I sometimes got the feeling that the school ministers of the different states have made it a competition to have the most trying school system. Especially Bavaria is known for holding pride in having the "toughest" and "strictest" school system, so far that some politicians even propose excluding students by other states from their universities. I finished my Abitur in Berlin back in 2017, a state whose school system is particularly frowned upon by Bavaria for being too easy. What can I say, I finished my Bachelor's in the state of Brandenburg and my Master's in Munich, Bavaria, both degrees in the field of computer science. It wasn't harder for me in either state, which proves to me personally that a "harder school system" doesn't equal a better chance to thrive after school. Instead, what helped me most (while I actually did pretty well in the "box" of a school system), wasn't school itself but extracurricular activities like orchestra or sports clubs. You and Emilia should always keep in mind that, aside from all criticism on school system, she can always go a different path later on to achieve the Abitur, an apprenticeship or a university degree, if she desires. It's great if you support her in her character building and not force her into the school system. Most parents and especially teachers forget that there is a life phase after school and school doesn't mean the world. So relax and do what you feel is right for your children. ❤

Four kids here, all the same parents and all growing up in the same household - and yes, totally different personalities. And while none of my kids get bad grades really, they all struggle with the school system as such. It’s so sad to see how they all once started school totally curious and motivated, and only a few years later they just hate going there. The reason why Germany doesn’t change anything about its school system (despite studies constantly showing they should)? Well, if you want my opinion: they just don’t care. It would take much effort and money, and children unfortunately, are not on top of our politicians‘ priority list. I stopped believing in degrees and certificates as being that crucial in order to become happy and successful in life.

I'm a teacher in Baden-Württemberg. The school system is pretty similar to the Bavarian. I don't know anybody, who appreciates our school system! It's so frustrating! Every study and comparison with other countries' systems show that our system is bad/worse. It makes me so angry thinking about it! I'm totally with you! Best wishes for you and your sweet children! ❤

I was a lot like Emelia as a child, very creative, probably distracted, always imagining. The schools I went to were a lot like the schools in Bavaria, very structured and unbending. In some ways that was good for me but in others the creative side was stifled. The irony is that I became a teacher and now I have the ability to be apart of the change in my own classroom so that every student can explore their own potential. As I said, I do think there is value in a structured environment in terms of procedures and logistics, but as far as the academic side, I give my students the freedom to express themselves as they are, to show what they know in different ways. This helps them to build confidence and also to be mentally and academically able to look at things differently and adapt to a non cookie cutter world. My students learn in smaller learning communities by discussing, opining and defending what they say. They write, draw out or even color based on how they see the solution to a problem. Critical thinking and growth are contingent on the freedom to fail or to be wrong. Anyway, you are not wrong in anything you have said and wish you the best as you navigate these school years with your kids!

I feel you so much and totally understand where you are coming from. School in Bavaria was not a piece of cake for me. I passed my Abitur and did ok, but I don't think I was given the chance to demonstrate my strengths through the system. I probably could write an essay about what I find frustrating, archaic, outdated, and annoying, but also so important and well done in the Bavarian school system. The fact is, the system needs to change. Rather than squeezing each character through the same system and moulding a generation of "failures" or "successes", providing systems catering to the different characters and learning types is vital. With such a vague future ahead and numerous new jobs emerging that we still have no idea about, schools should teach agility, creativity, innovation, and general knowledge. To me, they use the content they already use but integrate it into an agile world. Having learnt each subject in an isolated way, coined the subjects as hate or love subjects for me. Now that I see how they interweave, I can even get excited about statistics and economics, subjects I loathed at school. In context, they make so much more sense. My children now go to school in Australia. We chose Steiner education in the early years, as I found the pressure much more intense here than in Germany. However, now, in years 5 and 7, we moved them to a mainstream school, and they are thriving. What I like about their school is the holistic approach. Each subject has something to do with the other. The projects help them see it. The school emphasises the importance of drama just as much as maths, and I cannot agree more with that. However, the negative of this system to me is that education lacks the depth and detail that German education provides. I cringe when it comes to language education. I guess there are pros and cons to each system. I made it my task to look for the positives and make the best of them. That makes it easier for me to deal with the negatives. I also had to realise that often a problem was more mine rather than the problem of my children. They do not perceive their experience the same as I do. More often than not, an issue seems to be more mine than theirs. I ensure I analyse these emotions before creating a problem that only exists in my narrative.

