School System in Saarland
In Saarland, there are two options after primary school: Gemeinschaftsschule and Gymnasium.
The School System
Primary School
The primary school takes 4 years to accomplish in Saarland.
After primary school, there are two options for the students:
- Gemeinschaftsschule
- Gymnasium
To start Gymnasium, your child would need a recommendation letter from his/her primary school. If you want to send your child to a Gymnasium without such recommendation letter, your child must take part in a so-called transitional process ("Übergangsverfahren"), which begins in the second half of grade 4.
Gemeinschaftsschule
The Gemeinschaftsschule starts with the 5th grade and may end with the 9th, 10th or 13th grade. In a Gemeinschaftsschule, all students learn together regardless of the school-leaving certificate they plan to obtain. Here, children can graduate with any type of school-leaving certificate they want: the Hauptschulabschluss after 9 years, the Mittlerer Schulabschluss after the 10th grade and the Abitur after the 13th grade. Students will qualify for vocational training with any of these certificates. Obtaining an Abitur will enable your child to choose between vocational training and university education.
Gymnasium
The Gymnasium starts with the 5th grade and ends with the Abitur in the 12th grade. Here, students have to work hard and be very diligent. Those leaving Gymnasium after the 9th or 10th grade will often automatically obtain the Hauptschulabschluss or the Mittlerer Schulabschluss. With an Abitur, your child can study in a university or start vocational training.
The Gymnasium starts with the 5th grade and ends with the Abitur in the 12th grade. Here, students have to work hard and be very diligent. Those leaving Gymnasium after the 9th or 10th grade will often automatically obtain the Hauptschulabschluss or the M
When should refugee children start school?
In Saarland, your child has to start school immediately after your arrival. Children who do not speak German sufficiently yet will initially attend special German classes.
The staff at your accommodation centre will assist you in the registration process.
When and where can I enrol my child?
In due time, you will receive a letter from the primary school responsible for your child with all the necessary information and an appointment. You have to register your child personally onthe date mentioned in the letter. Your child will be examined by a doctor on the same day. In addition, his German language skills will be evaluated in a conversation. If you have not received such letter, simply contact the primary school closest to your place of residence.
The staff in your child's kindergarten can provide you assistance in the process.
General Information on Schools
Information and regulations that apply in all federal states.
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