- Skipping the compulsory high school exit assessment is permissible.
The compulsory written and spoken assessments that pupils undertake at the end of middle school in Hamburg's grammar schools are being abolished. "We've established a comprehensive monitoring system (KERMIT) across different grade levels, allowing us to track individual student progress effectively without the need for additional tests," explained Education Senator Ksenija Bekeris. This change also benefits the teaching staff. "Furthermore, we'll consult with schools to identify additional ways to alleviate pressure, not only in grammar schools but also in comprehensive schools," added the SPD politician.
For about two decades, tenth-graders at Hamburg's grammar schools have been required to pass a comprehensive test in German, Mathematics, and a foreign language, as well as an oral test in at least two of these subjects. This practice will cease from the upcoming academic year, enabling students to better prepare for the challenges of upper secondary education. Moreover, it ensures that the full curriculum is covered in grade 10. Following a six-week summer break, the new academic year commences this coming Thursday.
Promotion to upper secondary education continues to grant students an intermediate school-leaving certificate automatically. Pupils who fail to meet the standards receive the previous lower secondary school-leaving certificate upon completing a separate exam. Additionally, overall performance, graded accordingly, must meet the criteria for the intermediate school-leaving certificate.
Since the education authority has secured permanent funding for the continued employment of counseling teachers at grammar schools, this support will no longer be a temporary solution available for two years to address learning deficits arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the increasing student body diversity, enhanced counseling and support requirements in grammar schools have become necessary. Furthermore, the significance of such services has grown in response to the pandemic's impact on students' mental health.
Bekeris remains adamant against reintroducing the nine-year grammar school. "There are students who excel in G8 and don't require additional support," she stated, responding to an interview with "Hamburger Abendblatt." Conversely, there are students benefiting from an extra year to graduate. For these students, comprehensive schools with G9 in Hamburg offer an alternative. "I consider the choice between these options, both of which are available city-wide, entirely justifiable," emphasized Bekeris. However, the citizens' initiative "G9 Hamburg - More Time for Learning" opposes this stance and seeks to reinstate the nine-year grammar school by collecting signatures, starting September 10.
From the upcoming academic year, the cost of lunch in Hamburg's school canteens will rise to 4.70 euros, up from 4.35 euros. The city will also provide caterers with an additional 80 cents per meal as a subsidy to ensure economic viability - a subsidy which Bekeris hopes to gradually phase out. "Eventually, families with the financial means to pay the full price will be encouraged to do so," she said, maintaining that the social scaling of parent contributions should remain unchanged. "There are still many children who receive their meals for free."
The SPD politician, who was involved in the discussion about alleviating pressure in schools, is part of the SPD. The SPD has expressed interest in consulting with schools to find ways to reduce stress, not just in grammar schools but also in comprehensive schools.
