The Dutch secondary education system is a unique and well-organized system that allows students to choose from a variety of educational pathways. However, the Dutch secondary school (middelbare school) can be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with it. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the different types of schooling available, the curriculum, and the pathways that students can take after completing their secondary education in the Netherlands.
It all starts in the last grade of elementary school (groep 8), where the teacher gives the student a 'school advice' (schooladvies). This advise indicates which school type is the most suitable for the student according to the teacher. The student is only allowed to apply for a school with the same school type as the advice.
Notice that there are exceptional cases where this school advice can be changed.
The Dutch secondary education system can be split into three main pathways:
Vwo (preparatory scientific education)
Havo (higher general continued education)
VMBO (Pre-vocational secondary education)
Vwo (preparatory scientific education)
Vwo (voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs - preparatory scientific education) is a type of secondary education in the Netherlands that prepares students for higher education. It is a six-year program, attended by approximately 20% of all Dutch high school students. Vwo is the highest level offered in the Dutch educational system and is designed for the students with the most academical mindset. After finishing this program, students can move on to higher education, i.e. HBO (vocational university) and WO (university). Note that only students with a vwo-diploma are allowed to apply for Dutch universities.
Sub-pathways within vwo: atheneum and gymnasium
Atheneum and gymnasium are the two sub-pathways of vwo. What is the difference between those two? Atheneum is the regular vwo variant and gymnasium is the same, but it has Latin and/or Classic Greek as an additional, compulsory part of the curriculum. Around 5% of all Dutch students follow gymnasium.
Havo (higher general continued education)
Havo is the Dutch equivalent of a higher general continued education. It is an academic program for students between the ages of 12 and 17. The program consists of five years of study and prepares students for a variety of higher education courses, such as pre-university studies or vocational training. Around 20% of all Dutch high school students attends the havo. After completing the havo program, students can continue their studies at a HBO (vocational university) or they can enroll in vwo, if they wish to apply for a university.
Havo is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.
VMBO (Pre-vocational secondary education)
VMBO (Pre-vocational secondary education) is the type of secondary education in the Netherlands designed to prepare students for the transition to an apprenticeship or further education, i.e. MBO (middle-level applied education) or havo. It is typically offered to students aged 12 to 16 and around sixty percent of students are enrolled in VMBO. It provides a combination of theoretical and practical education, with a focus on developing skills that are valuable in the workplace.
The four pathways of VMBO
VMBO is divided into four pathways:
Theoretical learning pathway (VMBO-TL): The theoretical learning pathway (also called mavo) has the highest level in terms of cognitive subjects. This learning path is not aimed at a particular career choice. Hence the name 'theoretical learning pathway'. The students take exams in six general subjects such as various languages, history, mathematics and so on.
Mixed learning pathway (VMBO-GL): The mixed learning track is intended for students who have little difficulty with studying, but who also want to prepare themselves or orientate themselves towards certain professions. The name 'mixed learning pathway' therefore means a combination of theoretical and practical education. Pupils take exams in five general subjects and one vocational subject. In terms of level, VMBO-GL is the same as the VMBO-TL, since the program and the exam of the general subjects are exactly the same. In addition to the five general subjects, students choose a vocational program of 320 hours. This consists of a vocational subject within the sector chosen by the student, such as the electrical engineering subject within the technology sector, or the care subject within the care and welfare sector.
Vocational learning pathway (VMBO-KB): This learning path is for students who prefer to gain theoretical knowledge through practical work. The name refers to the fact that the students are already engaged in a course that is entirely aimed at a function at vocational level. The student takes exams in four general subjects and a vocationally-oriented subject or program with a duration of 960 hours.
Basic vocational learning pathway (VMBO-BB): The basic vocational track is intended for students who are primarily practical. In terms of theoretical load, this learning path is less heavy than VMBO-KB, hence the name. The students take exams in four general subjects and one vocational subject. The exam program for this learning path is less extensive and more practical than that of the other learning pathways.
To conclude...
The Dutch Secondary education system is designed to let every student reach their potential, whether practical or theoretical. Below you can find a chart to visualize the whole education system in the Netherlands. Notice that it is possible to switch between the different school types. For instance, a student with a VMBO diploma is allowed to apply for havo.
Hopefully this blog has helped you with understanding the secondary education system in the Netherlands. Feel free to leave a comment if you have further questions.
Comments