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This Way For Your Next Steps: Secondary Schools in Braunschweig 2019-2020 School Year
This Way For Your Next Steps: Secondary Schools in Braunschweig 2019-2020 School Year
This Way For Your Next Steps: Secondary Schools in Braunschweig 2019-2020 School Year
next steps
Secondary schools
in Braunschweig
2019-2020 school year
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 2
Information................................................................................................................................................ 3
Decision-making aids................................................................................................................................ 3
Registration process................................................................................................................................. 3
Special Educational Needs...................................................................................................................... 4
Cross-accessibility and Second Paths to Courses of Study................................................................ 4
Foreign Languages in Schools in Braunschweig.................................................................................. 5
Financial Support Through the Education and Inclusion Package.................................................... 6
Financial Support Through the School Resources Fund.................................................................... 6
Advisory Services ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Secondary school options in Braunschweig......................................................................................... 8
Glossary.................................................................................................................................................... 26
Information 1
Introduction
Dear Reader,
Within the City of Braunschweig there are 40 schools with secondary-level courses for school-
age children. Each of them is unique as regards the composition of their focal points, what
special provisions they offer, foreign languages and many other features.
At the latest in Year Four of primary school [Grundschule ], following either a move to
Braunschweig, a transfer between schools within the city or the Secondary Diploma I
[Sekundarabschluss I ], parents or guardians and schoolchildren need to decide which of the
various secondary schools best suits their needs.
This brochure is aimed at parents or guardians, schoolchildren, advisory services and naturally
anyone else interested, and is designed to make choosing a future school easier. It affords a
more incisive view of the Braunschweig school system, by providing an initial overview of the
profiles of the individual secondary schools so as be able to compare them with one another
easily. In addition, it contains descriptions of the different school types, information about
the transition to a secondary school and practical information on schooling-related issues.
In the following you’ll find an overview of both state-run and private lower secondary schools
[Hauptschulen ], upper secondary schools [Realschulen ], grammar schools [Gymnasien ],
specially provisioned schools [Förderschulen ], comprehensive schools [Integrierten
Gesamtschulen ] and vocational training schools [Berufsbildenden Schulen ]. You can also
download the brochure in PDF format at www.braunschweig.de/schulbroschuere.
May you find this brochure informative, and have a successful school year.
Yours,
Ulrich Markurth
Mayor
2 Information
Information
Information 3
than available places, the latter shall be may have special educational needs, either
awarded on a lottery basis. This can mean those with parental responsibility or the
that schoolchildren are given a place in a teaching staff can arrange for an assessment
comprehensive school other than the one to be run. Should the assessment result bear
they wanted to attend, or do not get a place. out these concerns, the school management
In this case those with parental responsibility initiates the process for the drafting of
for the child must register them in a an expert report on special educational
different school type of their choice. needs. Those with parental responsibility
As regards lower secondary schools will be closely involved in this process. On
[Hauptschulen ], upper secondary schools the basis of the report, the decision as to
[Realschulen ] and grammar schools whether a child is recognised as having
[Gymnasien ], registration with a particular special educational needs rests with the
school may be denied if demand exceeds Lower Saxony county education authority
the number of available places. Because [Landesschulbehörde ].
Braunschweig school district guarantees a
place on the desired study course in a school Cross-accessibility and Second
of the desired school type, the child will in Paths to Courses of Study
any case get a place in the desired school The choice of school type and school
type. diploma [Schulabschluss ] is not irrevocable.
