Table of contents
- Primary school recommendation or regulation?
- What is behind which primary school recommendation?
- What is behind the primary school’s recommendation?
- What does the child want, regardless of the primary school recommendation?
In the last year of primary school, students receive a letter of recommendation for secondary school along with the certificate (usually the half-year certificate). According to the teachers' assessment, attending a secondary or secondary school or a high school is recommended.
In addition to grades, the basis for teachers' evaluation is often a child's personal development and willingness to learn. In most federal states, how good or bad teachers think a student is, or how well they perform, is decided jointly by teaching teachers at the report card conference at the end of the semester.
Primary school recommendation or regulation?
As the name suggests, the recommendation for secondary school (in most federal states) is a suggestion, not a binding regulation. Parents can also speak out against the primary school recommendation and, if they wish, choose a different type of school for their child.
ExceptionsThe federal states of Thuringia, Brandenburg and Bavaria are made up, in which some of the recommendations are binding. In Baden-Württemberg (As of December 2024) the primary school recommendation should gain in importance, although not be the sole deciding factor for a child's further school career. In addition to the school's recommendation, the parents' wishes and a competency test should decide which secondary school a child goes to.
Regardless of whether the primary school recommendation is an aid or a binding recommendation, parents do not always agree with it and want a different educational path for their child.
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What is behind which primary school recommendation?
The demands placed on children by different types of school are different. A high school often demands more performance and learning initiative from a student than a secondary or secondary school.
Which guidelines should students meet when recommending primary school for which type of school?
High school recommendation
In order to attend a high school, the half-year report of a fourth-grader in many federal states should show a grade average of 2 to 2.3 or better in the main subjects of German, mathematics and the subject of non-fiction.
However, there are federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, where attending secondary school is not linked to a grade point average. Here the teachers decide on the right type of school based on the child's level of performance, learning development and abilities.
Limited high school recommendation
If a federal state has corresponding requirements for achieving an average grade for the limited recommendation, this is usually up to 2.5 for the subjects German and mathematics. If the recommendation is limited, a discussion often takes place with the student and the new school. A trial lesson can also take place, after which the school decides whether a child can transfer there or not.
Secondary school recommendation
In federal states with an average that can be achieved, this is often up to 2.66 for a secondary school recommendation. Even an average of 3.0 can be sufficient for a limited secondary school recommendation. This is often followed by a trial lesson.
Secondary school recommendation
If you have an average of 3.0 or worse in the two main subjects of German and math, schools usually recommend attending a secondary school.
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What is behind the primary school’s recommendation?
Mothers and fathers usually have the final say when it comes to deciding on secondary school for their child. However, the elementary school’s recommendation should not go completely unheeded. Because the teachers who teach know how to assess a student’s level of performance quite well. Which doesn't mean they're always right.
However, teachers make much less emotional decisions about a child's academic career. They always look at individual achievements in the context of their peers. Parents, on the other hand, often have an educational path in mind when it comes to their own child. What most parents have in common is that they only want the best for their child and want to keep all doors open for them.
However, instead of focusing on a school qualification for your child, you should pay more attention to the child, his wishes and abilities. And here teachers often have a clearer view.
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What does the child want, regardless of the primary school recommendation?
When deciding whether to attend secondary school, children aged ten on average rarely have school-leaving qualifications, subsequent studies or specific career aspirations in mind. Other criteria count for them.
That's why you should always include the child in the decision. For example, friends or the route to school can also be decisive for the child's wishes.
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And last but not least, the child should be interested in one school or another. Because it lays the foundation for successful learning. In addition, desire can be a great academic motivator if the child is allowed to switch to the school he or she has chosen.
Don't forget when choosing a school: the child should always be the focus. It should neither be under nor overwhelmed. And changing schools, no matter in which direction, is possible at any time, even in higher grades.
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