Blog

Understanding and Navigating the Dutch Educational System for (African) Kids in the Netherlands

Introduction

In the Netherlands, the education system is structured to provide students with a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience. This blog post will guide you through the primary and secondary education routes, shedding light on the crucial decision-making process that shapes a student’s academic journey.

Primary Education (Basisonderwijs)

The educational voyage in the Netherlands begins at the age of four with primary education, spanning approximately eight years and divided into Groups 1-8. The pivotal years are Groups 6-8, where teachers assess each child’s educational progress, encompassing personal and academic development. Based on this assessment, the teachers provide a school advice that determines the next step in the child’s educational path.

Group 8 (Ages 11-12)

At this stage, a compulsory primary school leavers attainment test is conducted, evaluating language, arithmetic, and mathematics skills. This test result influences whether the child should enter VWO, HAVO, or VMBO.

The primary school provides the school advice before March 1st, and the students take the final attainment test between April 15 – May 15.

Attainment Test and Advice Revision

If a student’s attainment level exceeds the initial school advice, the school can reconsider the advice, potentially revising it upwards. Parents and caretakers can advocate for their child if they believe the advice should be revised upwards. The process involves:

  1. Talking to the teacher.
  2. If needed, discussing with the school director and the school board.

However, if the attainment test result aligns with or is lower than the school advice, the advice becomes definitive.

Secondary Education

VWO Diploma (Pre-University Education)

The most direct route to the university is obtaining a VWO diploma after primary school. This intensive program lasts about six years and requires a high school advice.

VMBO Diploma (Pre-Vocational Secondary Education)

The VMBO diploma typically takes four years to complete and prepares students for vocational training or further study in HAVO or MBO.

HAVO Diploma (Senior General Secondary Education)

After VMBO, students can choose to pursue a HAVO diploma for an additional five years. From there, they can continue to a university education and earn a VWO diploma.

Alternatively, students can obtain an MBO diploma after VMBO, which allows them to pursue higher professional education (University of Applied Sciences). Afterward, they may proceed to a university for their Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s degree or PhD.

Dealing with Educational Inequality

Addressing educational inequality is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for all students. Various factors contribute to this issue, including pupil background, family, school resources, neighborhood, and society.

Supporting Your Child’s Education

As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s educational journey. Here are some tips:

  1. Have high expectations for your child and encourage a positive learning attitude.
  2. Foster Dutch language skills, as they are vital in every school subject.
  3. Maintain good communication with the primary school and teachers.
  4. Attend parent evenings and discuss the school advice early on.
  5. Talk to your child about their interests and school preferences.
  6. Visit open days of secondary schools together with your child to explore options.
  7. Research and understand which education type best suits your child’s needs and aspirations.

By understanding the Dutch education routes and actively participating in your child’s educational development, you can help them pave the way to a bright and successful future.

Resources:

Materials that promote self-awareness, identity, confidence for African kids whilst learning can be found in the link below:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dutch education system provides diverse pathways for students to pursue their passions and interests. With your active involvement and support, your child can flourish and make the most of the educational opportunities available to them.

Final Notes

This blog post was culled from our July 2023 Virtual Coffee Chat on same topic held on July 14, 2023. You can access the replay via our community hub on Circle. Replays are only open to myNigeria.NL community members and if you are not one yet, you can become one now by signing up here. It’s free with loads of benefits. Learn more here

Additional Notes
Daycares and school for the kids can be arranged when you arrive because you have to put them on the waiting list . Search for schools close to your area but if your kids are four upward I think you need to wait till you come because they have to also enroll them to learn Dutch before going to school.

And I hope you will enjoy the Netherlands

Leave a Reply