As a German in my late 50s I'm still struggling to come to terms with how I was brought up, and as both of my grandfathers were teachers, also with the school system. First of all, the current school system was developed during the industrial revolution and it aimed at making children good factory workers - where individualism wasn't asked for and counterproductive. During the 1930s and 40s, that was when my parents were kids and young grownups, individualism was also totally suppressed by the nazi dictatorship. It was about "the people" and not the individual. I found the thesis of one of my grandfathers to become a teacher, and the subject was about conditioning children to become good soldiers and servants of the state, so that when they are in a war situation they just follow whatever is expected and don't even think about it. My uncle (born 1930) once told me that children have no feelings. I was never seen as a child and never asked how I was doing, because my parents generation wasn't seen or asked either. The German school system was a horror for me and there would have been alternatives, but when you have parents who grew up in that dictatorship and learned that you had to adjust to mainstream or you die, they didn't even think of an alternative. Even when my teachers suggested that I skip a class so I won't be so bored anymore, they rejected because I was already the youngest in my class, and if I skipped a class all the others would be almost 2 years older than me. (Again: you have to fit in and not be an "Extrawurst".) And of course they didn't even ask my opinion, I just learned about it when they told it some other grownups. Understanding more of this history makes it easier for me to forgive. And still, I hope and wish for reforms. Thank you Antoinette Emily for bringing this up.

As someone with dsylexia and ADD (ADS) I can totally feel your concern. For me the school system was hard; but I loved math and science very much. My teachers said to me that I will never be able to study any language because of dsylexia. It's not true. I've been to HTL (technical high school?) and I finished my exam not only in German BUT also in English. But was it hard? Yes, I had to work twice as hard as any other student in my class. And I know I will have dyslexia my whole life. But if I want to I could study those languages. What I wanted to say is that our school system (Austrian school system is kind of similar to Bavaria) it not fit for people like us. It's so structured and not give us enough room to florish within our skills. Though there are tutoring teams for Lernförderung for example *Studienkreis*. Other than that help her with her other interests. It did helped me. My parents were very supporting within my interests. And I do know now that I have so many varietion of amazing skills that I feel very humbled that my parents helped me so much. Also a note form the side: My brother - who had also a lerning difficutly - was in a montisori school. The thing is - once there you cannot escape the "disability" stamp. You will be in apprenticeship within the disability range which it not as similar as a "normal" apprenticeship. If you have jobs, than it's only for those kind of people. You're not more than a temporary help and accepted because some companies get money if the hire someone with montisori background. My brother struggled a lot to get out this toxic system. He managed to accomplish the secondary diploma into a normal school. And he did a regular apprenticeship. But man... getting out there was ridiculous here in Austria. And I bet Germany is as worse as Austria. Sadly there is no other solution - going with the flow and make the "regular" system OR being as sampled as someone with "disability". Both ways is not good for people like us: with dyslexia, dyscalculia, adhd or even autism. It's sooo hard that those politicans don't care for the children which are the future of our country; rather care for "prestige" and making things harder for children, their parents and the teachers. I know that: One of my friend is a teacher. The things they have to do.... they don't have the time to really get into a childrens need. Either because they're understuffed OR because there are so many children from other countries that don't speak the language OR those parents don't care OR too many children in one class. For our future I wish and hope that there will be a solution for that otherwise those children will fail and think they're not worthy enough; especially if the parents aren't as understanding and supporting as my parents or you. Emily, you do good. Believe in your children and support them. That's the only thing you can do! 🤗

I can understand you very well. You make good points in your video. The discussions about the German school and education system have been going on for a very long time, unfortunately the decision-makers are often too stubborn and rigid to think about necessary reforms and adapt them to the times and implement it. Your daughter can still do a lot of things even with a secondary school diploma, there is not just one standardized path to success, look at what her talents are, what she is interested in and a path will show up. Don't let someone take her creativity away, help her to keep it the way she likes it, if she has you and her father and her environment as support, then it will definitly work. For me, the paths always turned out differently than expected, but still good for me. Everyone is different. Our world needs different people, with different qualities, an excess of something is never good, politics, for example, now has too many academics in parliament and that's what politics looks like now.

