berufsschule (Vocational School) p. 18 Fachoberschule (Specialized p. 22 Dual Education System High School) Vocational schools are part of the dual The Path to a Fachhochschule training system. Students acquire the theo- (University of Applied Science) retical foundations for their future profes- At the Fachoberschule (specialized high sion directly in a company with an educa- school), young people and adults are able tion in one of the more than 350 recognized to obtain the Fachhochschulreife (university occupations. The Berufsschule also provides of applied science entrance qualification), a special curriculum for disabled and disad- which entitles them to study at a Fachhoch- vantaged youth. schule. For students with a Realschulab- schluss (high school diploma), qualification takes two years and one year for students who have completed a Berufsausbildung (professional education).

Berufsfachschule (Full-time p. 20 Berufliches Gymnasium p. 23 Vocational School) (Vocational High School) Vocational Training at School Abitur after High School Full-time classes at a vocational school are This path to the Abitur and studying at a the way to receive a Berufsabschluss (vo- university is suited to all those who have a cational school diploma) that is recognized good Realschulabschluss (high school di- throughout Germany. The training lasts two ploma). The three-year curriculum includes © foubister | photocase.com to three years. general and vocational training.

Fachschule (Professional School) - p. 21 Continuing Professional Education Skilled workers with professional educa- skilled workers/ employees and university tion and work experience can receive ad- graduates. Successful completion of the ditional qualifications at a Fachschule (pro- Fachschule qualifies students for a univer- fessional school). Graduates are qualified sity education. for many interesting mid-level jobs between

Many Paths to Success | 09 Grundschule (Elementary School). Getting off to a Good Start © Tomasz Trojanowski | shutterstock.com Trojanowski © Tomasz

At the Grundschule (elementary school), chil- apply what they have learned to master com- Religion/Ethics dren learn much more than just reading, writ- plex situations in an integrated fashion. Starting in grade 1, all children are offered ei- ing and arithmetic. The joy children experience ther Protestant or Catholic religion instruction. while acquiring knowledge and their natural Look at What I Can Do! Those who do not partake in religion classes curiosity should be encouraged and they must attend the ethics class. learn to take pride in their skills. The first four Reading and Writing years of school lay the foundation for children’s Good language skills are the best guarantor of Recognizing Achievements ability to work independently and should mo- success, and promoting them should begin at tivate children to pursue lifelong learning. For a very early age. Reading and writing skills are The first two years at school form a single unit. this reason, the Grundschule is both achieve- closely linked at school. From the beginning, Every child can become familiar with their own ment and child-oriented. Children want to children write short texts and poems and get learning pace and abilities and there is no deci- show what they are capable of, be encouraged acquainted with children’s literature. sion to be made whether the student will be and stimulated. They also want to be regarded promoted to the next class. Grades are gradu- as individuals. General Education ally introduced starting in grade 2. This allows The world, the coexistence of people and how teachers to track learning progress and pro- From Kindergarten to School to interact with plants and animals, age- vide children with targeted support. However, appropriate discovery and experience of phe- the children also want to know where they The preschool year in kindergarten and grade 1 nomena like light and air, health, media, and stand: grades acknowledge their performance © pressmaster | fotolia.com form one unit. Kindergartens and elementary transportation are at the center of this subject and serve to encourage and motivate them. In schools work closely together at this stage to and are combined with German in one subject addition to academic performance, behavior, ensure every child becomes acclimated to his block. In this way, the learning material can be orderliness, diligence and cooperation are also or her new surroundings. After-school care presented in a comprehensive fashion, and the evaluated. This way, both the children and their (Hort) for children of elementary school age children learn to link new knowledge with what parents know whether the student is punctual, is also available. Parents enter into a service they already know. Experiments, field trips and follows certain rules and participates in class, agreement with the after-school care provid- learning sites thereby turn into long-lasting as well as how goal-oriented and precise the ers. Close cooperation between the Grund- educational experiences. student’s work already is. schule and after-school care ensures that the children’s educational needs are attended to all Math Communication between the School day. Active learning while making discoveries, il- and the Parents lustrative examples and subjects from real life Emphasis on the Child make it easy for children to recognize math- It is important for parents and teachers to com- ematical relationships and to practice using municate directly with one another about the The lessons in the first two years of school them. Children are given special encourage- development of the child in order to maintain a build on the children’s individual knowledge ment to find their own ways of arriving at so- good relationship between the school and the and personal experiences. The primary focus lutions. parents. Parent-teacher conferences provide is on capturing the essence of things. Since an opportunity to jointly agree on classes, class children must first learn how to learn, exercises Foreign Languages projects and educational issues. Teachers are requiring concentration are mixed with relax- Starting in grade 3, all children have two Eng- available to answer any individual questions ation periods. Grades 3 and 4 then prepare the lish lessons per week. Some schools already that the parents may have. In addition, parents children for the Oberschule and Gymnasium. begin offering a different foreign language in elect a parent representative to support the In interdisciplinary projects, the children have grade 1. interests of the children and parents at school more and more opportunities to independently committees.

