German Education
When children turn 10 they may go either to Gymnasium, or Realschule, or Haupschule. The first four years at primary school give the idea of children’s abilities. Some people think it is too early to detect. That’s why they give their children to study at Gesamtschulen (common schools). There children study together up to the 10th grade.
The next level is studying at high school institutions. For the purpose of entering one of them, children are taking the Abitur examination.
Some people consider it is not good that education in Germany is that much career oriented and focused on the academic achievement. They think it is much better to develop the whole person. There are not so many extra-curricular activities offered at schools. Children need to find other organizations to become a member of some musical or sports club.
Speaking about the teaching style it is necessary to mention that it is very formal. There is a contact between a teacher and pupils only inside the classroom. Discipline is another problem in schools. One of the reasons is the big quantity of children from ethnic minorities (up to 50%).
But despite all the drawbacks and disadvantages, generally speaking German education has a high level. Contemporary technologies are used at the lessons. If you are looking for a job in Germany, it is advisable to have an EU qualification.