The German school system sounds the complete opposite to what the Australian school system has become, in every way possible Here it is all about meeting each child’s individual needs, and making all the lessons fun so that all the kids (and their parents) are happy. And if that doesn’t work, then blame the teacher 😮 School seems to have become about customer service, that is, keeping the children and parents happy. The customer is king. Getting a teaching job has been cut throat and competitive in Adelaide (South Australia) until recently. Nothing is ever difficult or hard or challenging for the students. High school students drop out of high school because they know there are back door ways of getting into university. Universities are lowering entry scores so more students can get in. It’s become like a business here. It’s only since Covid that some things are beginning to change. A lot of older teachers decided to retire and for once we have a slight shortage of teachers, and young people no longer want to become teachers.(because they know how they are treated and blamed for everything) My husband is Chinese but born in Australia. The Chinese mindset about education sounds quite similar to the German mindset. When my daughter was in her early teens, she hated our Australian schools which put so much emphasis on friendships and feelings. She felt this made her feel worse about not fitting in. She would have preferred the Singapore type education system that was all about academics. She believed that that would have kept the students focused on their academics, rather than on who’s the most popular girl in the group, who’s got the most expensive clothes, etc; because the students wouldn’t have had time for all the negative stuff.

I have worked in many schools in NRW. In my experience yes, there are flaws in the German school system, especially in the curriculum all schools in one state have to follow, but in my experience the teachers make the biggest difference in whether students with different characters and abilities can fit into and thrive in the system a school provides. I have worked with teachers using all kinds of different methods to teach, who are very, very keen to find ways to connect to all kinds of students and I have seen teachers, who can't be bothered to even think about solutions for a range of characters let alone implement them in their classes. Another huge factor in why school systems are that ridgid is, because of how our adult life is structured. The seperations into academic jobs and apprenticeship jobs, the prestige some people still connect to having studied and so on. If the job system would allow for more creative ways and solutions, school systems could make a big change in what they teach and so on. But since the way jobs work is so engrained into our society, this will most likely take even longer to change. As long as there is a follow up system where people need to be divided into "gifted" and "worker", one task of school systems is, to find ways to divide people into those categories. Obviously, everyone wants to be "gifted" or at least more people than can fit that part of the world, so there needs to be a rigid system where most will not make it through, despite maybe really being gifted. This will not change soon, I fear. But I am glad for every teacher who doesn't fall into the trap of actually believing in this artificial divide and doing what they can to support all their different types of students. I just wish there were more of them.

I am 35 now and grew up going to an Austrian school which is similar if not worse. I am still recovering from trauma from that school experience. I am more the creative type and feel like that side of me was never encouraged and i never got to really grow and flourish in my strengths but always got criticized and borderline bullied by teachers for not being like everyone else. Its very sad. Now im seeing my niece having to go through similar things so many years after...no progress in the system. When i was 16 i ultimately had enough and switched to an American school (private)where i thrived and did really well. It was expensive but so worth it, because i finally gained some confidence back and actually enjoyed my last two years.

Kannst du mal ein Video über Schule in Neuseeland machen, das wär super interessant! Ich empfinde leider genauso wie du, meine Tochter ist ein ähnlicher Lerntyp und muss auch viel für die Schule tun um mithalten zu können. Ich hoffe ihr Selbstwertgefühl leidet nicht irgendwann darunter… LG❤

Du machst mMn alles richtig. Schenke deiner Tochter Vertrauen. Bestärke sie, wenn sie sich andere Entfaltungsmöglichkeiten als die Schule sucht (Kreative Aktivitäten, Sport, soziale Aktivitäten). In der Schule könntest du dich eventuell nochmal an den Vertrauenslehrer wenden, wenn es da ungelöste Konflikte gibt.

I was like your daughter as well...and also grew up bilingual. I really hope she has nice English teachers .... I went to the Realschule und quit after 9 th grade because it just made me sick.. meanwhile ive finished my apprenticeship, went to the Berufsoberschule and did my abitur and just finishing my bachelorthesis... So don't worry if she goes a different way. The main thing is to keep her mental health as strong as possible.❤

As an academically oriented child I hated the school system of country (Lithuania). Until the 8th grade you have to sit with everyone from your district and the people who don’t want to learn and are always disrupting the lessons (shouting, moving, insulting the teacher, disturbing). So I was very happy to go to gymnasium which has an entrance exam and be with gifted people, who are there to learn and not bullshit. The German system is doing that from the 5th grade and not waisting resources on people who are not interested in academics and I think it is good. Not everyone needs an Abitur and to go to university. I will be having a child in Germany as an immigrant and my only worry is that my child could be denied gymnasium because of the immigration background. So I’ll have to fight tooth and nail in order to prevent that.

