Certificate of primary education (Abschlusszeugnis der Grundschule)

Certificate issued at the end of primary education, either at the end of the sixth year in primary school, the first or even the second year in secondary school or by passing a special examination by the central Examination Board of the German-speaking Community (“Prüfungsausschuss der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft).

Certificate of upper secondary education (Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts)

This leaving certificate is issued on successful completion of the sixth year in general and technical secondary education or of the seventh year in vocational secondary education and gives admission to higher education. This certificate also can be awarded by the central Examination Board of the German-speaking Community (“Prüfungsausschuss der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft).

Certificate of lower secondary education (Abschlusszeugnis der Unterstufe des Sekundarunterrichts)

Certificate issued on successful completion of the third yeat in general and technical secondary education or of the fourth year in vocational education. This certificate also can be granted by the central Examination Board of the German-speaking Community (“Prüfungsausschuss der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft).

Activity Plan (Aktivitätenplan)

Plan that lists the educational activities that serve to achieve development goals in the Kindergarten.

General education qualifications (Allgemeinbildende Qualifikationen)

Qualifications that aimed on further training and academic studies. They include action competence in one or more general training-or study-related knowledge fields.

General Education (allgemein bildender Unterricht)

One of the three education forms in secondary education. General education prepares pupils for higher education and gives also the opportunity to begin professional life.

Alternating (alternierend)

This work-board training tales place in an alterning form between school and workplace. It’s mainly provided in form of apprenticeship in the training centres of the Institute for Training and Re training in SME’s but also in the third stage of secondary education (qualification stream).

Recognised Qualification (Anerkannte Qualifikation)

A general education qualification or vocational qualification conferred or recognized by the German Community Government.

Adaptation class (Anpassungsklasse) (1.B-Klasse, 1.B)

A first school year in a differentiated first stage in secondary education is proposed mainly for those pupils who had difficulties in completing primary education. There, an appropriate education is provided, preparing them – possibly in a subsequent second year 2.B – for better transition to the second stage in secondary (vocational) education.

Labour office (Arbeitsamt)

The German-speaking Community has its own Labour Office, which is responsible for the placement of workers, for programs for training and retraining of workers and unemployed people.

Training activities (Ausbildungsaktivitäten)

General term for theoretical subjects, lessons, practical work, laboratory work, teaching activities, individual work, which are applied to the student or students, and internships.

Training providers (Ausbildungsträger)

All bodies governed by public or private law, which have an educational goal and are recognized by the German-speaking Community.

Extracurricular Activity (Außerschulische Aktivität)

An event that is organized by an educational institution or where it participates, that meets a general or specialized educational purpose, that takes place during the school year and where pupils or students who are enrolled in the relevant educational institution participate, generally accompanied by caregivers. This event is not an integral part of the study program

Autonome Hochschule

Only higher education institution in the German-speaking Community.

Autonomy (Autonomie)

The ability and willingness of the individual to act independently, proactively and responsibly in changing working, living and learning situations, to reflect on its own and the actions of others and to develop its own capacity and cooperation with others.

Certificate of professional qualification (Befähigungsnachweis)

This certificate of professional qualification is issued on successful completion of the sixth year in technical or of the sixth and seventh year in vocational secondary education and gives access to employment. Other qualification certificates stipulate particular knowledge and skills.

Qualification stream (Befähigungsunterricht)

One of the two streams in the 2nd and 3rd stage of secondary education (in opposition the transition stream “Übergangsunterricht”). This qualification stream (with options in technical and in vocational education forms) aims mainly at preparing young people to enter the job market whilst keeping open the option of continuing to study in higher education.

Observation stage (Beobachtungsstufe)

First stage of two years in secondary education, offering a large common spectrum of basic knowledge and skills as well as a preparation to the options in the next stage.

Job-related skills (Berufsbezogene Qualifikationen)

Qualifications that aim the pursuit of a profession and the entry into the work world. They include action competence in one or more specific employment-related fields of activity.

Vocational education (berufsbildender Unterricht)

One of the three forms in upper secondary education (stage 3 and 3). Options in vocational education belong to the so-called “Befähigungsunterricht” (qualification stream in secondary education) preparing pupils to a practical profession in trade, industry or craftsmanship for instance. The other two forms in secondary education being General Education (allgemeinbildender Unterricht) and Technical Education (technischer Unterricht).

