Technical college

Choice of two tracks: economics or health and social affairs

1 Economics

The technical college is divided into two phases – the foundation year and the qualification phase. During the qualification phase, a distinction is made between basic courses and advanced courses. The first advanced subject can be chosen from English, German, mathematics, biology, physics or chemistry, depending on pupils’ preferences and interests. The second advanced subject is economics, which is compulsory for all pupils.

By the end of the qualification phase, pupils should have acquired a comprehensive set of competences enabling them to study. This combines general, methodological and social skills with specialist knowledge, which is reflected in the following dimensions: pupils are able to navigate complex economic issues and to assess, decide, act and shape appropriately. They can address fundamental, microeconomic, macroeconomic and social questions. They have an insight into the relevant contexts, which enables them to fulfil their roles as economic actors, consumers and gainfully employed people in a responsible manner, and to acquire vocational and studying skills. The pupils are able to systematically describe, analyse and assess business interrelations.

Pupils wishing to pursue the economics track must have either a transfer recommendation certificate for entering the grammar school foundation year, or the qualifizierter Realschulabschluss (intermediate school-leaving certificate with good grades). After three years they take the Abitur (general entrance qualification for universities), which qualifies holders to study at any university worldwide.

2 Health and social affairs

Progress in medicine and medical research, demographic changes and the increasing awareness of health issues among the general public have clearly influenced society and all those in the health system. Given this ongoing development of the concept of health, the options for maintaining people’s health continue to evolve.

The overarching aims of this track are to enhance pupils’ personal health and to enable them later on to responsibly promote the health of others in professional and/or private contexts. The curriculum is designed with this in mind.

By the end of the qualification phase, pupils should have acquired a comprehensive set of competences guaranteeing their ability to study. This combines general, methodological and social skills with specialist knowledge, which is reflected in the following dimensions: pupils can recognise the connections between lifestyle and health independently and in a responsible manner. They are able to provide well-founded assessments and evaluations of living spaces, and to design them to follow a long-term concept for healthy living. They have in-depth knowledge of the physiological information systems as the basis for perception, action and communication. They can realistically identify beneficial and health-promoting measures to prevent common diseases. They can reflect on the positive development of their own lives and to devise ways of living that take personal values and social responsibility into account.

Pupils wishing to attend the technical college must have either a transfer recommendation certificate for entering the grammar school foundation year, or the qualifizierter Realschulabschluss (intermediate school-leaving certificate with good grades). After three years they take the Abitur (general university entrance qualification), which qualifies holders to study at any university worldwide. The additional qualification obtained in health and social affairs makes it easier for the students to start degrees in medical or psychological subjects.