If it turns out that a child is struggling
Special Educational Needs (under-challenged or overstretched) at the
Those with parental responsibility chosen school, it can be possible to switch
for schoolchildren with diagnosed or between school types. Either those with
documented special educational needs parental responsibility or schoolchildren
can decide without restriction whether of legal age can apply to switch. It is
they should attend a specially provisioned advisable to consult with the teaching
school [Förderschule ] or a mainstream staff beforehand. Ultimately the class
secondary school [weiterführende Schule ]. conference decides, on the basis of the
When switching to a mainstream school it child’s progress and performance, whether
is helpful to notify the school in advance switching is an option for them. For those
– ahead of the registration timeframe – of attending a comprehensive school [IGS ] it
the child’s planned attendance (free of is not absolutely necessary to switch school
any commitment). This is so that where types, since the distinction between general
necessary, rooms can be fitted out or other and specialist performance is a guide as to
necessary assistance arranged in time for the schoolchildrens’ individual abilities.
child’s first day at school. The relevant form Even after the end of the secondary I level
entitled “Der Wechsel an die weiterführende at any general education school, where
Schule: Übergänge gestalten” can be found the corresponding requirements are met,
on the website of the Lower Saxony Ministry students can still gain (further) school
of Education and Cultural Affairs diplomas [Schulabschlüsse ]: by registering
(http://www.mk.niedersachsen.de/startseite/ with either a [ gymnasiale Oberstufe ] or a
aktuelles/presseinformationen/der-wechsel- vocational training school [Berufsbildende
an-die-weiterfuehrende-schule-uebergaenge- Schule ]. The latter offer various study courses
gestalten-134900.html). and all school diplomas [Schulabschlüsse ].
Where there is reason to believe that a child This second option also allows adults to catch
4 Information
up if they have missed out on their school those attending college classes cannot work
diploma. In Braunschweig, students can regularly alongside their studies, since classes
gain the general higher education entrance take place all day on a full-time basis. There
qualification [Abitur ] and the specialised are other, private institutions where you
higher education entrance qualification can to catch up if you have missed out on
[Fachhochschulreife ] free of charge via college a diploma. However, they generally charge
or evening classes. While many of those tuition fees.
attending evening classes are in employment,
Lower
Secondary • English as compulsory foreign language 1
School • It may be possible to choose a 2nd foreign language
[Hauptschule ]
Information 5
To be able to attend the upper level of Children, young people and young
grammar school later on, there is no adults from families receiving a type of
requirement to study a second foreign unemployment benefit [Arbeitslosengeld II ],
language as a compulsory subject at income support, welfare payments, asylum
secondary level I of a lower secondary, seeker’s allowance, housing benefit or
upper secondary or comprehensive school. child benefit credit qualify for BuT benefits.
A second foreign language, which is the Children from low income households
requirement for the general qualification which do not receive any of the benefits
for university entrance, can be learned from mentioned can also get support from
Year 11 onwards at comprehensive schools, the BuT.
grammar schools and vocational training Further information, registration forms and
schools alike. However, to move up from contact details for enquiries can be found at
lower secondary school or upper secondary www.braunschweig.de/but.
school to grammar school at secondary
level I, it is compulsory to learn a second Financial Support Through the
foreign language. School Resources Fund
A detailed overview of languages on offer Braunschweig’s school resources fund
at schools in Braunschweig can be found [Schulmittelfonds ] provides help with the
at https://www.braunschweig.de/leben/ cost of school supplies for children and
schule_bildung/schulportal/schulen/ young people from families who need and
fremdsprachenangebote.html. qualify for it. Those who qualify for it are
children and young people attending a
Financial Support Through the general education or vocational training
Education and Inclusion Package school and whose families receive particular
The Education and Inclusion Package benefits. You can get further information
[Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket – BuT ] is on the types of support available from your
designed to make it possible for all children school.
and young people to take up what is on
offer for them at school and in their free Advisory Services
time. Low-income households can apply for On the following pages you will find an
benefits from the Education and Inclusion overview of the free advisory services in
Package. This allows children and young Braunschweig, which can also advise you on
people to take part in school activities schooling and help you to address difficulties
such as school trips and outings, school with school attendance. Some advisory
lunches and sport or music club activities. services specialise in helping newcomers.
It can also be used to fund private tutoring, As well as giving pointers concerning your
transportation to and from school und new surroundings, they offer assistance with
school materials. schooling and education.
