I've written several posts on things I love, particularly in Germany (examples here and here). Now for something here I not only don't love – I hate it.
The
Bavarian education system starting with 4th grade.
![]() |
Grades 1-13, color coded to show the complicated school structure |
Fans
self. Struggles for objectivity...
To
be fair, the school system is considered very successful. Standardized tests
show that Bavarian students are stronger than in other the German states, and
even internationally.
Enough
coolness. Onto the structure of the education system.
Children
go to elementary school through 4th grade. During 4th
grade, when the kid is 9-10 years old, a decision is made based on grades and
personality regarding which path of education suits them.
The
initial options
-Gymnasium
= university prep
-Realschule
= the "middle" option which can lead to higher education or
vocational school, depending on classes taken and further education after
approximately ninth grade.
-Mittelschule
= vocational school
Proponents
of this school system say each school is tailored to the students' needs and
that it is possible to switch tracks if necessary. But the truth of the matter
is that an initial decision about
whether a student will go to college is made by the time they are ten years old.
Blood
boiling yet?
What
if the child had a bad year? An illness? Lost a beloved grandparent? Or had an
inexperienced or burned out teacher? How can anyone think that a child's
performance at age ten can accurately reflect their potential a decade down the
road?
Every
time I'm reminded of this pigeon-holing, my pulse races. My American-ness
raises its hackles. Where is the equality in a system like this? And how can
you expect to breed tolerance when you're segregated at this age and don't get
to know anyone not like you?
My
daughter is currently in 4th grade. Academically, she's doing fine.
But she's faced with the fear of her best friends being torn away to the three
different schools. And with her classmates' fears that they'll let down parents
who pressure them to make the cut. I've even heard of some classmates who are betting money on which 4th
graders will make it into which schools.
Cue
maternal instincts ready to erupt like a volcano.
I've
heard in some other areas of Germany, the school system is moving more towards
one inclusionary school with different types of classes offered for the
different levels required. If any of my readers have children in schools like
that, I'd love to hear what they think of them. While I know that friends and family have made it through the Bavarian school system just fine, I can't help but think there must be a better way.