10 | General Education Schools © Tomasz Trojanowski | shutterstock.com Trojanowski © Tomasz © pressmaster | fotolia.com

What’s next?

The transition to high school or Gymnasium is accompanied by school counseling services. The child’s stage of development and his or her potential, as well as the parents’ wishes are discussed in consultations with the parents. At the beginning of the second half of grade 4, all students receive a recommendation from the elementary school regarding their © Robert Kneschke | fotolia.com further education.

Tips and Information

For detailed information about elementary schools in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German: Ein guter Start Grundschulen in Sachsen

General Education Schools | 11 Oberschule (High School). Education for Practical Use © bonnie jacobs | istockphoto.com

Oberschule (high school) students have many Individual Support foreign language: either certificate-oriented options. The Oberschule offers both general education from grade 6 (usually French), or education and preparation for future profes- Grades 7 to 9/10 elective courses lasting one or two years start- sional life. When selecting the appropriate Starting in grade 7, students prepare for the ing in grade 7. Additionally, study groups for school, parents and children should read up in Hauptschulabschluss or Realschulabschluss Czech, Polish, Spanish or Russian are also avail- advance on the respective school programs, the depending on their individual performance ca- able. elective courses and special offers. pabilities. The same subjects are taught in both courses of education, whereas instruction in Obligatory Electives Diplomas German, math, foreign languages, physics and chemistry is held in Hauptschule or Realschule Elective Courses The educational choices at the Oberschule are groups or classes. Depending on performance, In grades 7-9, students may select elective tailored to the interests of the students by of- students may switch between the courses of ed- courses from seven subject areas depending on fering a wide variety of elective courses. By ucation. Performance-based courses are taken their own interests and the course offered by providing individual support, the high school from grade 7 on to pave the way to the Beruf- the school: can benefit the students’ performance capaci- liches Gymnasium (vocational high school) or ❚ Natural science and technology ties. The following high school diplomas can be Fachoberschule (specialized high school). ❚ Arts and culture obtained: ❚ Social issues and social action ❚ Hauptschulabschluss or qualifizierter Haupt- Preparation for Future Professional Life ❚ Language and communication schulabschluss: lower secondary school di- A systematic and practical orientation toward ❚ Health and physical education © Frank Grätz, Dresden ploma or qualified lower secondary school vocational training or higher education is the ❚ Computer science and media diploma after ninth grade special feature of the Oberschule. Working to- ❚ Business ❚ Realschulabschluss: high school diploma af- gether with career counselors from the Federal ter tenth grade Employment Agency is very important here. Alternatively, a second foreign language with The collective goal is for all students to display certification can be learned starting in grade 6 Orientation the ability to choose a career. Building on the until grade 10. strengths and weaknesses determined in grade 7, Grades 5 and 6 vocational training or higher education is cus- Advanced Courses In these grades, students are familiarized with tomized for each student. In the subject of eco- In grade 10, students can select advanced new requirements. They are introduced to new nomics, technology and social affairs (WTH), courses in economics, technology or health and subjects, practice new learning methods and students receive basic education in applied social affairs. This way, one of the three WTH test their performance. They become more in- economics starting in grade 7. The objective is subject areas is continued in depth. At some dependent and receive targeted support based to assist all students with the selection of the Oberschulen, advanced courses in art and cul- on their individual abilities. Particularly moti- career they wish to pursue. Obligatory subject ture are offered to promote artistic talent and vated students benefit from selectable perfor- areas coupled with mandatory internships and provide orientation for occupations that focus mance groups that prepare and simplify the project work in cooperation with companies on art and design. possible transfer to the Gymnasium. In grade 6, provide numerous opportunities for career ori- the decision concerning which course of edu- entation. cation will be made (Hauptschulabschluss or Realschulabschluss), and which elective cours- Foreign Languages es each student will attend as of grade 7. The primary focus is on learning English, which starts in the Grundschule and continues until the completion of Oberschule. The Oberschule offers several options for learning a second

12 | General Education Schools © bonnie jacobs | istockphoto.com © Frank Grätz, Dresden

What’s next?