6 Information
School Education Advisory Service Children’s, Youth and Family Services
[Schulbildungsberatung – SchuBS ] Division - General Parenting Assistance
Schild 4 Department
38100 Braunschweig [Fachbereich Kinder, Jugend und Familie -
Telephone: 0531 470 3216 (Ms Hartwich) Abteilung Allgemeine Erziehungshilfe ]
0531 470 3271 (Ms Firley) Eiermarkt 4-5
schubs@braunschweig.de 38100 Braunschweig
www.braunschweig.de/schubs Telephone: 0531 47084-15
kinder.jugend.familie@braunschweig.de
The Braunschweig School Education www.braunschweig.de/leben/soziales/
Advisory Service [Schulbildungsberatung erziehungshilfe/allgemeine
Braunschweig ] – SchuBS for short
– is aimed at those with parental The General Parenting Assistance
responsibility for schoolchildren who Department [Abteilung Allgemeine
are new in Braunschweig and seeking Erziehungshilfe ] of the Children’s, Youth
a secondary school. It supports those and Family Services Division [Fachbereich
with parental responsibility via an Kinder, Jugend und Familie ] provides
advisory service on subjects related to advice free of charge to children,
the Lower Saxony school system and the young people and those with parental
Braunschweig schools setup. If you wish, responsibility on school matters and also
a recommendation can be given in terms parenting issues, family problems and
of school type and a possible academic various other concerns.
career path plotted. SchuBS can also
indicate which schools have places Paediatric Services
available. [Jugendärztlicher Dienst ]
Hamburger Straße 226
Office for Migration Issues 38114 Braunschweig
[Büro für Migrationsfragen ] Telephone: 0531 470-7077
Auguststraße 9-11 gesundheitsamt@braunschweig.de
38102 Braunschweig www.braunschweig.de/leben/gesundheit/
Telephone: 0531 470-7360 gesundheitsdienst/kindergesundheit/
migrationsfragen@braunschweig.de kinder.html
www.braunschweig.de/leben/soziales/
migration Advice for those with parental rights,
schoolchildren and teaching staff on
The Office for Migration Issues [Büro issues around the physical health, mental
für Migrationsfragen ] advises migrants health and emotional wellbeing of young
on various subjects in connection with people.
migration and integration, including
schooling. Where necessary it can
arrange to do so through an interpreter.
Information 7
Skills Agency [Kompetenzagentur ] Regional Advisory and Support Centre
Braunschweig for Inclusiveness in Schools (RZI)
An der Neustadtmühle 3 - Central office Braunschweig
38100 Braunschweig Husarenstraße -
kompetenzagentur@braunschweig.de [Regionales Beratungs- und
www.kompetenzagentur-braunschweig.de Unterstützungszentrum Inklusive
Schule (RZI)
The Kompetenzagentur advises young - Behördenzentrum Braunschweig
people from 15 years old upwards on Husarenstraße - ]
the transition from school to work: Husarenstraße 75
Career guidance, vocational training 38102 Braunschweig
and awareness of one’s own abilities. Telephone: 0531 48438-38
It provides support through the job frauke.mueller@nlschb.niedersachsen.de
application process and shows young
people where there strengths lie. The RZI is the central contact point of the
Lower Saxony county Education Authority
Psychological and social advisory services [Landesschulbehörde ] for schoolchildren,
for foreign families – Braunschweig parents and those with parental responsi-
Public Health Office bility, teaching staff, schools, study
[Psycho-Soziale Beratung von seminars and private schools with issues
ausländischen Familien – Gesundheitsamt around inclusiveness in schools.
