German education proceeds through three levels: Primary , Secondary and Tertiary .
A student's progress through the German educational system is determined primarily by academic ability rather than by the interests and intentions of the student. There is some flexibility, however, which prevents the system from becoming too rigid.
Primary education
German students begin mandatory Primary Education at the age of six in the
Grundschule
. This may be preceded by
Kindergarten
(Nursery School) and
Vorschule
(Pre-School). Primary Education lasts four years and is the only level at which all German students receive the same education.
Secondary education
German students complete Primary Education at the age of ten. About a third of the students proceed into the
Hauptschule
, whose five-year program teaches basic skills in preparation for apprenticeship or semi-skilled positions in the job market.
The next third of the students are sent to the Realschule , whose six-year program leads to a diploma and further studies in vocational or technical schools. These students will enter the middle strata of business and industry.
The final third of the students proceed to the Gymnasium , whose ten-year program of studies prepares students for higher education in the Tertiary educational institutions.
Tertiary education
Tertiary education beginns after uiversity preparation has been completed in the
Gymnasium
. Students commit themselves to two major fields of study (or to one major and two minors). They normally begin their course work in rather limited and specific subjects.
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