Vocational training can begin after completing school. With a good Realschulabschluss (high school diploma), students can continue their education at the Berufliches Gymnasium (vocational high school) to receive a higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or at the Fachoberschule (specialized high school) with the goal of attaining Fachhochschulreife (university of applied science entrance qualification). Approximately one-third of the Oberschule graduates with a Realschul-abschluss choose such a path. In principle, it is possible to transfer from Oberschule to the Gymnasium after each grade provided that the academic performance is sufficient. More detailed information on vocational education can be found starting on page 18, or in the German- language brochure, “Wege zum Beruf”. © Drbouz | istockphoto.com Tips and Information

For detailed information about Oberschule and Gymnasium schools in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German: Fit für die Zukunft Oberschulen und Gymnasien in Sachsen

General Education Schools | 13 Gymnasium (Academic Specialization in Sports In addition to physical exercise, student learn High School). to combine scientific knowledge with psycho- social and sports theory to solve problems. Preparing for Higher Education Work groups, competitions or corporate internships complement the Gymnasium curriculum. Since many work groups are conducted in cooperation with companies, universities or municipalities, students have plenty of opportunities to become acquainted with the professional world.

Learning at the Upper Secondary Level

In grade 10, preparations for graduation begin. Student work on subjects with complex course material becomes increasingly independent as great emphasis is placed on working independently at this stage. Students can also famili- The eight years of schooling at Gymnasium guage. Physics is also introduced in this grade, arize themselves with structures, electives and are designed to provide targeted support for followed by computer science and chemistry in teaching methods that they will be faced with especially skilled students and prepare them grade 7. in grades 11 and 12. for university. Those who would like to attend Gymnasium therefore need a pertinent educa- Getting to Know your Strengths and Interests The Path to Graduation (Abitur) tion recommendation from their elementary or The upper secondary school curriculum entails high school, or need to pass an aptitude test. The goal of specialized instruction starting in two main subjects at accelerated levels and a Individual Gymnasium schools have different grade 8 is for students to become aware of, series of courses covering basic subjects. The specializations. Some students focus on natu- develop and hone their own strengths, abili- first main course is German or math. The sec- ral sciences and social studies, whereas others ties and interests. Students can choose from ond main course is history, physics or continu- may excel in art, languages and sports. Special several specialized courses which meet each ation of a foreign language. Some Gymnasium educational priorities are set according to the week for three hours. A third of this instruction schools offer art or chemistry as well. Grades respective profiles. When selecting a school, it time is dedicated to informational education in are distributed using a sophisticated points is important to remember that not every Gym- grades 9 and 10. system ranging from 0 (the worst score) to nasium offers all profiles. 15 points (the best score). The main focus is Specialization in Natural Sciences on preparation using scientific working meth- Particularly gifted students have the oppor- Scientific thinking forms the foundation of the ods. Students learn different procedures for tunity to attend special Gymnasium schools engineering and medical disciplines. In these managing complex tasks independently, find- with advanced education starting in grade 5. specialized courses, knowledge of physics, ing suitable solutions and for controlling their © webdevel | photocase.com For students who are gifted in several areas chemistry and biology are linked in an interdis- personal learning process. In grades 11 and 12, (intellectual giftedness), the Landesgymnasium ciplinary way. Almost all Gymnasium schools students have the opportunity to complete a Sankt Afra zu Meißen is a viable option as of offer these specialized courses. “special assignment” on a topic they may select grade 7. In order to become a student at this themselves, and which can then be recognized school, students must be in possession of a Specialization in Languages as part of their overall qualification in place of recommendation for this Gymnasium and un- The ability to speak one or more languages elo- an oral exam for the Abitur examination. dergo a special admission procedure. quently and with confidence is a prerequisite for many professions. Students selecting the Initial Orientation language specialization will learn a third foreign language. Grades 5 and 6 at the Gymnasium serve to provide orientation just as they do at the Ober- Specialization in Social Sciences schule. Similar curricula enable a smooth tran- In combination with their particular subjects, sition between the two types of schools. Most students learn to examine social issues and schools offer remedial or advanced classes for associate them with economic, historical and advanced or weaker students, open learning geographical considerations. or classes to improve study skills. Starting in grade 5, new subjects are introduced: history, Specialization in Art geography, biology and technology/comput- Through the in-depth study of various artistic ers. English classes introduced in elementary subjects, students can hone their creativity and school continue at the Gymnasium. Starting in develop the ability to make sound judgments grade 6, all students learn a second foreign lan- and improve their organizational skills.