You sound like you are doing just fine with your children. It's so interesting that each child in every family is a unique individual. It is disheartening that the school system in your area has their own ideas on what is good or not. You are doing a great job in guiding your children in their own path. With you behind Amelia, she will be just fine. I like this video. 😊❤

The school system in Bavaria is the last system, that has only the three traditional school types, while all other federal states have also or only mixed school types where pupils could get the degree of Haupschule, Mittlere Reife as well as sometimes Fachabitur or Abitur and don't have necessarily be seperated afterelementary school. Bavaria also as a quite high amount of spenditure on coaching (Nachhilfe). Montessori is often a private school option, which are often "Ersatzschulen". The rate of inclusion in regular schools of pupils with certain additional needs seems to be higher in Northern and Eastern Federal States while the exclusion quota, to bring those pupils in dedicated school, is higher in Southern and Western Federal States. Here the school system is a matter of the Federal State.

I think a lot of countries have this kind of issue. I hope things get better in America they do have Montessori schools but not a lot. I’m glad you know your daughter is dyslexic because just knowing relieves the worry

I am German and have gone through the entire German school system. I always hated it from the 5th to the 13th grade. I was also a blatant school refuser at times (I pretended to be ill). I took a few breaks, for example after the 10th grade, to do other things, in my case the army. But I had to go back to school to get my diplomas to do other things. Things that bothered me the most, from my student perspective. 1. the subjectivity of the teachers and their inability to recognize changes in performance. For example, when I did badly in biology in 7th grade, it was almost impossible for me to get away from the bad grade up to and including 10th grade, because the teacher simply saved me as bad. And thats not a single case. Because of this subjectivity, my goal at another school from the 11th grade onwards was not primarily that I was good, but that the teachers thought I was good. And that worked straight away. Making an effort in the first quarter of year 11 was enough to get consistently good grades until year 13. 2. oral grades are unfair. 3. the school subjects are too linear. I would have liked much more choice. 4. School classes are too big (I know that this has changed to some extent) 5. Schools are overstretched. Too few teachers. For example, I was at a school where 5 teachers were on long-term sick leave (for years). There are no replacements for these teachers because they are only sick and will come back. This means that all the other teachers have to cover for them, in addition to the normal absences. Another thing that didn't concern me, but that I have often heard, is that the differences between the federal states are too great. So when you move, there are incredible problems. In principle, there are 16 more or less different school systems in Germany. I can't speak to the perspective of a parent, but I can imagine that many things there are very frustrating. All the best to you and your children :)

This was triggering for me to watch because I had one daughter with dyslexia and one with dyscalculia and Attention Deficit Disorder. Been a total nightmare, especially the bullying and having to move schools because in Germany the bullies stay in the school and the victims have to move, insane. Teachers are not educated in learning disorders and make no accommodations although they are supposed to. It’s been brutal.

There is a Waldorf school in Würzburg where, afaik, there are no grades and a different learning approach. It is probably very close to Montessori. Your daughter could afaik also receive support at a normal school from specialists or in specialised practices + different grading in some learning areas.

Antoinette, always glad to see you 💋💋💋 Do more videos with your kids, please 🙌🙌💋💋😘😘 I think they are so big now

Das deutsche Schulsystem ist sehr starr und Kinder, die nicht der Norm entsprechen, passen dort nicht rein. Mir ging es auch so. Ich habe auch nicht reingepasst. Wenn Freunde von mir sagen, sie vermissen die gute alte Schulzeit... kann ich nur den Kopf schütteln. Ich vermisse nicht eine Sekunde!!

Liebe Antoinette, ich habe das deutsche Schulsytem 14 Jahre an meinen Kindern erfahren, und ich kann nur eines sagen: mache dir keine Sorgen! Das deutsche Schulsytem ist zwar bestimmt nicht das beste, was den Unterricht betrifft, aber sie ist extrem durchlässig und vielfältig, für jede/n gibt es einen guten Weg zum Glück und Erfolg! Lass dich beraten vom Schulamt, ich bin mir sicher, dass es gute Wege für jedes Kind gibt!

