Jorde/Education in Prussia

The Prussian government believes that education is the key to every aspect of a decent society, but also recognises that there should be a greater level of opportunity. There exists what is referred to as a staggered system, one of distinct stages, but also at some stages, branch into different areas.

Stage 1

Branch 1: Grundshol

Grundshol or 'ground school' is the first stage of education. A Prussian will first attend at the approximate age of six years. No curriculum is specified by the government, which believes that this narrows a pupil's knowledge and makes education too goal-orientated rather than geared towards the enrichment of the pupil. There is a stress on fun activities for children to explore their abilities and a good deal of freedom so that a child is able to choose what they will do to achieve a daily objective. Subjects at grundshol include West Germanic, numeracy and 'world awareness', which comprises the basics of various major languages, science, history, geography, culture and religion into topic-based lessons. For example, in one week, pupils might draw comparisons between the Roman Empire and the countries it has become since its dissolution; what has changed and what has stayed the same? There are no examinations in grundshol, but each pupil is tracked from time to time by an external official. A pupil leaves grundshol when he is fourteen or fifteen years old.

Branch 2: Helpshol

Pupils who are deemed to struggle to keep up with others can be moved to a helpshol or 'help school'. Although criticised by some for creating divisions and shame, the Prussian government responds that it is unfair not only to slow others more capable down, but also to keep a child in an environment in which he feels uncomfortable. People in helpshol can be promoted back to grundshol, but those who do not stay in helpshol for as long as it takes to acquire basic skills and will receive heavy support from the government throughout their futures.

Stage 2

Branch 1: Heevodshol

Heevodshol or head school is one of two options for pupils after they have left grundshol. Heevodshol has a very academic stance and relies on a gradual 'process of elimination'. A pupil will commence with all of the subjects on his table like one in a UK secondary school in Years 7 and 8. However, instead of being forced to do the subjects and then choose at the start of a new year, regular progress checks are provided, allowing students to drop subjects they don't want to do along the way. Additionally, the subjects they keep become more specialised. At the age of 16 or 17, most students will have specialities in three or four subjects, like A-Levels in the UK, and will produce both coursework assignments and examination assignments to achieve qualifications.