14 | General Education Schools © webdevel | photocase.com

What’s next?

With the graduation diploma required for university entrance (Abitur), students have access to all German universities. Studying abroad is also possible. © AVAVA | shutterstock.com © AVAVA Tips and Information

For detailed information about Oberschule and Gymnasium schools in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German: Fit für die Zukunft Oberschulen und Gymnasien in Sachsen

General Education Schools | 15 consists of three school years. No grades are Förderschulen (Special given. The assessment is based on the students’ individual learning progress. A graduation di- Needs Schools). ploma with a focus on intellectual development is issued upon completion of the indi- Individual Support vidual education plan at each stage.

School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

This school is divided into an elementary and high school section, as well as into classes for the learning disabled and mentally disabled students. The school prepares blind and visually impaired children to live in a predominantly visually-oriented world so that they lead active, socially-integrated lives. Specific tools for this include computers with Braille and speech out- put, screen readers and talking calculators.

School for the Hearing Impaired Saxony offers a variety of school types and emotional and social development. Students locations for children and adolescents with whose ability to communicate is severely This school assists deaf children or children longer-term special education needs. limited attend speech therapy school. Both with severe hearing impairments to develop schools cover grades 1 through 4 and gener- language and communication skills through Teachers advise parents which school can best ally attempt to integrate students into the special education programs. Students have meet their child’s special needs. Integration general education schools. In exceptional cas- the opportunity to learn the vocal and written plays an important role at regular schools. This es, classes may be continued up to grade 10. language, sign language and the finger spelling principle is upheld in special needs schools by The elementary and high school curricula are alphabet. This education aims to help students having as many shared courses as possible and used. master educational and vocational learning offering as much special educational assistance processes as well as everyday life. as necessary. Disabled children and children Schools for Children with Learning Difficulties without disabilities play, live and learn togeth- School for Physically Disabled Children er. Both benefit because by being together, they The needs of students with major difficulties strengthen their social skills and encourage in the areas of learning, language, percep- This school is for physically disabled children each other in various areas of knowledge and tion and social behavior are met here. Under and children with multiple disabilities. The cur- interests. As we become more able to provide certain conditions, it is possible to acquire a riculum is based on programs at general edu- additional teachers and qualified support staff Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary school cation schools, schools for children with learn- © Muellek Josef | shutterstock.com and caregivers, as well as facilities for disabled diploma). Open forms of instruction, project- ing difficulties and schools for the mentally people, more students with special needs will oriented classes, as well as individual and disabled, depending on the specific needs the be integrated into the everyday school life of group work make it possible to consider the students have. Teachers provide individual sup- other general education schools. individual abilities, aptitudes and interests the port using educational teaching aids. students have. Besides the acquisition of ap- Students who cannot be sufficiently integrated plied knowledge, special emphasis is placed on Hospital Schools into other general education schools and who the development of practical skills. At Saxony’s have longer-term special education needs due schools for learning disabled children, students These schools educate critically and chroni- to physical or psychological impairment, go with special needs may graduate in the area of cally ill children who are confined to a hospital to a Förderschule (special needs school). In learning. Students must pass all subjects with or sanatorium for longer periods of time or at eight different types of Förderschule schools, a “satisfactory” grade, or must be able to off- regular intervals. The goal is to facilitate re- students are prepared for independent living set a grade of “poor”. In the mandatory grade 9 integration into previously attended classes. in the community and an occupational activ- course “complex abilities”, students must also The scope of instruction is coordinated with a ity. The schools aim to make (re-) integration be able to demonstrate that they have gained physician. into other general education schools possible. basic knowledge that is adaptable and applica- Specially trained teachers, special equipment, tion-oriented, and that they possess practical as well as class sizes are based on the children’s life skills. needs and their individual learning abilities. School for the Mentally Disabled Schools for Children with Behavioral Problems and Speech Therapy Schools The school for the mentally disabled uses its own curriculum for instruction. In addition to The schools for children with emotional and general education at the elementary, middle behavioral problems are set up for students and high school levels, this type of school pro- with special education needs in the areas of vides basic vocational education. Each stage

16 | General Education Schools Saxony implements the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: There are currently 8,200 students with disabilities studying together with non-disabled students at general education schools. © Muellek Josef | shutterstock.com

What’s next?