Destination stage (Bestimmungsstufe)

Third stage of secondary education. At the beginning of this stage, a pupil definitely chooses his course of study, which allows him to complete his secondary education and to obtain the upper secondary education final certificate (Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts).

Paid educational leave (Bildungsurlaub)

 Under certain conditions, full-time workers in the private sector can take paid leave to expand their general or professional knowledge.

DG : German-speaking Community of Belgium (Deutschsprachige Gemeinschaft Belgiens)

One of the three autonomous Communities of Belgium, each of them having – since Belgium became a federal state – an own Parliament and a Government, allowing them to develop an own policy in important competence fields. DG is now replaced by Ostbelgien.

Teaching material (Didaktisches Material)

Tools for the design of teaching such as printed materials, educational software, looking and exercises tools, with exclusion of durable goods such as furniture and equipment.

Differentiated 1st stage (Differenzierte 1. Stufe)

In the first stage, called the observation level, a distinction exists between a general level and a slightly differentiated stage in which a first adjustment year and a second so-called vocational Current Year (actually a preparatory year for entry into the 2nd stage of vocational education) are offered to pupils with specific learning difficulties.

Dual training (Duale Erstausbildung)

Initial training at level of short cycle higher education at a higher education institution, combined with practical training in a company, which is organized in cooperation with one or more other government-approved training providers.

Development Goals (Entwicklungsziele)

Goals, which are aimed at kindergarten in the field of knowledge, perception, skills and behaviour.

Initial education (Erstausbildung)

Continued training to secondary education, which is located at the level of the supplementary vocational secondary education in the field nursing or at the level of short cycle higher education. Initial education ends with a study certificate.

Guardians (Erziehungsberechtigte)

Persons who exercise by law or a court order parental authority over the child or young person.

Discipline (Fachbereich)

Grouping of subjects that are placed in the context of content.

Subject curricula (Fachcurricula)

Parts of the school's curriculum, developed by subject or department. They ensure the vertical continuity. It secure the horizontal continuity by approaches for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching connective.

Professional competence (Fachkompetenz)

The proven ability of the individual to use contiguously his knowledge and his skills for appropriate expert, guided and targeted methods addressing specific requirements and tasks in certain work or study situations.

Knowledge (Fachwissen)

The knowledge of job-related issues. It involves an understanding of subject-specific issues and contexts and refers to one or more professional areas.

Distance learning (Fernstudium)

Study, which is designed almost exclusively through media and in which the student is not required to reside at the place where the study is located.

Promotion Conference (Förderkonferenz)

Meeting of the guardians and the representatives of the general and special school, who set promotion goals and incentives as well as the funding and the place of support of a child or young people with special educational needs.

Promotion site (Förderort)

Regular or special school at which the pupil with special education needs is given.

Educational promotion measures (Förderpädagogische Maßnahmen)

Differentiated and individualized teaching and educational measures that correspond to the respective needs of a pupil.

Promotion portfolio (Förderportfolio)

Documentation of all relevant information for the promotion of the pupil. These are particularly diagnostic reports, information on the state of development of the pupil, certificates, documents and evidence of the educational and therapeutic measures that have been taken so far.

Special Education Institution (Förderschule)

Educational institution of special education, which is led by a school head and where the pupils are completely or partially taught based on a study program that has been laid down or approved by the government.

Formative evaluation (Formative Evaluation)

This type of assessment of the individual student, taking into account their abilities, skills, learning pace, as well as their weaknesses, facilitates not only diagnosis and ongoing support but also assistance and guidance. It helps the teacher to tailor their instruction to each student and to guide the student in reviewing and, if necessary, changing their work methods and time management.

Free Subsidised Education System: FSUW (Freies Subventioniertes Unterrichtswesen)

It is the network of recognized and subsidized private schools under public law, whose school authorities can be one or more private individuals, a religious community, an association, or a private law company. They can have a confessional or a non-confessional character. In the DG, all FSUW schools are so-called 'free' Catholic schools that are affiliated with the umbrella organization of Catholic education and are largely subsidized by the budget of the German-speaking community

Communities (Gemeinschaften)

Communities are official corporations in federalized Belgium. The three communities are: the Flemish Community, the French Community, and the German-speaking Community. The communities have their own parliament and government. Their competencies lie in the areas of culture, language, education and training, as well as in personal matters.

