How can I transfer level targets into grades?

[Paprikaa]

Hi there,

we're moving to Bavaria where children are sorted into three different types of schools depending on their grades.

Is there a official sheet or something like that which transfers level targets into grades like A B C? My boy is in year 7.

Many thanks

Not that I'm aware of (she said unhelpfully - sorry!). You're probably better off just asking his form tutor to get it turned into grades by the school for you. As long as the German authorities have another signature to look at besides yours, they would probably be content with that.

According to a friend of mine in Bavaria, the main issue will be whether or not they're reasonably fluent in German, as the schools there just don't make any allowance for non-German speakers at all, therefore they all end up in Hauptschule - you want to avoid that if at all possible, as academic expectations there tend to be low (or, as she put it "they learn nothing and will get nothing when they leave"). If you're already cramming him for the change, then stress that point. I get the impression there is an exam similar to 11+ for Gymnasium, so he might have to take it?

Just occurred to me - have you tried the Goethe Institute (have a remit to help the English learn German) for help? They might be able to do it.

The Curriculum in German schools is different ,so English grades don't help much. The PP is also correct, in saying there is no leeway at all given for poor German, so make sure DC are fluent.

Hi everyone, thanks for your answers.

I'm german myself so of course our son is fluent.

@everhopeful
It's all about the grades. If the pupils only slightly fail to have the demanded grades, they have the opportunity to make tests. Thats in year 4 or 5. Goethe Institut is a great idea! Thank you!

@AElfgifu
It would help as they're easy comparable (A=1, B=2 etc).