The aim of every country is that graduated students should be able to acquire knowledge not only about reading, writing and calculating but also about the political present as well as the history of the world. Furthermore they should learn about sciences like physics, biology, chemistry and also about creative subjects such as music and arts. Every country has its own way to achieve this goal.
This essay describes the way of the English and the German education system to reach this goal and focuses on the differences between the primary and secondary stages. The first part will analyze the structure of the German system followed by an explanation of the English system. Afterwards a comparison between the academic year, the organization of the schools by the government and how schools adopt the national curriculum standards will be taken, as well as how a normal day at school differs in the two systems. At the end a personal conclusion about the topic will be drawn.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The German Education System
- Primary Education (Grundschule)
- Secondary Education (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule)
- Higher Education
- The English Education System
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education (Middle School, Grammar School, Sixth Form College)
- Higher Education
- Comparison of the Two Systems
- Compulsory Education
- Governmental Involvement
- Academic Year
- Daily School Life
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to compare and contrast the English and German education systems, focusing on the differences between their primary and secondary stages. The objective is to analyze the structures, organization, and daily routines of both systems, highlighting key distinctions in their approaches to education.
- Structure and organization of the German and English education systems
- Comparison of primary and secondary education stages in both countries
- The role of government in shaping educational policies and curriculum standards
- Differences in the daily school life, including school hours, uniform policies, and classroom management
- Impact of early educational choices on students' academic paths
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the comparative analysis of the English and German education systems. It establishes the common goal of equipping students with a broad range of knowledge and skills, including literacy, numeracy, political awareness, scientific understanding, and artistic appreciation. The essay outlines its focus on the differences between the primary and secondary stages of education in both countries, providing a roadmap for the subsequent analysis.
The German Education System: This chapter details the structure of the German education system, beginning with the non-compulsory Kindergarten and progressing through the compulsory Grundschule (grades 1-4). A key focus is the pivotal decision at the end of fourth grade, where students receive recommendations influencing their choice among Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, and Gesamtschule, each representing a different academic track. The chapter explains the varying levels of academic rigor and career pathways associated with each secondary school type, emphasizing the significant implications of this early educational choice for students' future academic and professional lives. The chapter also briefly touches upon the diversity of higher education options available in Germany, though it avoids extensive detail due to space limitations.
The English Education System: This section outlines the English education system, starting with preschool (ages 2-4) and continuing through compulsory primary school (grades 1-6) and secondary school (grades 7-11). The chapter describes the comprehensive nature of secondary schools in England, concluding with the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. The post-compulsory education options are detailed, including the academic A-levels route (often pursued in sixth form colleges) and the vocational track. The role of grammar schools, offering a more academically focused path comparable to the German Gymnasium, is also discussed. The chapter emphasizes the choices available to students after compulsory education and the various pathways towards higher education or vocational training.
Comparison of the Two Systems: This chapter directly compares the English and German education systems, focusing on several key differences. It contrasts the ages at which compulsory education begins (age 6 in Germany versus age 5 in England), the level of central government control over education (more centralized in England, more decentralized in Germany), and the structure of the academic year (three terms in England, numerous shorter breaks in Germany). The chapter also discusses differences in daily school life, such as school uniform policies (mandatory in England, uncommon in Germany), the range of subjects taught at the primary level (more diverse in England), and classroom management practices (teachers moving between classrooms in Germany, students moving between classrooms in England).
Keywords
English education system, German education system, primary education, secondary education, curriculum, government regulation, academic year, school structure, educational choices, comparative education, Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule, GCSE, A-levels, compulsory education, school uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparison of the English and German Education Systems
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview and comparison of the English and German education systems. It covers the structure, organization, key differences, and daily routines of both systems, focusing on primary and secondary education. The document includes a table of contents, objectives, chapter summaries, and keywords for easy navigation and understanding.
What are the main objectives of this comparison?
The main objective is to analyze and contrast the English and German education systems, highlighting key differences in their structures, organization, and daily routines. It aims to show how these differences impact students' academic paths and experiences.
How are the German and English education systems structured?
The German system progresses from Kindergarten (non-compulsory) to Grundschule (grades 1-4), followed by a crucial decision point at the end of fourth grade determining the student's path to Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, or Gesamtschule (different secondary school types with varying levels of academic rigor). The English system starts with preschool (ages 2-4), followed by compulsory primary school (grades 1-6) and secondary school (grades 7-11), culminating in GCSE exams. Post-compulsory options include A-levels (academic) and vocational tracks.
What are the key differences between primary education in Germany and England?
While both countries offer primary education, there are differences in the range of subjects taught (more diverse in England), the age at which compulsory education begins (age 6 in Germany, age 5 in England), and classroom management practices (teachers moving between classrooms in Germany vs. students moving between classrooms in England).
What are the key differences between secondary education in Germany and England?
German secondary education involves a significant choice at age 10, directing students toward different academic tracks (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule) with varying levels of rigor and career paths. The English secondary system is more comprehensive, leading to GCSEs, with subsequent options for A-levels (academic) or vocational training. Grammar schools in England offer a more academically focused path comparable to the German Gymnasium.
What role does the government play in each education system?
The level of governmental control differs. England has a more centralized system, while Germany's system is more decentralized.
How do the academic years differ between the two countries?
England typically has three terms per academic year, while Germany has numerous shorter breaks throughout the year.
What are some key differences in daily school life?
School uniforms are mandatory in many English schools, while they are uncommon in Germany. The daily routines and classroom management practices also differ, as described above.
What is the significance of early educational choices in Germany?
The educational choice made at the end of fourth grade in Germany is highly significant, as it largely determines a student's future academic and career path.
What are the key takeaways from this comparison?
The comparison highlights the significant structural and organizational differences between the English and German education systems, emphasizing the impact of these differences on students' academic trajectories and experiences. The differing levels of governmental control, the different approaches to secondary education, and the impact of early educational decisions are all important considerations.
- Quote paper
- Anna Berghe von Trips (Author), 2015, A comparison between the English and the German education system, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/306154