Graduates from special needs schools can continue on to vocational training or higher education. If this is not possible, students can take advantage of assistance that takes their individual skills into consideration in preparation for independent living and working, or be placed in a workshop for the disabled. Detailed information is available starting on page 18 in this brochure.

Counseling Centers

There are counseling centers at many special needs schools. These serve to provide affected parents and teachers at the general education schools with qualified counseling services concerning individual support. © Diloute | istockphoto.com Tips and Information

For detailed information about special needs education in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German: Vielfalt als Chance Sonderpädagogische Förderung in Sachsen

General Education Schools | 17 Berufsschule (Vocational School). Dual Education Fotos © Frank Grätz, Dresden

The Oberschule (high school) is usually fol- Opportunities for Young People without lowed by a three-year compulsory vocational Apprenticeships education program. Young people enter into an apprenticeship contract in one of the ap- Individuals who do not obtain an Abschluss (di- proximately 350 recognized occupations that ploma) from the Oberschule (high school) are require formal training. In the dual education still eligible to complete a pre-vocational train- system, training companies and vocational ing year. Those who do not secure an appren- schools work together as equal partners. The ticeship contract despite having a diploma are company provides the young people with prac- eligible for professional training with a basic tical training, while the vocational school has vocational training year. Both types of training the responsibility of imparting the required will satisfy the requirement for compulsory vo- theoretical knowledge and continuing general cation education. education. Instruction takes place either one or two days per week, or in a block lasting sev- Berufsvorbereitungsjahr (Pre-vocational eral weeks. Students who have not obtained Training Year) their Realschulabschluss (secondary school diploma) can receive their Realschulabschluss, Building on Strengths and Interests depending on their performance at vocational During the pre-vocational training year, young © Yuri Arcurs | shutterstock.com © Yuri school and their grades on their final exams. people are introduced to two professional ar- Vocational training in the dual system provides eas and are given the opportunity to get to a solid basis for the professional development know their own personal strengths and inter- of young people. ests. Pre-vocational training provides support in choosing a profession and motivates stu- Tips and Information on Selecting a Career dents to start vocational training. Successful The school database at www.bildung.sachsen.de graduates are awarded with the Hauptschulab- provides an overview of the different profiles schluss (lower secondary school diploma). at vocational schools. The career information centers at local employment agencies are the Basic Vocational Training Year most important point of contact for individuals seeking information on occupations requir- A Good Foundation ing formal training. Furthermore, schools offer The basic vocational training year provides a support and advice on career options. Numer- basic, full-time vocational education for sev- ous informational events such as “Open House eral related occupations such as metallurgy Week in Saxony” provide students with insights and wood technology. The curriculum covers into Saxon companies and the professional technical theory and practical training expe- world. rience in addition to general education. After completing the basic vocational training year, it is possible to begin a dual Berufsausbildung (professional education). The completed basic vocational training year can count as the first training year towards a dual professional education.

18 | Vocational Schools Nearly 6,200 teachers instruct 105,100 trainees at approx. 280 vocational schools in Saxony. Fotos © Frank Grätz, Dresden © Yuri Arcurs | shutterstock.com © Yuri

Requirements

An Ausbildungsvertrag (apprenticeship contract) is required to attend a Berufsschule (vocational school).

What’s next?

After completing the Berufsschule (vocational (Fachhochschulreife – university of applied school), it is possible to immediately start with science entrance qualification) a profession, or pursue additional qualifications: Berufliches Gymnasium – vocational Fachschule – professional school high school (Abitur) (qualification for professionals) Abendgymnasium – evening high school Fachoberschule – specialized high school (Abitur while working full-time) © www.dokumentiert.de | photocase.com © www.dokumentiert.de Tips and Information

For detailed information about vocational schools, the following brochure is available in German: Wege zum Beruf Berufsbildende Schulen in Sachsen

Vocational Schools | 19 Berufsfachschule (Full-time Vocational School). Professional Education at School © c-mone | photocase.com

