Specialised middle schools: What requirements are set?
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During the entire education at a specialised middle school, teachers conduct tests. As a rule, grades from 1 to 6 (6 = best grade) are used for the evaluation of achievements. Reports with grades are issued for the most part at the end of both semesters in each school year. Written progress reports represent the exception.
Transfer into the next class
Promotion to the next class is based on the pupil's achievements during the scholastic year. These must attain at least an average of grade 4.
Initial degree
At least six subjects are tested for the initial degree (conclusion of the specialised middle school (Fachmittelschule) diploma). At least one of these, but not more than two must be vocationally orientated. Depending on the subject, the examination is either written or both written and oral. In the examination subjects the performance during the final year of schooling and the results of the examination carry equal weighting. In the remainder of the subjects the grades for the performance during the final year of schooling are applicable.
The specialised middle school degree also requires the completion and presentation of an independent assignment. This is performed prior to the final examination.
The pupils conclude their education with the specialised middle school (Fachmittelschulen) diploma.
Specialised Matura (Fachmaturität)
The students must complete practical training in a selected vocational field (duration: 12 to 40 weeks) or take additional tuition or perform individual, practical tasks that add up to at least 120 lessons in order to be able to pass the specialised Matura. An additional specialised Matura assignment in a selected vocational field must be written and presented.
The students graduate after passing the specialised Matura exam.
Diploma recognition
Diplomas from specialised middle schools are recognized inter-cantonally (insofar as they fulfil the "Regulations on the recognition of certificates and curriculum of the specialised middle schools" of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK).
Promotion to the next class is based on the pupil's achievements during the scholastic year. These must attain at least an average of grade 4.
Initial degree
At least six subjects are tested for the initial degree (conclusion of the specialised middle school (Fachmittelschule) diploma). At least one of these, but not more than two must be vocationally orientated. Depending on the subject, the examination is either written or both written and oral. In the examination subjects the performance during the final year of schooling and the results of the examination carry equal weighting. In the remainder of the subjects the grades for the performance during the final year of schooling are applicable.
The specialised middle school degree also requires the completion and presentation of an independent assignment. This is performed prior to the final examination.
The pupils conclude their education with the specialised middle school (Fachmittelschulen) diploma.
Specialised Matura (Fachmaturität)
The students must complete practical training in a selected vocational field (duration: 12 to 40 weeks) or take additional tuition or perform individual, practical tasks that add up to at least 120 lessons in order to be able to pass the specialised Matura. An additional specialised Matura assignment in a selected vocational field must be written and presented.
The students graduate after passing the specialised Matura exam.
Diploma recognition
Diplomas from specialised middle schools are recognized inter-cantonally (insofar as they fulfil the "Regulations on the recognition of certificates and curriculum of the specialised middle schools" of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK).
