Education in Germany

Let's talk about education in Germany.

I'll kick-start with something I've been increasingly aware of. Although I love how tertiary education is free/cheap in most German states, I can't help but notice that I'm pretty much surrounded by privileged kids. I've since come to understand:

1. Kids as young as 10 undergo social stratification from the division into Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule etc.
en.wikipedia.org/wik...ndary_education

2. Children from poor immigrant or working-class families are less likely to succeed in school than children from middle- or upper-class backgrounds. This disadvantage for the financially challenged of Germany is greater than in any other industrialized nation.
en.wikipedia.org/wik...conomic_factors

Since I'm just a foreigner who's only passing by, it's unlikely that I know what's best for you. Now I'd like to learn about:
- The type of school you attended.
- What you think.
- Is the Gymnasium "Great Equaliser" or "Breeding Ground of Privilege" ?
- etc.

Thanks folks!

Dear immoral e-,

It is important to note that there are regional differences in the education system in Germany. Each state's school structure has been influenced to some extent by different historical and political events.

The Christian Democrats, who have held power predominantly in the southern states, strongly identify with the traditional school forms and the fostering of the academic elite, while the Social Democrats have encouraged school reform as a means of increasing equality of educational opportunity. As a result, many aspects of schooling in the states of central and northern Germany differ from those in the southern German states, despite the fact that all states have basically the same education structure and core curriculum, abide by the uniform examination requirements for completing upper secondary schooling (Abitur), and recognize school completion credentials from around the country.

In terms of what school you have attended it certainly will give you an advantage in your career choice. Germany overall is still very conservative, which is one of the reason I am currently not thinking of going back, simply because of my middle school degree. However Germany does offer you to jump and be able to get a better degree in order to be able to study if you fulfill certain requirements (totally different in the UK).

This is a controversial topic in Germany as many people that have attended the high level form of school Gymnasium (poor or rich) see it as their right to get the better jobs and wouldn't understand why someone from a lower level school for example would get a job. This is certainly a cultural aspect. But don't get me wrong, not every Abiturient thinks that way. And in all fairness, they do work hard for it as well, you are not get into this school, if you are not having the good marks previously (Grundschule).

Job Descriptions usually lay out what the education minimum needs to be in order to get at least an interview (as in most countries), however Germany seems to me to be pretty strict and really only accepts Applicants that fulfill this, no matter what work experience you have.

I could go on and on and on.

thadeusz wrote:

immoral e- wrote: - What you think.

... the Bavarian Abitur is the only university-entrance diploma that's worth called Abitur!!!!!...

yeah right...

abitur is like a kindergarden compared to university study.

Beeftek wrote: abitur is like a kindergarden compared to university study.

Any type of school is like kindergarden compared to university. That's not the point.

thadeusz wrote:

Beeftek wrote: abitur is like a kindergarden compared to university study.

Bavarian Abitur equals at least the first semester at college.

Whatever you have to tell yourself...

thadeusz wrote:

immoral e- wrote: - What you think.

... the Bavarian Abitur is the only university-entrance diploma that's worth called Abitur!!!!!...

I passed the Abitur(not in bavaria) and I attend university. Does that mean you called all the people who did it without bavarian abitur not worth it? Me included?