At the Berufsfachschule, graduates of general alschulabschluss (high school diploma) upon can be studied in either a dual education train- education schools can obtain officially rec- successful completion of their vocational edu- ing (see page 18) or at a Berufsfachschule (full- ognized professional qualifications in two to cation. time vocational school). The specialized edu- three years of full-time school education. The cational institutions are part of a vocational school carries the overall responsibility for vo- Healthcare and Social Services Professions school complex and are located in Glashütte cational training. Saxony’s full-time professional schools of- (for watchmaking) or Klingenthal (for making fer professional education that complies with musical instruments). Professional education is predominantly of- state and national regulations, particularly in fered in the health and social services disci- the healthcare and social service sectors that plines, but training in traditional skilled trades, lead to the following professional qualifica- Requirements such as watchmaker or musical instrument tions: builder, are also available. ❚ Nurse The entry requirements are determined by ❚ Nurse assistant the educational career path. The major- The training is divided into theoretical and ❚ Geriatric nurse ity of the educational programs at Berufs- practical instruction at school and occupational ❚ Social assistant fachschulen require the Realschulabschluss training or internships in companies. This way, ❚ Physiotherapist (high school diploma). students can collect professional skills, initial ❚ Occupational therapist professional experiences, as well as acquaint ❚ Midwife themselves with occupational procedures and ❚ Medical documentation assistant What’s next? the professional social environment while ap- ❚ Pharmaceutical technician/assistant plying their knowledge and skills in real work After obtaining a Berufsabschluss (training situations. Traditional Skilled Trades qualification) at a Berufsfachschule, stu- Professions that have become a rarity today, dents may start their professional careers. Students with a Hauptschulabschluss (lower such as watchmaker, violin maker, the reed- Advanced training at a Fachschule (profes- secondary school diploma) may receive a Re- organ or stringed musical instrument maker, sional schoo) is possible after several years of work experience. Those who still wish to study at a university of applied science may obtain the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied science entrance qualification) at a Fachoberschule (specialized high school) or get their Abitur at a Berufliches Gymnasium

Tips and Information

For detailed information about vocational schools in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German:

Wege zum Beruf Berufsbildende Schulen in Sachsen

20 | Vocational Schools Fachschule (Professional School)Advanced Occupational Training. © LajosRepasi | istockphoto.com © c-mone | photocase.com

Requirements

The Fachschule (professional school) is open to those who have already completed a professional education and have work experience.

What’s next?

Professionals who complete courses at the school are in a position to take on jobs at a mid-level between the skilled tradesman and university graduates. Those who wish to pick up further qualifications can enroll in a university program.

Tips and Information

© Tomasz Levstek | istockphoto.com © Tomasz For detailed information about vocational schools, the following brochure is available Skilled workers who have completed a pro- Specializations in German: fessional education and have work experience can obtain additional qualifications at a The professional schools and agricultural pro- Wege zum Beruf Fachschule that builds on the students’ professional schools offer a variety of specializa- Berufsbildende Schulen in Sachsen fessional experience and prepares them for tions in the fields of technology, economics, intermediate level responsibilities. The Fach- social services and design. hochschulreife (university of applied science entrance qualification) can also be acquired at More detailed information is available online the Fachschule. in the Saxon school database at: www.bildung. sachsen.de. Full-time training takes two to three years and part-time training takes four years at the most. The final exam includes a written, an oral and, if applicable, a practical component. At the Fachschule for Sozialwesen (professional school for social services), additional practical training must be completed and con- cludes with a practical exam. This comprises a practical task as well as a comprehensive interview.

Vocational Schools | 21 Fachoberschule (Specialized High School). The path to a Fachhochschule (University of Applied Science) © Sean Prior | fotolia.com

Would you like to study at university after ob- practiced is selected. The one-year Fachober- The selection of specializations does not deter- taining your Realschulabschluss (high school schule is offered full-time or, alternatively, mine the subjects that can be studied later at a diploma)? At the Fachoberschule, young people part-time to accommodate professionals. Part- university of applied science. and adults may obtain the Fachhochschul- time studies take two years to complete. reife (university of applied science entrance Advantages at a Glance qualification).The education includes general Specializations and theoretical instruction. For students with ❚ Short training period (one to two years) a Realschulabschluss (high school diploma), The following specializations are available at ❚ No age limit qualification takes two years. The first year also the Fachoberschule: ❚ No admission restrictions (e.g. minimum includes practical instruction outside of school. ❚ Agriculture grade point average) Anyone who has already obtained a Berufs- ❚ Design abschluss (vocational training qualification) is ❚ Social Services eligible to attend the one-year Fachoberschule, ❚ Technology where a specialization that corresponds to an ❚ Business and Administration occupation that has previously been studied or

Requirements

To attend the Fachoberschule (specialized

© Jens Schmidt | fotolia.com high school), you need to have a Realschul- abschluss (high school diploma). To attend the one-year Fach-oberschule, you additionally need to have completed a Beruf- sausbildung (professional education).