As a former German public school teacher who moved to the USA for the freedom to homeschool my daughter, I deeply resonate with your concerns about the German education system. Reflecting on its origins, it's essential to understand that it was established under Otto von Bismarck with the Prussian education model at its core. This system was initially designed to produce disciplined and obedient workers to serve the Reich's needs, prioritizing conformity over creativity and individuality. Following your thoughts on Emilia's struggles, it's clear this might be contributing to her challenges within such a structured and rigid system. It's a stark contrast to the educational freedoms I've experienced in the USA, which emphasize flexibility and the nurturing of individual talents and interests. We are homeschooling my daughter, and most Germans who have never had the opportunity to live abroad might not understand how much education systems and educational freedom can vary from country to country. Feel hugged and understood.

Is school any different in some other countries, like New Zealand for example? You go there and learn stuff, then you get graded. What can you do differently about that?

Hi Antoinette😊 there is a Montessori school and a Waldorf school in Würzburg. Maybe you should check this out, if you don't live too far away:)

I can totally understand you. Coming from a mom with an amazing boy with ADD. Until we got the diagnosis at the end of second grade, the stress of the system almost ruined our relationship. It broke my heart and I still suffer from the memory. As you say they don't know any other system, he is doing amazing now. He is going to the Oberschule which fits him. I have twins starting first grade this year and am extremely anxious. All he best to your family

No system can adopt to each different child’s needs how would that work ? The super creativity can be nurtured at home

Can anybody please describe the system? I am a teacher in the Czech Republic and I asumed our school systems are pretty similar. Until now. There are plenty of things you can say about our Czech school system but you def can´t say that it´s not inclusive enough. I woould actually say quite the opposite. Czech schools are way too inclusive in my opinion. That´s why I am so curious about yours... come on, be specific. Give examples of your bad experience, please :)

@Antoinette I really suggest looking into or thinking about Steiner schools (Waldorfschüler ) if you want that nurturing quality and more focus on creative subjects that mean they are equally looked on with maths/science etc.

Thank you for sharing this with us. I agree 100%, it is scientifically untrue that this school system is good for kids. Have you ever considered moving back to New Zealand? Or any way to get the funds for the Montessori school? Scholarships etc?

It’s probably time you step in & seriously change something if you’re not happy, or you will regret it later. You’ve not been happy with the school system there for some time. You need to be very strong & make decisions that are best for your children. Only you know what’s best for them, not someone else.

I have 2 Children. The first one is in first grade and Ahr loved it so much. And i know, the little one (4 years old) will have problems in the System, because of her Character. But i am glad that i live in Niedersachsen, here the school is different as in Bavaria. Not so strict

I also have two children with dyslexia (that don't fit the box) and even though I'm not in Bavaria, believe me, it's just as horrible here in Hessen. We also weren't able to send ours to a Montessori/Waldorf school. I watched my curious, creative, outgoing, expressive daughter go from excited about school to completly miserable, depressed and in need of a psychiatrist in the span of one school year. ONE. Her teacher at the time didn't want to believe us, when we said something's wrong. I'd have an eight year old, crying herself to sleep every day. One year of school completely destroyed my child and no matter what I did or tried, I couldn't fix it. Today she is sixteen, hates school, has social anxiety and other issues I'm not willing to talk about, but .... school has been hell for her all along. She's considered gifted when it comes to art, but has received no help whatsoever when it comes to any other subject than German (grade protection so spelling doesn't count). Everything hinges on their abilies to read/write/comprehend written text and the support they receive (if any) is ridiculous. We got her younger brother tested early, but that only prevented the worst. We still have to deal with teachers who won't believe my dyslexic child is struggling through reading assignements or spelling/grammar homework. It's exhausting for everyone involved. Physically and emotionally. The German school system is not suited for my children, even though some teachers are at least trying.

I really enjoy your videos! :-) And i like you, you are very likable. I am German, but I only came to live in Germany when I was 10 years old. So I had to get to know the culture at first. Sometimes I get the impression, that you are putting to much pressure on yourself. One thought: After you figure out the unspoken rules - then learn how to be yourself and comfortable. Don't let fear of doing the wrong thing rule you. one doesn't need to figure out the rules so one doesn't stick out or one doesn't make mistakes. The rules are the baseline. And you can build whatever you like on top. When I was a teenager I was busy trying to figure out a way to fit in, but the other kids my age were going new steps, because they knew the culture. They were trying to figure out, who they wanted to be in this culture, what they wanted to do and what they don't want. My husband is the funniest guy. and he is soo not concerned about fitting in (but or maybe because of that he is very popular). and life with him is so relaxing.

it’s actually an old fashioned school system…. it was the same in the UK when my grandparents were at school

is the pressure off now in the real schule? i thought that was the point…. the creative/quirky types go to the school with less academic pressure….

