03_Education and school system,science and research

THE GERMAN SCHOOL SYSTEMThree school typesAlthough the state does supervise the education system in Germany, most educational policy is decided upon by the individual federal states. State regulations mean that children must attend a form of school for at least nine years.How does it all start?Education in Germany begins with children starting Grundschule (primary school) at six years of age. Kindergarten (for children between the ages of three and six) is optional, although since 1996, each child in Germany is entitled to a place in a Kindergarten. After their last year of Grundschule, children can choose between three options. They can attend a Hauptschule, a Realschule or a Gymnasium, or a Gesamtschule, which combines all three types of school, with children being taught in different classes concentrating on different aspects of the curriculum.Hauptschule, Realschule, GymnasiumAt a Hauptschule, pupils must attend up until year nine, and year ten is voluntary, whereas at a Realschule, pupils must attend until year ten. A Hauptschule often leads onto further vocational training, and a Realschule also offers vocational training, although pupils with a high academic achievement can also transfer to a Gymnasium, the German equivalent of a grammar school / secondary school. Pupils leave a Realschule with a certificate called the Mittlere Reife. At a Gymnasium, pupils normally study for around nine years. Pupils study for their Abitur (the German equivalent of A-levels) in the last two years at a Gymnasium. The Abitur will then allow them to study at a university.School life and universitySchool lifeGerman schools start with the day beginning at around eight o’clock, and finishing at around one o’clock. German pupils do not have to wear uniform. However, some schools are beginning to introduce t-shirts and other items of clothing with the school logo on. Usually, it is not compulsory to wear this.UniversityAfter their school education, pupils can attend a university, or go on to vocational training, such as the dual route system, which combines learning theoretical knowledge with practical training in the work place. The Universität zu Köln is the largest university in Germany, with around 45600 students, and the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität in Heidelberg is the oldest, and was founded in 1386.SCIENCEASPRINS TO X-RAYSInventors and inventionsScience is a prominent feature of Germany’s past and present. Some of the most important discoveries of the last two centuries have been made by German scientists. In the world of physics, German discoveries and inventions include the X-ray, discovered by Wilhelm Röntgen, the ‘hertz’ unit of frequency, named after physicist Heinrich Hertz, and Einstein’s world-famous theory of relativity (see factfile).German chemist Otto Hahn is widely accredited as being the pioneer of radioactivity. Hahn’s research paved the way for advancements in nuclear technology, which have shaped the 20th century, from atomic weapons and nuclear power stations to breakthroughs in medical treatment.In the field of engineering, German engineers include Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the modern printing press and Hans Geiger, creator of the Geiger counter. Many of the most important names in the automobile and aviation industry are also former German inventors, for example Zeppelin, Daimler, Diesel and Benz.Science in Germany todayScience still plays an important role in Germany today. Research and development forms an integral part of the German economy. In 2003, Germany spent more than 53 billion Euros on researching and developing alone.German universities play a key role in the modern-day German science industry. There are currently over 350 universities in Germany, among them some of the oldest universities in the world (the University of Heidelberg dates back to 1386). Research is often funded by one of the many societies (Gesellschaften) or foundations (Stiftungen) which award scholarships and research grants to students and academics with the aim of promoting excellence and international cooperation in the field of science. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, for example, awards up to 600 research scholarships each year. www.humboldt-foundation.deAlongside the universities, there are several large national research institutes. These are mainly funded by the national and state governments and carry out research into topics of national importance and the latest scientific discoveries.For example, the Max Planck Society (www.mpg.de) undertakes research into new areas of interest, which are often beyond the scope of universities. The Fraunhofer Society (www.fraunhofer.de) uses the latest research findings to design innovative products and services for everyday life.IMPORTANT NOTEPlease make sure that your colleagues are able to answer the following questions after your presentation:∙What german universities were already founded in medieval times?∙How could you describe the idea of the university reforms carried out by Wilhelm von Humboldt?∙Which impact did the Third Reich have on German research?∙Which reforms shall help German universities to meet the international competition?∙Which ones are the most popular subjects in Germany?∙Which opportunities does a German child have for its school education?∙How can you describe german school life?∙Which opportunities do students have after their school education? How do young people in one age set decide normally (how how many of them enter tertiary education etc.)?∙Which different opportunities offers the German university system?∙What ist he aim of the so called …Bologna Declaration“?∙Which ones are the most important innovations …made in Germany“ from the 18th century on?∙Which is Germany’s rank in the Patents table?∙Wich ones are the most important research institutes outside the universities and what are their main focusses?。