THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE CANTON OF SCHAFFHAUSEN

In the canton of Schaffhausen, children first attend the primary level (two years of kindergarten, six years of primary school), followed by the secondary level I (secondary school). Teaching up to and including secondary level II is free of charge. School equipment is subject to a fee from secondary level II upwards.

OBLIGATORY SCHOOLING

Children attend kindergarten from the age of 4 at the earliest. At the kindergarten, particular importance is attached to learning that is fun, to social contact and to the acquisition of language. Primary school starts from the age of 6. Primary school usually lasts six years. Children then transfer to a secondary modern or secondary school (secondary level I). Children with a disability either attend a special school or are integrated into mainstream schooling.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND PARENTS

The parents are primarily responsible for bringing up and educating their children. They are obligated to send their children to school and to ensure that they comply with school attendance, the timetable and school rules. They must also ensure that the children do their homework and provide the framework conditions that they need for this.

Collaboration between school and parents is of pivotal importance in Switzerland. Parents are regularly invited by the school to parents’ discussions and parents’ evenings. Your participation is important so that you find it easy to support your child through school and so that together you can find solutions in the event of problems at school or impending choice of career.

OBLIGATORY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Pre-school
Primary level
Secondary level I
Secondary level II
Tertiary level

Kindergarten
Primary school
Secondary school secondary modern school
Middle school (cantonal school)
Specialist middle school vocational apprenticeship vocational “Matura” (general entrance qualification for university admission)
University Federal Institute of Technology University of Applied Sciences Higher Technical College

2 years
6 years
2-3 years
2-4 years
2-6 years

GERMAN AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (DAZ) AND INTRODUCTORY GERMAN CLASSES FOR FOREIGNERS (EFF)

If your child starts school without no or little knowledge of German, the school offers various forms of support. The teacher and the German as a foreign language specialist will take the right action. Children will primarily be integrated into normal classes and will be given additional tuition in German. Some municipalities offer introductory German language classes for foreigners (EfF).

TUITION IN THE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE OF THE HOME COUNTRY (HSK )

Good knowledge in the first language/native tongue helps foreign-language pupils to acquire other languages. Different consulates and private organisations therefore offer children and young people whose first language is a foreign language courses in the language and culture of their home country. Most courses start in the 2nd grade. Some organisations offer courses from a younger age. Registration is usually via the state school. The HSK mark is entered in the school report every semester.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Some private schools in Schaffhausen offer tuition in alternative school systems. The International School of Schaffhausen ISSH teaches according to the Curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO); the language of tuition is English. The Waldorfschule offers teaching according to the Waldorf concept. The Stadtrandschule is an all-day school for the 1st to 9th grade. The Waldläufer association runs a base level (1st year of kindergarten up to and including 2nd grade) in Neuhauser Wald. In Hallau there is the Tandem School for 1st to 6th grade.