Braunschweig ]
Hamburger Straße 226 Secondary school options in
38114 Braunschweig Braunschweig
Telephone: 0531 47070-19 or -72 On the next page you will find an overview
www.braunschweig.de/leben/gesundheit/ of possible school options within the
gesundheitsdienst/beratungsangebot/ Braunschweig schools setup. Their inclusion
interkulturell.php does not claim to be exhaustive and only
outlines the education courses presented
Multilingual advisory services, where in this brochure. Accordingly, we will not
necessary through an interpreter, in include courses leading to professional
particular for health-related issues (ex: qualifications.
disability, mental health problems, At vocational training schools
learning difficulties), and also on [berufsbildenden Schulen ] in particular, there
parenting matters. are various regulations governing eligibility
for attendance. The BBS itself, and also the
careers guidance service at the Employment
Agency [Agentur für Arbeit ] can assist you
with any queries.
8 Information
Secondary Education options in the City of Braunschweig
LSS diploma USS Diploma / Specialised Specialised higher General higher
lower secondary Broad secondary higher education education entrance education entrance
school diploma diploma entrance qualification qualification
qualification – academic part
Secundary level II
Vocational training school (full-time academic courses of study) IGS, GS
Secundary level I
provision)
* Applies to schoolchildren who over at least 9 years have attended primary school [Grundschule ] and then secondary level I
[Sekundarstufe I ] without a gaining a diploma
It is possible to switch between school types, provided that the requirements of each school are met.
Information 9
Lower secondary school
[Hauptschule ]
must be chosen) from Year 6 onwards. From Upper secondary school runs from
Year 9 onwards Maths and English can be Year 5 to Year 10. After Year 10 the
taught in specialist courses G und E. While secondary diploma I [Sekundarabschluss I ]
lessons in specialist course G correspond to – Lower secondary school diploma
basic level, those in specialist course E are [Hauptschulabschluss ], secondary diploma I
more advanced. In this way the individual’s [Sekundarabschluss I ] – upper secondary
strengths can be better taken into account. school diploma [Realschulabschluss ] can
From Year 7 onwards, career-oriented be gained. To do so schoolchildren must
measures will be implemented. Accordingly, pass the secondary school diploma exam
from Year 9 onwards schoolchildren work [Abschlussprüfung ]. Those leaving upper
towards focal points. From Year 8, these secondary school after Year 9 can qualify
measures will be implemented on at least to gain lower secondary school diploma
30 days. [Hauptschulabschluss ] certification via an
equivalency note in their results.
to this some grammar schools offer profile – upper secondary school diploma
classes which allow focal points to develop [Realschulabschluss ] and the secondary
in particular areas (ex. Life sciences or diploma I [Sekundarabschluss I ] –
musical/artistic studies). Career orientation lower secondary school diploma
measures are implemented from Year 7 [Hauptschulabschluss ] can be granted.
onwards. The foreign language started on
at primary school [Grundschule ] – generally Secondary level II
English – is pursued in Year 5. From Year 6 [Sekundarstufe II ] (Upper
onwards it is compulsory to study a second grammar school level
foreign language. A third foreign language, [ gymnasiale Oberstufe ])
if offered at the school, can be studied in Secondary level II consists of Years 11 to 13
Year 8 as one of a list of subjects (one of and is composed of a one-year introductory
which must be chosen), or as an optional phase (Year 11) and a two-year qualification
subject. phase (Years 12 and 13). These are
At grammar school there is no secondary offered at grammar school [Gymnasium ],
school diploma exam at the end of Year 10. comprehensive school [Gesamtschule ] and
Progression to the introductory phase of also at the vocational grammar school section
the upper grammar school level [ gymnasiale of a vocational training school [berufsbildende
Oberstufe ] is automatic. Those leaving Schule ]. The admission criterion is the broad
grammar school after at the end of Year 10 secondary school diploma I [Erweiterter
can qualify to gain lower secondary school Sekundarabschluss I ]. The upper age limit for
diploma [Hauptschulabschluss ] certification admission to the upper grammar school level
via an equivalency note in their final results. is 19 years. Those above this age limit may
Regardless of the minimum requirements alternatively attend classes at a vocational
in terms of achievement1, certification grammar school [berufliches Gymnasium ],
for the broad secondary school diploma college [Kolleg ] or opt for evening grammar
[Erweiterte Sekundarabschluss I ], the school classes (see. p. 5).
secondary diploma I [Sekundarabschluss I ] The upper grammar school level promotes
Grammar school 15
a multidisciplinary approach with joined-up higher education entrance qualification
thinking, independent thought and learning. [Fachhochschulreife ] can be gained at the
The qualification phase in particular earliest at the end of Year 12, and the general
prepares schoolchildren for work involving [allgemeine ] higher education entrance
sciences. Career orientation measures qualification [Abitur ] can be gained at the
are implemented with development of earliest at the end of Year 13.
individual focal points in the fields of
vocational training and study orientation.
