Overall, there is a good quality education system in Germany with a number of trusted institutions at every level. In Germany, schooling is compulsory from the ages of 6-15. In Germany, there is a combination of state-managed, private and international schools. Children go to primary school until age 10, at which point they will join either of four different types of secondary school depending on academic records, teacher recommendations and parent preference.
International schools in Germany
The international schools in Germany are largely privately-owned institutions, but there exist some that belong to the public system. Several of these schools exist throughout the states that provide an alternative to the public school system at both the primary and secondary levels, but with a fee. A majority of these schools are in larger cities where expats are more numerous. Small classes, top facilities and standards of education are the main characteristics of most international schools in Germany. They are more multicultural (in their pupil mix) than state schools and teach primarily in English, although some are bilingual (with German, French, Italian and Spanish the most common non-English languages).
These schools are slightly different in the international curriculum followed, but they are not very different compared to state schools in Germany. The majority of all schools are day schools, but boarding is available in some schools. There are religious schools and method schools (e.g. Montessori schools).
Most of the international schools in Germany accept pupils at the kindergarten level and educate them until the end of compulsory secondary schooling; however, separate primary and secondary schools also exist.
The finest international schools in Germany belong to the Association of German International Schools (AGIS).
German international school curriculum and degrees
The majority of the international schools in Germany teach an optional combination of the following curricula:
- IB Primary Years, Middle Years and IB Diploma programs.
- UK-based International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
- High School Diploma/Advanced Placement (AP) US-based.
- Other countries have national systems; schools following these systems include the French Lycée Jean Renoir in Munich and the Japanese School in Hamburg.
- International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Baccalaureate (IB).
There are more than 5,100 schools in 157 countries all over the world that teach IB. Three principal programs, in turn, include:
Primary Years Program (PYP)
Instructing pupils between the ages of 3-11, and incorporating six core subjects (language, maths, social studies, science, art, and physical education).
Middle Years Program (MYP)
11-16 years old, expanding the subject matter taught and focused on eight core subjects (as in PYP, but with literature and design included).
IB Diploma
This is a pre-university course where the student undergoes six subjects, an extra philosophy course in theory of knowledge, a 4000-word essay on a topic of his or her choice and 150 hours of activity outside the classroom that would lead to creativity, action and service.
International GCSE (IGCSE)
The IGCSE is a UK-based qualification that is set by various exam boards, including London (Edexcel or Cambridge). It is equal to the GCSE school-based qualifications in the UK.
The IGCSE is taught in schools to students in years 10 and 11 of secondary school and is examined at the end of year 11 (at the age of 14-15). The students receive grades on a subject-by-subject basis, with 9 (highest) and 1 (lowest) being the scores on a subject. Some subjects are compulsory (maths, English, etc.) and subjects that can be studied (e.g., history, art). IGCSE certification may lead to the next level of higher education post-compulsory stage, including the IB Diploma or A Levels.
Will you take your child to a German international school?
The decision to take your child to an international school in Germany will be made or not depending on individual circumstances and various factors. Studying in a foreign institution has its advantages as well as disadvantages.
Benefits of international schools in Germany
They include:
Educational continuity
Kids who have restarted their education back home can have educational continuity in a curriculum that they are familiar with and in the language that they know best. This may be quite useful to those families that travel a lot, especially when they may not be interested in settling in Germany for a long duration.
Multicultural setting
International education accustoms children to interacting and becoming friends with individuals whose backgrounds are very diverse. Such schools are sometimes able to have students from 50+ different nations.
Fewer pupils per teacher
They can more effortlessly restrict the number of pupils they take, so they have a reduced pupil-to-teacher ratio. This implies that the teachers will have the opportunity to spend more time with children, particularly those who might require extra attention.
Teaching quality
The international schools usually have reputations for high standards and the quality of instructors as well. The students who complete school with IB or IGCSE will be well-placed to continue with further education in Germany or otherwise.
Extracurricular activities
In international schools, there are often more sporting, artistic and social activities both during term and in holiday times.
You can also view these posts:
Things to know before immigrating to Germany
Frequently Asked Questions on Germany
Getting Germany’s passport
