Topics taught at the lower secondary level are usually: the language of the school, a second national language (and an optional third), English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history, civic education, music, art and design, physical education and health, home economics, career guidance, and vocational preparation. This attribute is done by diversifying the different directions a student can take once they’re done with their primary education. Kindergarten, primary and secondary schools are free. Cantonal qualifications are valid across Switzerland. However, there are agreements in place to coordinate the latter across the country. Secondary education in Switzerland is divided into two stages. “Within a basic overall framework, the cantons decide what they teach, when, and how. Many of these students attend top universities in Switzerland for their advanced degrees. These higher education institutions offer students degrees in topical areas such as engineering, technology, or business, and they prepare students for the Swiss and global labor markets. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Students are graded with the same grading system as previously and study the core subjects related to the specific occupation. For more information, contact your canton’s education department and the Home School Association of Switzerland. The higher education system in Switzerland is internationally renowned for its high academic standards, well-regarded research outputs and student-centered teaching methods. At this level, children are not divided into achievement groups. Special needs education in Switzerland implies that general compulsory education applies also to children and youngsters with visual or hearing impairments, physical and learning disabilities, mental retardation, and speech and behavioral disorders. Depending on the cantons, the combinations might differ. State school system. Read Expatica’s guide to special needs schooling in Switzerland, or contact your canton’s education department. A guide to special needs education in Switzerland, including the legal and financial needs of those with disabilities. It is called kindergarten in German-speaking Switzerland, école enfantine in the French-speaking area, and scuola dell'infanzia in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. This system is overseen by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Vocational education and training (VET) schools. COPYRIGHT © 2020 STUDYING IN SWITZERLAND. There are many ways to begin or to change to a different education programme. Like Switzerland itself, education has a multilingual focus. Pre-school children attend kin- dergartens for one to two years. Upper secondary education in Switzerland is optional although more than 90 percent of Swiss students do decide to continue their education around the age of 15/16. A baccalaureate program consists of core subjects, a main specialism, and a secondary specialism plus a baccalaureate essay. Pupil assessment varies from canton to canton. Being from Switzerland is not normally a pre-requisite for the position. The website of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education offers a good introduction to the complex Swiss education system: Swiss education system. Students study core subjects and additional subjects related to the specific occupation. “However, foreign families may consider an international school to ease their child’s transition by continuing education in a familiar language,” says Daniel. Switzerland heavily invests in its education system: In 2014, public-sector spending on education in Switzerland was just under 36 billion Swiss francs That’s 5.6% of the gross domestic product. In Switzerland, it’s the 26 cantons – not the federal government – who are responsible for their compulsory education system. In Switzerland there are many courses which prepare young people for education in the shape of an apprenticeship or studies. In Switzerland, the school year starts between mid-August and mid-September. Children start compulsory education when they are about four to six years old until about when they turn 15 years old. These schools usually last from 3 to 6 years, depending on the canton. Students receive a grade at the end of term and/or year; how well students do determines whether they progress to the next year or not. This guide has been written by a practitioner for parents. Switzerland is a federal and multilingual country with a decentralised education system. After they have finished kindergarten, around the age of 6, they go to primary school. Children usually move onto lower secondary level at the age of 11 or 12 at a middle school called either a Gymnasium or Kantonsschule. Subjects include the first language, a second national language, English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities (e.g., geography, history, ethics, religion), music, art, physical education, and health. There can also be end-of-year tests as well. VET programs can lead to a Federal VET certificate, a Federal VET diploma, or the Federal vocational baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität /maturité professionelle) which allows admission to universities of applied science. Each canton has its own education department, school calendar, education structure, methods of teaching, and curricula. “This can make moving a child from a school in one canton to one in another quite difficult”, advises Daniel. Even though there are private schools in Switzerland, most students attend public schools in the local area. Kindergarten aims to teach children social skills and basic mannerisms through play-based learning. However, schooling can vary across the country”, explains Daniel. Some of the best-known universities in Switzerland are the federal institutes of tertiary technology and the universities of teacher education. Cantons set their own timetables. Pupils who have overall average grades can progress to the next year of school. Home schooling is uncommon in Switzerland. Connectivity assesses the … Some children start compulsory education when they are four years old and others at six years until about 15 years old. Lower secondary schools in Switzerland are called Gymnasiums or Kantonsschule. Still, it is very much different from an American high school. The lower secondary education and upper secondary education. There is no national exam or school leaving certificate or diploma in Switzerland although some cantons do set a final exam at the end of lower secondary education and some award school-leaving certificates. Pupils usually enroll at baccalaureate schools in the last year of lower secondary education. They also take tests at the end of the school year, where they get to test their gathered knowledge. The higher education systems are rated based on four main criteria. Lower secondary education usually lasts for three years except in Italian-speaking Ticino, when it lasts for four years. The central government has established the principle that all children must attend school for a total of 9 years and that primary school is free. “Others offer parents supervised lunch hours as well as after school childcare for a fee.”. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. This has resulted in a considerable number of international students in the country. According to Daniel Sarbach, director of the International School Zurich North – who welcomes students from the international community from early years (3-6 years old) to the upper secondary –, Swiss education standards are high. Hence what follows is just a generic summary. Compulsory Education: Education in Switzerland is compulsory for all who reside in the country, regardless of legal residency status. There, it’s optional for children to go to kindergarten from the age of three and then compulsory from the age of four, for two years. Public schools are free of charge, and kids are not required to wear uniforms. From early on, students also learn one of the other official Swiss languages, as well as English. Upper secondary specialized schools provide specialized preparation for a career in healthcare, social work, and education. At the end of the baccalaureate program, students have exams in at least five subjects: first language, a second national language, mathematics, the main specialism, and one further subject. Even though the cantons set the rules regarding education, compulsory education lasts for 9–11 years. Education is compulsory for all children and young people from 9 to 11 years. Some primary schools are closed one day or one afternoon in the week (for example, Wednesday). Compulsory Education Pre-school level (Kindergarten, 1 or 2 years) At least one year of kindergarten compulsory in 15 cantons, optional in 11 cantons Starting age: 4 years old Focus on social issues Training of pre-school teachers now at Universities of Teacher Education (B.A.) This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. The International School Zurich North teaches students aged between three years (nursery) and 17 years old (grade 12). This brings diversity so children can experience many different backgrounds, including, sometimes, linguistic backgrounds. There may also be end-of-year tests as well. At some schools, children go home for lunch, “which can be awkward for working parents,” says Daniel. This guide to the Swiss schooling system – from primary to secondary – will help enroll your child into education in Switzerland. High school in Switzerland is not compulsory, and its structure is unique. The primary responsibility for education lies with the 26 Cantons (states). You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Each canton sets its school calendar, curriculum, and criteria. Contact the education department in your own canton to confirm what happens in your region. They get to choose from a Vocational education and training (VET), Baccalaureate, or Upper secondary specialized school. 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