Transitioning to College

Frequently asked questions:

How is the secondary school teaching faculty composed?

Our school includes teachers representing every school type, including Gymnasium teachers, who teach the main subjects from the very beginning. Along with a very high standard of professional qualification, we consider it vital that our teachers also have an enthusiasm for their subject, as high-quality teaching and learning arise out of a sense of fascination.

How does the transition to College occur, and what are its focuses?

Any pupil who achieves a high school diploma that entitles them to take the university entrance qualification can make the transition. Beginning in Year 11, the curriculum is based one-to-one on the curriculum of the general education Gymnasium. In the course levels 1 and 2 (Years 12 and 13), the curriculum's focus is on modern languages and the MINT subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology).

Don’t stronger students miss out when weaker students are advanced?

Both real-life lesson experience and research prove the contrary. The learning level survey and performance measurement are key to ensuring children with varying abilities are not over- or under-burdened.

The composition of the groups varies according to subject and ability. The intended educational attainment comes increasingly into focus with the choice of a second foreign language and other subjects.

What happens if a child wishes to leave the JSS secondary school, or the family moves?

The Josef-Schwarz-Schule operates on the basis of the national educational standards defined by the Conference of Ministers of Education, which means that pupils can, in principle, switch to any other school in Baden-Württemberg or elsewhere in Germany at any time. Do take into consideration the sequence of foreign languages being taught in the destination school.

Is there homework?

We are an all-day school and therefore prefer not to assign homework in the traditional sense. The pupils have weekly goals to reach and in some cases may have to do additional work to fulfil them. Naturally there will be preparatory exercises for proof-of-performance activities (class work or tests), such as revision or vocabulary learning, both in the school and at home.