Primary School and Secondary School, Level 1
Primary School
All children, irrespective of their level of ability, attend the same classes at primary school, although each child's strengths and weaknesses are taken into account as far as possible. The class teacher usually teaches all subjects and teaching takes place in the morning and afternoon; the children usually go home at lunchtime. Almost all cantons have a five-day week.
Secondary School, Level 1
Unlike at primary school, pupils at secondary school do not attend all the same classes. Almost all secondary schools in Switzerland have different types of secondary education (pro-gymnasium, secondary school, realschule, oberschule) or offer a combination of different streams in different subjects. Besides the educational aspect, secondary school level 1 has a distinct selection function: at the end of secondary school level 1, pupils choose whether to pursue vocational or academic studies.
Pupils are streamed according to ability and leaning but, in recent years, the movement between streams has considerably improved.
Teaching is given by one or more teachers in the following subjects: mathematics, mother tongue language, first and eventually second foreign language, natural sciences, geography, history, politics, music, drawing and sports. According to level of ability, additional subjects or handicrafts are also taught. Teaching takes place in the morning and afternoon; the pupils usually go home at lunchtime. Almost all cantons have a five-day week.
School admission
More detailed information on the admission of children to school for the compulsory years of schooling is available from the Education Directorates of the canton in which the parents reside. Direct contact with the appropriate local school authority is also important (address: see local authority at the place of residence).