What’s next?

Graduation from a Fachoberschule entitles you to study at a Fachhochschule (university of applied science).

Tips and Information

For detailed information about vocational schools in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German:

Wege zum Beruf Berufsbildende Schulen in Sachsen

22 | Vocational Schools Berufliches Gymnasium (Vocational High School). The Alternative Path to an Abitur © Sean Prior | fotolia.com © Rich Legg | istockphoto.com

Requirements

The Berufliches Gymnasium is suitable for everyone who has a good Realschulab- schluss (high school diploma) and is younger than 18 years (or less than 21 years old if they have completed professional education).

What’s next?

The Abitur provides students with access to all German universities and universities of applied science, as well as the eligibility to study abroad.

Tips and Information

For detailed information about vocational schools in Saxony, the following brochure is available in German:

Those who have a good Reaslschulabschluss Specializations By selecting their specialization, students are (high school diploma) or have completed voca- not determining forever their direction of tional training can obtain an Abitur at a Beru- ❚ Agricultural Sciences study. This means that even those who chose fliche Gymnasium (vocational high school). ❚ Biotechnology “Engineering and Technology” may, for exam- This paves the way to universities and universi- ❚ Nutritional Sciences ple, study business administration later on. ties of applied science. In contrast to the Gym- ❚ Health and Social Services nasium, the Berufliches Gymnasium provides ❚ Information and Communication Technology additional, occupation-related material in the ❚ Engineering and Technology with a focus on chosen specialization. Grade 11 offers students ❚ Construction the opportunity to compensate for any differ- ❚ Data Processing Technology ence in knowledge levels. In Grades 12 and 13, ❚ Electrical Engineering instruction is divided into focal subjects and ❚ Mechanical Engineering basic subjects like at a Gymnasium. ❚ Economics

Adults may also obtain school diplomas from For the last half of the coursework period, others are on a basic level. At evening Gymna- general education schools to open up new pro- students may apply for BaföG (student loans) sium, coursework consists of approximately 23 fessional opportunities. Evening high schools under certain conditions. Instruction is usually hours per week, whereas the number of hours and evening Gymnasium schools offer op- carried out in evening classes that are held at per week is 32 at the Kolleg. Those studying at portunities to do this. Full-time instruction is schools. the Kolleg may apply for BAföG for the entire available at college. duration of their studies. Those studying at Evening Gymnasium and Kolleg evening Gymnasium may apply for BaföG dur- Evening High School ing their last one and half years under certain The Abitur is awarded to working profession- conditions. General Education and High School Diploma als at the evening Gymnasium. At Kolleg, the Methodology customized for adults prepares Abitur may be obtained through full-time stud- participants for the Hauptschulabschluss (low- ies. Depending on the applicant’s qualifications er secondary school diploma), the qualifizierten when starting, the curriculum may last three or Hauptschulabschluss (qualified lower second- four years. For the most part, the curriculum ary school diploma) or the Realschulabschluss corresponds to that of the general education (high school diploma). The courses last one or Gymnasium. Just like at Gymnasium, some two years, depending on the educational goal. subjects are taught at an advanced level, while © Yuri Arcurs | shutterstock.com © Yuri © Frank Grätz, Dresden

More than 2,700 adults are currently taking advantage of the opportunities presented by adult education to obtain their high school diplomas.

❚ Those who have completed their compulsory education but have not yet obtained their desired diploma are eligible for evening high school. ❚ The prerequisite for evening Gymnasium and Kolleg (an institute where higher education entrance qualifications can be obtained) is: completed professional training or working in an occupation for at least two years. Working professionally or pursuing an activity on par with an occupation (i.e. parental leave, military service or community service). Unemployment attested by the Federal Employment Agency is also recognized. For the three-year training period: lower secondary school diploma For the four-year training period: high school diploma © clu | istockphoto.com Additional Opportunities

Additional vocational education and training options are available with a diploma obtained from evening high school. The Abitur provides student with access to all German universities and universities of applied science, as well as options to study abroad.

