German school system is it really that bad?

[ilovespinach]

hi,

living in Germany and ds1 has just started a German kindergarten.

I've seen threads here which haven't said very positive things about the German state education. Is it really true that German schools aren't too good? Can someone please sum up the points please I confess, I don't really follow German news .

I suppose it depends how sensitive or tough your dc is - have you read through this? Does your dc like getting up early? The early start bothers ds - he hate sit and starts his day off, every day asking why he can't go to school at a civilized time! Are you married to a German?

thanks admylin, I'll read through when ds2 is asleep. No, I'm not married to a German - DH is English - so we don't speak German at home (this is one of the things DS1 will have to learn through kg).

My 2 went to Kindergarten when they were 4 years old and they have all their German from there. It took them about 6 months to a year to settle and start speaking it though. Where are you? Join in our German thread too and welcome!

We only had 6 weeks of German schools before moving to Switzerland but from what DD has said, the school here is much easier to cope with.

The tempo was faster in Germany, and they had much more homework (albeit a shorter day as they are in an all day school here).

I don't think that all German schools are bad, perhaps it is just the comparison to the more relaxed Uk schools.

I'd suggest you speak a great deal to parents at your kg who have older dc already at school to try and find out what is available and get your bearings. Tbh I think you might find it a difficult system to negotiate.

Whereabouts in Germany are you?

thanks for the advice zzzen we're in Stuttgart. TBH we had wanted to move back to England partly to be closer to family but also for the kids schooling - but with things the way they currently are, this looks doubtful (with moving jobs etc). We decided to stay in Germany because we like it here and think Stuttgart is a really nice city to raise the kids - clean, safe etc...

After reading all about the school system though I'm having a major wobbler again. My oldest is only 2 though so thankfully there's a little time to decide for us. I'm shocked at the early starts as well - how are you supposed to get a couple of kids ready and give them breakfast as well? Seems silly to me....

Hi ilovespinach, you've got plenty oftime to look at the schools on offer until your ds is 6! My dc both hate the early start but they aren't morning people! Maybe your dc can get up early naturally. It's now that is the hardest time, we get up and it's still dark and it's just getting light when we leave the house at 7:30. Would you be looking at private schooling? Some private schools start teaching at 9am.

Private schooling not an option I'm afraid....

Both ds's are ok in the morning but it would be a massive struggle to leave the house for 7.30 like you admylin

Yes it is a struggle, and major tragedy if one of them suddenly decides they need the loo or they have to change socks/shirt/trousers at the last minute. They both hate being late so they start the day with stress wanting to get to school before the bell goes. I'd suggest trying the nearest possible school to your house!

We had to leave just after 7 to get there on time for 8, it was a king-sized pain in the butt, I don't mind telling you.

Frankly though I think the 8am start will be the least of your worries if you're planning on staying in the system longer than a year or so.