The education system in Germany

I find it important to address this issue because it was one of the things that impressed me most here so far. Imagine when we live in an underdeveloped country with high illiteracy rate, that developed countries provide opportunities to all its citizens and seek a social and educational equality. At least I thought so. But listening, reading and seeing what happens here in Germany completely changed my mind. Incidentally, I have to say that we have much to teach.

Here in Germany (in general) with a child 10 years already has virtually defined its future. That's right, 10 years! The education system has been showing highly unique. Following is a summary of the basic system to understand:

- Usually children begin attending kindergarten (Kindergarten) from three years old. Compulsory education exists since the six years until the 9th or 10th grade, depending on the state, and up until 18 years .

- The kindergartens are maintained by churches, private initiatives or by the municipality. The monthly payment is calculated as the income of the family, regardless of the setting is public or private. During his last year in kindergarten, the child "preschool" (Vorschulkind) makes contact with both letters and numbers, which however can not be regarded literacy as the pre-primary we know in Brazil.

- Public education in Germany is free from the first series, you pay only part of the books. One semester before entering the school, the child undergoes a medical test. If problems are found in psychological development, motor or linguistic, it is forwarded for possible fixes. The first day at school fulfills a whole ritual, which involved the whole family.

- A strong church presence in German society is felt in these moments. In many schools, before distribution into classes and the first contact with the teacher, there will be an ecumenical service at the parish closest. Another peculiarity is Schultüte (cone colored, offered to children on the first day of school), full of gifts and sweets.

* Secondary Schools

In closing the primary, the child begins to establish their professional guidance. As her performance in the first four years of school, the teacher suggests parents the most appropriate school. There are three options:

─ Hauptschule, where students receive a basic general education. Upon completion, forward is usually for a professional training that enables them to pursue a trade or activity in industry and agriculture. Lasts five to six years.

─ Realschule, which enables you to attend more advanced courses in vocational schools, vocational secondary schools or the second cycle of the gym. Lasts six years.

─ Gymnasium, which lasts nine years and provides a more in-depth basic training. The certificate of completion, the coveted Abitur (similar to the importance of vestibular Brazil), to enable access to a university or college. To some extent, the system is susceptible. As the student's performance in the first two years at secondary school (5th and 6th grades), there is the possibility of transferring to a different kind of school chosen originally.

There is also the Gesamtschule, which integrates all three into one, as well as schools with other curriculum, depending on the state. Sonderschule And there still is for the "rest", many say it is for "retarded", but this is not true. Only one more prejudice here inserted.

Today the change in the education system has been widely discussed, since a major new problem is the large, everyday violence that usually occurs in the Hauptschule.

Hauptschule is the lowest level of an educational system divided into three, separating students according to their academic performance at 10 years of age. Critics say it is fertile ground for social misfits, since migrant children with lower language skills in German language. Some argue that the system should be fully restored. The staging of violence seems to be the newest fashion in schools. Groups of young fellows or attack random victims - a process called happy slapping - as a camera or cell phone records your own images to be subsequently transmitted and disseminated over the Internet.

Moreover, Germany has problems for lack of students interested in training in Education and Engineering. They fear that soon no Germans have more professionals in these areas and seek ways of encouragement. This information also disturbed me, for I thought that Germany has one of the best educations in the world and the best engineers. But now I understand why ... In the area of education I see that there are many problems and that vacancy rates for women until then was limited, and these are usually more interested in teaching than men. Engineering is not already an area of much interest, because one gets technical here so well as a successful engineer in Brazil. Absolute truth! The basic technical services here cost a fortune, because the hours of a technician are very well paid. Why? Because they have every training technique in the specific area of expertise. At first it seems cute and nice, but when you need the services of specialized technicians, you feel homesick for Brazil! The cost often does not pay, so almost all Germans have tool for everything at home. Works very well here the phrase, "Make yourself!"

When I think of the parallel problem that Germany now has a shortage of children of German parents, came to the conclusion that besides the most obvious reasons the mothers are afraid of their children having to enter this educational system has failed. ... I would