I think you could be a lot more specific .. give examples! I felt like barely anything was said in this video at all but I was actually curious about your experience :(

Question, are you aware of all the possibilities in Germany to make things easier for your daugher? I'm talking about Nachteilsausgleich, that should help a lot! Does she get any? The training centers for dyslexic children might be too far a way for you guys (I know one in Munich f.e.), hmm. I used to work with a dyslexic boy and organized so much support for him! They say that there is one kid like that in every classroom now, so it's not like Emilia is all alone with this. Back in my time things were very different - unfortunately I was a girl with Aspergers, but that wasn't even a thing in the 80s. I had a horrible time in school, but things have changed since then.

100% on your side about our German school system and don’t even think it is good for children that “fit in the box” because even those kids loose so much in my opinion… the focus is just on the wrong things (competition instead of compassion and building each other up, facts instead of skills,…) Read a quote once that resonates with me so much: “nichts ist verlustreicher als ein Sieg über den anderen” mathias voelchert This school system creates an ableist society and that is bad even for the ones that “thrive”. Side note: grades are so unnecessary because they do not show what a child is capable of but motivates them only extrinsically but real and lasting learning only happens when we are motivated from within (intrinsically)

A guy in my class in fifth grade also had dyslexia.. we went to Gymnasium. He couldn't live up to the expectations and switched schools after 5th grade to a Gesamtschule. That school was the better choice for him.

Schön Wir leben in der Nähe Würzburg Sind eine kleine Familie mit 2 Töchtern 2 und 5 jahre alt. Totally respect to you cause of hide faces of the kids Bavaria is not as good as baden Württemberg in the changing from kindergarten to school

My son (12 years old) faces with racism, discrimination and prejudices by the teachers here in Germany. He's good in English, Math and German, but not in Music and Philosophy. The teacher said that he might not be able to continue "Gymnasium" which is awful.

Every student in the Bavarian school system doesn't fit, Matteo will deead it during his teens. Just survive with as little time as possible and enjoy the good parts. Getting Abitur is possible with every school. You just walk on different paths. The structure is for producing factory workers. They don't care if you don't fit in. Extracurricular activities helped me to forget school at least in the afternoon.

was the same for me very big struggles in the school system - the dictatorship

Here is what people don’t realize that children and people can’t really show what they know. They is an example like the kid who could not spell at all but he could answer questions. The writing on paper he could not do but he could read . So they just asked his questions on the test and he could answer . Others panic when given is the answer 1,2or 3 . Or writing an essay is terrible. Cause they panic so much or doubt themselves so much you back to where you can see the answer. And CC I had a friend who‘s son couldn’t see something’s they did an eye test and other tests and whatever he had as soon as his harmonies took over he was ok. I need to recheck with her on what all happened. So I think there is a million things that could be issues you just figure it out as you go along.

It seems to me that the fundamental idea of the German education system is building a canonical basis of knowledge and skills which are accepted and expected generally in our society. At the upper end, originally geared towards studying at university, is the Abitur which is supposed to provide a broad general knowledge across many fields of knowledge like math and science, languages, history, geography, society and politics, religion and philosophy, art and music, and sports. In contrast to the Abitur, certificates of the other types of school are intended to provide a standard or at least basic knowledge that is practically relevant for picking up a professional career based on a professional training (Lehre, Ausbildung). However in the past 50 - 60 years there have been several situations which have introduced new expectations about the function of our education system. In the 1960ies and 1970ies the number of students increased continuously resulting in a number of academics finding it difficult to enter professional life, eg teachers, architects, ... . Changes in the structure and development of our economy during the late 1960ies and during the 1970ies and 1980ies also caused problems for young people seeking to enter a professional training (eg. apprenticeship, dt: Lehre). Sometimes even the global economy is playing a role. And during the last 30 years computer technology has change so many professions - causing some to disappear completely - that debates about reasonable adaption of the school system never ceased to cause headlines in media. And actually, with artificial intelligence reaching a new level of usefulness, the debate appears to be even more urgent than ever - mind that AI is already an issue for copyrighters, ie many creative jobs. However, computers won't obsolete having knowledge of some basic cultural capabilities like reading, writing, calculating (for rough estimates or just in absence of a computer or electronic calculator) and possibly programming. And a fundamental amount of knowledge to find orientation in news and information will remain helpful in the future. Hence, a more conservative approach to matters of education could even be justified to some degree if the system proves to be flexible enough to adapt to changing requirements and demands. The debate about school is continuing and I expect it'll do so for quite some time. An improvement which should be considered more seriously is primary school for 5 or 6 years. But school has always been a challenge: for pupils, for teachers, for parents and for politicians. It should be taken serious - yet not too serious. There are many examples of successful people who were struggling with our school system. School's just an episode.