In the qualification phase schoolchildren
get to pick their focal point. All schools offer
focal points of languages and maths/life
sciences. Depending on what is on offer at
each school, there may be options for focal
points involving music/arts, social sciences
or sport. From Year 11 onwards only one
foreign language is compulsory, provided
that a second foreign language was studied
at secondary level I [Sekundarstufe I ] from 1
For further information on diplomas,
Year 6 onwards. If this is not the case, as the see „Verordnung über die Abschlüsse
child did not previously attend grammar im Sekundarbereich I der allgemein
school, a second foreign language must be bildenden Schulen einschließlich der Freien
studied throughout upper grammar school Waldorfschulen (AVO – Sek I)“,
level. The academic part of the specialised www.mk.niedersachsen.de
Grammar school 17
Comprehensive For those wishing to switch
Gesamtschule (IGS) ]
run by Stadt Braunschweig.
In addition, they may opt for
schools run by governing bodies
other than Stadt Braunschweig.
Comprehensive school 19
Specially Provisioned
school [Förderschule ]
All specially provisioned schools comprise at specially provisioned schools with the
least Years 1 to 9. Some also have a Year 10. focal points of mental development and
Those with mental development as a focal learning ability. The latter offer the option
point comprise 12 Years. of gaining either the specially provisioned
Children attending a specially provisioned schools diploma with the focal point of
school need not necessarily do so on a learning ability [Abschluss der Förderschule im
long-term basis. An important part of their Schwerpunkt Lernen ] or the lower secondary
remit is about striving towards transition school diploma [Hauptschulabschluss ].
to a mainstream school and preparing
schoolchildren for it. In Braunschweig there are specially
With the exception of specially provisioned provisioned schools with the focal points of
schools with the focal point of learning mental development, physical development
ability and mental development, the and motor skills, hearing, emotional and
features of specially provisioned schools social development and learning ability.
are similar to those of the different types of Some of them are run by governing bodies
secondary school (lower secondary school other than Braunschweig City Council.
[Hauptschule ] and upper secondary school
[Realschule ]). This means that the timetable, Possible school diplomas
ways of assessing children’s performance, [Schulabschlüsse ]
diplomas, etc. are like those in mainstream (depending on the focal points of the special
secondary schools. At the same time the provisions and the courses of study on offer)
curriculum and support provision plan will be
tailored to the needs of the schoolchildren. Lower secondary school diploma
Regardless of what courses are [Hauptschulabschluss ]
on offer, in almost all specially Secondary diploma I
provisioned schools schoolchildren [Sekundarabschluss I ] – Lower secondary
can gain the mainstream diplomas school diploma [Hauptschulabschluss ]
the (lower secondary school diploma Secondary diploma I
[Hauptschulabschluss ], upper secondary [Sekundarabschluss I ] – Upper secondary
school diploma [Realschulabschluss ] and school diploma [Realschulabschluss ]
the broad secondary diploma I [Erweiterter Broad secondary diploma
Sekundarabschluss I ]). The exceptions are [Erweiterter Sekundarabschluss I ]
Vocational training schools offer secondary Vocational training schools offer vocational
level courses, and along with them the training alongside general education.