Adult Education | 25 Continuing Education.

Approximately 147,000 participants attended the more than 14,700 courses offered at Saxony’s community colleges in 2013. Language courses were the most popular. © Frank Grätz, Dresden

Lifelong Learning cation, higher education, as well as continuing career and general education and training to Education is not part of any particular stage create a system that allows unrestricted access in life---it’s a lifelong process. A salesperson where one level builds on the previous level. completes a computer course at community college; additional qualifications can form the Opportunities for Everyone basis for the next career step; a retired engineer begins to study art history. These are just a few There are numerous educational institutions examples of many. Lifelong learning is crucial for continuing education that offer a broad to be competitive in the labor market, obtain a spectrum of opportunities throughout Saxony. professional education, a high school diploma The topics are related to professional, gen- or simply focus on personal development. eral, cultural or political education. The scope extends from one-off evening and weekend Traditional educational careers that finish with seminars or field trips, to qualification courses the end of school or university often no longer for several months in general education or vo- meet the changing demands of the working cational training. world. Lifelong learning integrates preschool education, school education, vocational edu-

For further information:

The regional offices of Saxony’s Regional office Bautzen Regional office Zwickau Education Agency Street address: Street address: Otto-Nagel-Straße 1, 02625 Bautzen Makarenkostr. 2, 08066 Zwickau The regional offices are local contacts for Mailing address: Mailing address: school-related issues or problems. They are Postfach 4444, 02634 Bautzen Postfach 200942, 08009 Zwickau the local education authorities responsible for Telephone: +49 3591 621 - 0 Telephone: +49 375 4444 - 0 issues regarding content and the staffing of Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] schools. They maintain close and regular con- Ombudsman Ombudsman tact with the schools, the school boards and Telephone: +49 3591 621326 Telephone: +49 375 4444 – 333 parent and student councils. The counseling department at the regional offices can be con- Regional office Chemnitz Saxon Parents’ Council tacted for problems individual students may Street address: Street address: have or everyday school issues. Annaberger Str. 119, 09120 Chemnitz Hoyerswerdaer Straße 1, 01099 Dresden Mailing address: Mailing address: Postfach 1334, 09072 Chemnitz Postfach 10 09 10, 01079 Dresden Telephone: +49 371 5366 - 0 Telephone: +49 351 5634 – 732 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ombudsman Contact: Telephone: +49 371 5366 – 105 Ms. Mechthild Wilkowski www.ler-sachsen.de Regional office Dresden Street address: Saxon Students’ Council Großenhainer Str. 92, 01127 Dresden Hoyerswerdaer Straße 1 Mailing address: 01099 Dresden, Germany Postfach 230120, 01111 Dresden Telephone: +49 351 5634 – 734 Telephone: +49 351 8439 - 0 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.lsr-sachsen.de Ombudsman Telephone: +49 351 8439 – 450

Regional office Leipzig Street address: Nonnenstraße 17 A, 04229 Leipzig Mailing address: Postfach 10 06 53, 04006 Leipzig Telephone: +49 341 4945 - 50 Email: [email protected] Ombudsman Telephone: +49 341 4945 – 666

Information and Advice | 27 Publisher: Saxon State Ministry of Education Carolaplatz 1, 01097 Dresden, Germany Public hotline: +49 351 5642526 Email: [email protected] www.bildung.sachsen.de

Design and layout: www.oe-grafik.de, Löser & Partner

Photos: Front page: Photo ©Frank Grätz, Dresden Photo credits below the photos Translation: Schweitzer Sprachendienst Radebeul Printing: Stoba-Druck GmbH Circulation: 35,000 copies Press date: 6|2015

Costs: Free Zentraler Broschürenversand der Sächsischen Staatsregierung (Central brochure distribution of the Saxon State Government) Hammerweg 30, 01127 Dresden, Germany Telephone: +49 351 2103671 Email: [email protected] www.publikationen.sachsen.de

Distribution note: This informational brochure is published by the Saxon State Government as part of its constitutional obligation to inform the general public.

Copyright: This publication is protected by copyright laws. All rights, including the reprinting of extracts and image reproduction are reserved for the publisher.