Würzburg has even has a great no goverment system school If I memerice correctly it makes sense to make a school changing until 7th grade If I understood you right that would fit much better to your daughter, and will not harm her spirit more

You're totally right about the German school system.

Think about life as an adult, Antoinette, you have to pay bills, take responsibility, be reliable, etc. - This goes for the creative and quirky people as well as the more academically inclined, right? The purpose of school is to learn basic social and "survival" skills in society so that the adult Emilia will one day be able to manage her life. Little consideration is given to adults. Of course, creativity, curiosity and personality should not be allowed to atrophy during the school years, but is it really the school's job to foster them? Isn't it good that the school teaches them the skills for their adult life in society - and you as parents take care of the rest of their personality? I think the way you are handling it is exactly right, and both the "strict" school and you as a loving parents will mold her into a well-rounded and healthy character. Childhood happiness may be a top priority for parents, but children who have never faced challenges and struggles often become adults we don't like to be around either. (entitled Karens, snowflakes and not-so-little princesses who have been told one too many times that they can be and have anything they want...)

@Antoinette I haven't stopped by in a while, but I just wanted to say it is okay to voice concerns and complaints. You have children moving through the system and get to live through all the good, bad, and ugly! The downfall of the German school system is the inflexibility to include "out of the box" individuals that can be very successful in their own right. I do think the system is good if you are "accepted" into it but if you deviate one inch, you are said to not be "intelligent" or "good enough" which is so sad for the people (children) but also the country as well. I am sending you some Florida hugs because I can only imagine that this video was difficult to film ❤❤

German school system doesn't care. Its put kids into classes. But you have a really interesting view on it. You are a really supportive mother thats very nice to see.

I've never heard anyone explain what people with dyslexia do to be able to read. I know a vey general explanation but wondering if you could spend time going through how you see letters & words & how you can read now.

Have u spoken about New Zealand school and diff asking

It sounds like your daughter would benefit a lot with Montessori or Waldorf school system. Also have Learning Difference I went to special school for it. I was nature by my talents and strength and also was push to learn and grow. Also learn by different methods of teaching students. I feel I would not done well at all in the German School System. I wish all your children do well. Especially Emilia with her learning.

In the middle of this video it sounded like you were plotting the death of a teacher or so :D the villain arc has begun

Ich hab mit meiner jüngsten Tochter (4 Töchter insgesamt) das gleiche Dilemma. Sie passt auch nicht in die Schublade. Das ist furchtbar, weil sie irgendwann selbst aufgegeben hat und der Meinung ist, sie ist halt einfach zu blöd für die Schule. Dabei hat sie tolle Talente und Eigenschaften, die nur leider in der Schule nicht gefragt sind. Das ist sehr traurig anzusehen und schwer entgegen zu wirken. Wir kommen aus Hessen. LG

Perfect video and many true points expressed very well! Now productive (and not destructive thoughts from me:) Was Sie/sie für Emilia machen können ist, außerhalb der Schule ganz in der Breite recherchieren, wo es Kunstangebote für Kinder gibt. An Kunstschulen (für Erwachsene) könnten möglicherweise Künstler (ab und zu oder in den Ferien) auch Kurse speziell für Kinder anbieten. Oder ich habe gerade schnell gegoogelt, dass an der Uni-Würzburg z.B. Kunstpädagogik gelehrt wird, an solchen Unis gibt es auch manchmal angebote für Kinder, wo dann z.B. Studenten lernen, den Kindern etwas beizubringen. Und diverse andere Angebote gibt es auch von den Städten (wisst ihr sicherlich). Wir haben uns vorgenommen, dass unser Kind, das bald in die Schule kommt und da auch überhaupt nicht in das starre System rein passen wird, ihm einfach außerhalb der Schule ein buntes Kunstangebot ... kreatives anzubieten (ohne zu stressen, dass Kind soll natürlich nicht dauernd im Auto sitzen, um in einen Kurs zu kommen), aber einfach dem Kind zu zeigen "ja, da draußen gibt es die frei und kreativ handelnden Menschen und da kann man tolle Sachen machen." Und eben auch die Ferien kann man grundsätzlich sehr kreativ gestalten. So bekommt die strenge Schule einfach nicht so ein großes Gewicht (Bedeutung) im Leben.