option of gaining various secondary school As such, each vocational training school
diplomas separately from a vocational offers different disciplines (Business,
qualification or apprenticeship. In this Technology, among others). The courses
section we only outline courses for which are organised so as to be permeable to
no prior vocational qualification is required one another. This means that, for example,
and which make it possible to gain a (more the broad secondary school diploma I
advanced) secondary school diploma. [erweiterter Sekundarabschluss I ] can
26 Glossary
Optional subject [Wahlfach ] and the option of switching courses every six
choice-based compulsory subject months. Specialised courses are taught at
[Wahlpflichtfach ]: An optional subject is lower secondary school [Hauptschule ], upper
one that pupils may study if they wish to. A secondary school [Realschule ], upper school
choice-based compulsory subject is one [Oberschule ] (see below) and comprehensive
from a list of subjects, one of which must school [Integrierte Gesamtschule ].
be studied. For example, at grammar school
[Gymnasium ] it is compulsory for pupils to Specially provisioned course “German as a
study a second foreign language. They can, second language” [Förderkurs „Deutsch als
however, choose which language they wish Zweitsprache“ ]: The pupils who may attend
to learn. these classes are those whose language of
origin is not German, who attend standard
Qualification phase [Qualifikationsphase ]: classes but who do not yet have sufficient
The qualification phase of the upper grammar knowledge of the German language. The
school level [ gymnasiale Oberstufe ] and duration of the course is up to one year with
of vocational grammar school [berufliches five to eight hours of lessons per week.
Gymnasium ] comprises Years 12 and 13.
Pupils choose a subject as a focal point Subject-specific higher education
beforehand. Lessons are given in courses entrance qualification [Fachgebundene
rather than in a single class. Hochschulreife ]: This can be gained at a
vocational upper school [Berufsoberschule ]
Secondary levels [Sekundarstufen ]: and allows the holder to go on to University
Secondary level I [Sekundarstufe I ] consists studies, but only in the subject studied at
of Years 5 to 10 at lower secondary schools vocational upper school.
[Hauptschulen ], upper secondary schools
[Realschulen ], specially provisioned schools Support and challenge [Fördern und
[Förderschulen ], upper schools [Oberschulen ], fordern ]: A number of different options and
comprehensive schools [Gesamtschulen ] measures stem from this concept, which is
and grammar schools [Gymnasien ]. designed to address pupils’ weak points and
Secondary level II [Sekundarstufe II ] build on their strengths. General provision for
consists of the upper grammar school level the school is also expanded on.
[ gymnasiale Oberstufe ] at grammar schools,
comprehensive schools and vocational Transition: Switching from one school type
training schools [berufsbildende Schulen ], as to another.
well as at schools that offer evening classes
and also colleges [Kolleg ] (see p. 5). Upper school [Oberschule ]: Upper school
comprises Years 5 to 10. Depending on the
Specialised course/Specialised course school, lessons are either taught mainly
adjustment [Fachleistungskurse/ as a single class with specialised courses
Fachleistungsdifferenzierung ]: The in some subjects (see above) or separately
development of specialised courses allows in school type streams: lower secondary
pupils to be taught at the right level to [Hauptschulzweig ], upper secondary
match their abilities in particular subjects. [Realschulzweig ] and where applicable
This is designed to prevent them from being grammar [Gymnasialzweig ]. There are
overstretched or underchallenged. Classes in upper schools with and without grammar
specialised course G correspond to basic level streams. There is currently no upper school in
in the curriculum, while those in specialised Braunschweig.
course E are advanced level. Pupils have
Glossary 27
Publisher:
Stadt Braunschweig, Fachbereich Schule
Stabsstelle Bildungsbüro
Bohlweg 52, 38100 Braunschweig
bildungsbuero@braunschweig.de
www.braunschweig.de/bildungsbuero
Authors:
Marina Hartwich, Caroline Axer
Illustrations:
Marén Gröschel
Layout:
Ideeal Werbeagentur und Verlag GmbH
Contact:
Stadt Braunschweig, Fachbereich Schule
Stabsstelle Bildungsbüro
Bohlweg 52, 38100 Braunschweig
bildungsbuero@braunschweig.de
www.braunschweig.de/bildungsbuero