English primary classes in Germany for international students

German schools are usually in greater demand among foreigners planning to enter German universities in middle and high schools. At the same time, primary education in Germany allows to quickly adapt to the characteristics of studying in Germany and to acquire a sufficient level of German to build a solid foundation for successful secondary school studies.

Pre-school and primary education in Germany

Pre-school education in Germany is open to children from 2 to 6 years old. Children can attend public kindergartens, private gardens or home school. Children attend elementary school (Grundschule) at the age of 6 and study until the age of 10 (12 in Berlin and Brandenburg). For younger students, they do not have entrance exams and do not divide children into classes according to their abilities - everyone learns together.

There are public and private primary schools in Germany. Education in public schools is free, while private schools may charge a fee. The most common private schools are Montessori schools (about 300), Waldorf education schools (about 2,000), and parochial schools (Protestant, Catholic, etc.). There are also private schools that teach in English and, usually, they work according to the British elementary school curriculum.

Secondary education in Germany — Study Programs

Secondary schools in Germany is administered by the Länder. Each German state follows an independent policy, so the curriculum, entry requirements and quality of education vary. However, secondary education is compulsory throughout Germany and lasts for at least 9 years.

Most German children attend public schools. Classes take place in the morning and lunch is usually not provided. Each school decides for itself how to organize leisure activities, what circles to offer, etc. Education in Germany is secular. At the same time, the curriculum teaches to respect believers. Since 1995, German secondary schools have the right to remove Christian symbols from the classroom if this affects the feelings of students with other views.

The study of foreign languages in German secondary schools is compulsory in all states. In gymnasiums, more attention is traditionally given to the language. In many gymnasiums they study Latin, Ancient Greek, and children can choose other languages themselves. But the choice of foreign language and the number of hours allocated to their study depends on the land.

The most common foreign language in German secondary schools is English. In Brandenburg, which borders Poland, Polish is in high demand. In Saarland, near France, French is the first foreign language and Spanish is still popular. Often, educational institutions create "interest circles" so that children can learn other languages additionally.

The age at which foreign languages are taught in German schools also depends on the country. In North Rhine-Westphalia, English is taught in the third grade, in Baden-Württemberg in the first grade, and can choose between English or French. Generally speaking, children in Germany learn English for at least 5 years.

Jamie Perfect

Director of the International School of Bremen

Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Germany so much?

German primary and secondary schools offer a balanced education that prioritizes critical thinking, discipline, cultural understanding, and practical skills. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, offered by many international schools including ISB, is highly esteemed worldwide.

• First grade pupils sit at their desks at the age of 6
• there are no clear dates for the start of the school year and holidays: they vary from land to land and from private school to private school
• holidays are more frequent but shorter: for example, summer holidays last only 6 weeks
• in most cantons, elementary school lasts 4 years, in Berlin and Brandenburg - 6 years
• there are no school uniforms - children should be as comfortable as possible.
• The German primary education system is based on the idea that children can adapt to their studies without problems.
• There are no marks in the 1st grade and in many regions they become compulsory from the 4th grade onwards.
• The total amount of instruction in elementary school is 20-30 hours per week. Starting in the second half of 1st grade, children begin studying a foreign language (usually English).
• To lighten the load, many subjects in elementary school are taught in blocks, such as a combination of history, geography and natural history. All schoolchildren take breaks in the street and play outdoor games.
• Education in elementary school is often conducted in a fun way, but it is here that the further educational path of the child is determined. By the end of the fourth grade, a special committee determines which school the student will go to next, based on his or her academic results - to the famous gymnasium, the regular Realschule or the Hauptschule, where can only receive a basic education.

German educational institutions accept foreigners from the age of 6 at any time during the school year. Documents required for enrollment.

• Passport;
• Transcripts of school reports from schools.
• Documentation of German language proficiency (test results, certificates).
• Characteristics of the teacher from the last place of study.

Sometimes the school administration may ask to supplement essay with a motivation letter and invite to an interview.

One of the reasons why it is worthwhile to receive primary education in Germany is the cost of education. Even in private boarding schools, it is lower than in the UK or Switzerland. Primary education at a private school in Germany will cost between 13-20,000 Euros per year.

It should be remembered that in most German schools, children are only accepted for high school boarding, so there may be additional costs for arranging accommodation with a host family.