German System of Education
There are various types of schools in Germany. After completing the elementary school pupils are choosing between the Hauptschule, the Realschule and the Gymnasium.
In some places a Realschule and a Hauptschule occupy one building. Teachers’ staff and administrative personnel are also shared. But the students of each school do not contact much with each other. They have absolutely different curricula. These combined schools have different titles in different states: Regelschule, Sekundarschule and Mittelschule.
Gymnasium is another German secondary institution. Studying there usually leads to the studying at universities. Education is liberal here. One may enter a Gymnasium in the 5th grade or in the 11th (after compliting a Realschule). The Oberstufe is the period of studying in Gymnasium (the final 3 years).
Education in the Gymnasium includes studying math-natural sciences, modern and classical languages. To complete the Gymnasium pupils should pass comprehensive exams. Only then they receive the Abitur giving the pupils the opportunity to study at a university or some vocational school (upper level).
Gesamtschule is not found in every German state. The main peculiarity of this school is that its pupils are not divided according to their levels of achievements and abilities. The first 2 years of studying there are considered to be some kind of orientation period. The differentiation between the pupils is done only in the 6th grade: there are basic level courses, and the courses of a more advanced level in English and math. At the later grades students choose the most appropriate courses according to their abilities. If a student is good at math, he/she may choose a specific A/B level course. C level is for those who are weak at some discipline. If the student improves his achievements, he/she is always welcome to transfer.
If students complete the courses of advanced level successfully (studying at least 2 foreign languages) they may enter a Gymnasium and receive the Abitur.
Generally speaking education system is rather flexible in Germany.