Transitioning to secondary school

Frequently asked questions:

My child has a primary school recommendation for a Gymnasium (grammar school equivalent). Is the JSS secondary school the right place for them?

Of course. The subjects and number of lesson hours at our secondary level I are equivalent to those of a Gymnasium in Baden-Württemberg and the highest level of the curriculum equates to that of a Gymnasium.

As an internationally oriented private school we also offer a unique combination of modern languages and sciences at the highest educational level, combined with practical activities in the Experimenta science centre.

As well as conveying course content and improving their pupils’ skills, our teaching staff pay particular attention to the personal development of the children and adolescents.

In addition, the content of the orientation level (years 5 and 6) is the same in every type of school, so it is possible to switch from one school type to another without difficulty after Year 6.

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.

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.

How do I decide whether my child should attend the bilingual Josef-Schwarz-Schule in Erlenbach from Year 5?

Deciding which secondary my child will attend depends on various considerations:

  • What impression do my child and I have of the school and its atmosphere?
  • What role is played by the home environment, hobbies and friends?
  • How important do I consider intensive contact with teachers to be?
  • How important is it to me that the bilingual competencies attained in primary school are retained and intensified?

If you have any further questions on this or any other decision criteria, please speak to Ms David. (Antje.David@phorms.de)