German Schools
The German school system is not essentially uniform, as responsibility for education policy lies with the individual federal states. Therefore, there are some differences between the federal states, both in general education and in other areas of education. The system allows students to transfer to a different type of school after achieving certain qualifications in order to pursue a higher educational degree.
The language and tutoring institute Gnosi is based in Munich and therefore focuses on the Bavarian education system. Tutoring is offered in the subjects of German, English, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Primary School
Primary school comprises the first four school years. It prepares children for secondary school.
At the end of fourth grade, the transfer certificate determines the further school career, which can lead to performance pressure.
Middle School
The Mittelschule (secondary school) provides qualified preparation for dual vocational training and offers further educational opportunities. After completing Mittelschule in Bavaria, students can obtain various qualifications, such as the Mittelschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate), the qualifizierender Mittelschulabschluss (Quali), and the Mittlerer Schulabschluss (M-Zweig). The latter qualifies students to attend further education institutions. The Mittelschule comprises grades 5 to 9, or 10 for students in the M-Zweig.
secondary School
The Realschule (intermediate secondary school) provides a solid general education and lays the foundation for career paths and further academic qualifications. Through elective subjects, students can tailor their Realschule diploma to their interests and talents. Successful completion qualifies them to attend a Fachoberschule (vocational upper secondary school). Transferring to a Gymnasium (academic secondary school) is also possible, usually via an introductory class. The Realschule comprises grades 5 to 10.
Gymnasium
The Gymnasium (Academic form of High School) provides the broad and in-depth general education required for the university entrance qualification (Abitur). It thus prepares students for both university studies and vocational training. In line with its goal of achieving the university entrance qualification, the Gymnasium is a demanding type of school. It therefore requires academic ability and a willingness to work hard from all its students. The Gymnasium comprises grades 5 to 13.
Special needs schools
Special education schools are centers of expertise for special education and an alternative learning environment to mainstream schools. Here, children and young people with special educational needs are taught, supported, and individually guided.
Business school
The Bavarian Business School is a vocational educational institution that offers both a comprehensive general education and a solid foundation in vocational training in the fields of business and administration. It leads to the intermediate school leaving certificate and concludes with the 10th grade.
Vocational High School (FOS)
The vocational upper secondary school (FOS) builds upon a secondary school leaving certificate and provides general education, specialized theory, and practical vocational training. It offers seven specializations. Students can freely choose one of these specializations based on their aptitude and interests. After the 12th grade, students who pass the vocational baccalaureate examination earn the general university entrance qualification and they can be admitted to universities specialising in applied sciences. By attending the 13th grade, students have the opportunity to additionally obtain either (a) subject-specific university entrance qualification or, (b) with proof of proficiency in a second foreign language, the general university entrance qualification (Abitur).
Vocational upper secondary school (BOS)
The vocational upper secondary school (BOS) builds upon a secondary school leaving certificate and provides general education and specialized theory, incorporating practical work experience (vocational training, etc.). The vocational upper secondary school offers six specializations. The chosen specialization depends on the student's prior vocational training. Students can obtain the university entrance qualification (general qualification for university of applied sciences) after the 12th grade, the subject-specific university entrance qualification after the 13th grade, or the general university entrance qualification (Abitur) if they demonstrate additional knowledge of a second foreign language.