Viele,viele deutsche Eltern haben die gleichen Erfahrungen gemacht und daraus die gleichen Schlüsse gezogen!

Central government-planning with virtually no competition produces subpar results in services (like e.g. education) - who would have thought? :)

Would you be so kind and elaboate a little bit what that "box" it that you are referring to? Or maybe in which detail a NZL school would do things different.

well its not the politicians... its the countries history - germany had been very structured for centuries. if it was the current politicians it would be a very much different school system.

every system has weaknesses and strengths. You can't please everyone. Sometimes you have to learn to deal with something, even if you don't like it. That's how you grow. Later in life, you also have to learn not to give up immediately if something doesn't go the way you want it to. And if you learn this from time to time as a child, I think it will be easier later in life. And a completely different thing is not only the system, but also the teacher(s). There are good and bad teachers and there are teachers who are actually good, but you don't like the subject they teach or you're just not good at it. I had a teacher in French in the 7th grade, I didn't like her at all. In the 9th grade I had her in geography and I thought she was great. It was just the subject and not the teacher or even the system.

The german and so bavarian school system is known to be a little bit old fashioned. Typically children are not distributed to different school forms (Gymnasium, Realschule etc.) by skillset, rather by income of the parents. if you are not happy with bavarian school system, which is very outdated, I would recommend to try a different school, e.g. a Walldorf School, where you can graduate as well. Germany in general is not known to have the best school system in Europe.

Don't believe that Montessori or Waldorfschule are better for your needs. That's what I believed, too but those ideas sound good on the paper but reality is different. Also the problems come anyway , only later.

Naaah, the German School System is also not good for those who fit in the box. It hat it's origins in the Prussian era when discipline was one of the top values. It treats the kids as if they were mini-adults and their needs are mostly ignored. Other countries do much better with their way of teaching.

I come from Germany and i find the Schoolsystem is good . And i have for manny year a the Berufsfachschule in NRW a English Teacher from New Zealand , Mr Ehrler was for year here to learn German and teaching English in School. It was a great Man and a good Teacher. That was at 1981 to 1983 my English Teacher. It so manny Year ago. I dont no what do he now. The Last i heart he wont to go home to New Zeand and will to get a Journalist .

German school system is one of reasons why Germany is doing bad, together with unwelcoming people and language towards economic immigrants, too much bureaucracy, poor social support for parents (shitty kindergartens, putting "tax" for kids, everything is twice expensive for vacation with kids, too many Ferien where no one works except parents) and persistence to old way of doing it (the land of machine engineering, cash only, poor and expensive internet and despise for IT people (calling them mockingly "intelligenter Techniker" insulting both IT Engineers and looking down to technicians in same time, typical sarcasm here)... It is not just that in Germany is like that but in some other countries at least some of these are solved. The problem with Germany is the general feeling that everything is perfect! How will you make something better when you are sure that it is perfect. When I say that my Serbia has better internet and nobody has ADSL anymore (I had it in 20 years ago but moved to better techs) and that corruption is a cause of that state (prime minister Kohl), that Serbia has better child care... They think I am not telling truth, that I am not grateful for being in Germany, specially old people who basically live out of my pretty good brutto salary financing their pension and health insurance. I am grateful and would like to have Germany changed to better, not to have mothers as 2nd class citizens that have to pause their job for 3 years because society can't manage kindergartens (yes in Serbia there is no distinction between kripe and kindergarten mothers go back to full work after 12 months) and then they work part time or do not work at all. That is a huge unused potential in country that lacks skilled workers. Also working time in Germany 9 hours! In Serbia and I guess in pretty any normal country you work 8 hours from entering office/factory till exiting with half hour lunch break as integral part of work. In Germany you spend 1 hour less with your kids because of it.