«A child must walk the path voluntarily»
In the past, one or two children per year at Kappeli primary school made the transition to grammar school. The question of how to organise preparation for the exam was not a top priority on our school's agenda. This is understandable, as integration issues were more pressing.
A lot has happened in the neighbourhood in the meantime: new housing has changed the population structure and promoted social mixing. This has been good for the school and has given us the freedom to focus on topics other than integrative support. I joined the team seven years ago as a career changer, having previously worked as a lawyer.
Our Gymi preparation programme aims to give children the best possible tools on their way to the entrance exam, regardless of which parental home they come from. In my class, nine out of ten children do not speak German at home. Reading exercises are therefore my top priority - for all children, and not just in German. I regularly visit a bookshop with the class, where the children are allowed to take books with them, and we also have a class library.
What you need for the Gymi exam
It often becomes clear at the end of fourth grade who might be suitable for grammar school. The children stand out due to their good comprehension skills, which often manifest themselves in strong maths performance. If this impression persists, I contact the parents in the fifth grade to initiate the topic of gymnasium. It is important to communicate clearly, also with regard to previous grades: It becomes difficult below an average of 5.25.
However, parents also need to know that the Matura is only one of many options. Even after compulsory schooling, our education system offers countless bridges that lead to this path if young people want to.
Anyone who does not attend private tuition may take part in the preparation course. This is my agreement with the parents.
Ten sixth-graders from two classes are taking part in the current Gymi preparation course, two additional lessons in maths and German per week. That's the same number as last time - six of them passed the exam back then. But even those who fail have not studied in vain: the children make considerable progress on the course, which benefits them at secondary school.
Anyone who does not attend private tuition may take part in the course. That is my agreement with the parents. A child has to go down this path voluntarily, there's no point in putting them under pressure. I've hardly ever had to deal with parents who see it differently. However, I know that my colleagues in other professions feel differently.