Health promotion (Gesundheitsförderung)

According to the understanding of the World Health Organization, it is a concept that focuses on analyzing and strengthening the health resources and potentials of individuals at all societal levels. It aims to empower people to increase their control over the factors that influence their health (health determinants) and thereby improve their health. Health promotion is a complex social and health policy approach that explicitly includes both the improvement of health-related lifestyles (health actions) and the improvement of health-related living conditions

Fundamental decree (Grundlagendekret)

Decree of August 31, 1998, on the responsibilities of school authorities and school staff, as well as on the general educational and organizational provisions for regular schools.

Primary school (Grundschule)

A school that provides either exclusively primary education or both primary and preschool education, has one or more branches, and is under the leadership of a school principal.

Community Education System (GUW Gemeinschaftsunterrichtswesen)

The education network organized by the Ministry of the German-speaking Community. The school authority of the GUW schools is the Minister of Education representing the government.

Home schooling (Hausunterricht)

Instruction provided to school-age children that is organized and financed by the parents or guardians themselves.

Higher education system of shorter duration (Hochschulwesen kurzer Studiendauer)

Which is situated at the university level and consists of a cycle, where a cycle encompasses all training activities spread over a minimum of 3 years.

IAWM Institue for training and continuing education in small and medium-sized entreprises

Institute for Training and Continuing Education in Small and Medium- Sized Enterprises.

Industry apprenticeship (Industrielehre)

An alternating form of training, comparable to the apprenticeship contract in the medium-sized training system, but here in collaboration between school and industry.

Integration project (Intergrationsprojekt)

Education of a student with special educational needs in a regular school using individually determined personnel, material, and special educational-didactic support resources.

Informal learning contexts (Informelle Lernkontexte)

The unstructured learning in relation to learning objectives, learning time, or learning support that takes place in everyday life, in professional practice, in volunteer work, within the family, or during leisure time.

Kaleido (Kaleido)

Center for the Healthy Development of Children and Adolescents.

Core competencie (Kernkompetenzen)

Essential objectives in the subject or subject area that serve as the starting point for formulating competency expectations.

Kindergarten (Kindergarten)

Preschool level for children aged three to six years, always affiliated with a primary school and forming the elementary school together with it.

Class (Klasse)

A specific group of students who are taught together. This group of students can consist of students from the same grade level or from multiple grade levels.

Class council (Klassenrat)

The school principal and all teachers of a specific class form the class council, which evaluates a student's performance and makes a decision regarding their admission to the next year or the next level.

Competencies (Kompetenzen)

Ability to act efficiently in relation to a group of related situations; mastering these situations requires, on one hand, the necessary knowledge and, on the other hand, the ability to reflect on this knowledge in terms of recognizing and solving real problems and to implement it in concrete actions at the appropriate time; the competencies can be both subject-specific and interdisciplinary.

Competency expectations (Kompetenzerwartungen)

The learning outcomes to be achieved that students must acquire at a specific point in time to ensure successful further learning; these are considered minimum requirements that must be met by each student.

Contact study (Kontaktstudium)

Instruction that takes place in direct contact between the instructor and the student. The student, therefore, remains at the location where the instruction is provided.

Art classes (Künstlerischer Unterricht)

One of the possible forms of teaching in transitional education in the 2nd and 3rd stages of secondary education, with a focus on art. This form of teaching is not currently organized in the German-speaking community.

Cultural institutions (Kulturträger)

A religious authority recognized by the federal state.

Syllabus (Lehrplan)

Plan that contains the competencies, content and information described in the framework plans for designing a specific subject or subject area in primary or secondary school.

Apprenticeship contract (Lehrvertrag)

The dual training offered by the IAWM in small and medium-sized companies in the form of a contract. The vocational training takes place at the workplace, while general and vocational theoretical courses are offered at training centers. The 'apprenticeship' is completed with the journeyman's certificate.

Newly arrived students (Neuankommende Schüler)

Pupils who fulfill the following conditions:
a) they are between 3 and 18 years old, they do not speak the language of instruction and they reside or are permanently resident in one of the nine municipalities of the German-speaking area or the school or department in which they wish to enroll is the nearest educational institution;
b) - they have applied for recognition of refugee statusor have been recognized as refugees in accordance with the provisions of the law of December 15, 1980 on entry into the country, residence,settlement and deportation of foreign nationals, or
- they are accompanied by a person who has applied for recognition of refugee status or has been recognized as a refugee in accordance with the provisions of the same law of December 15, 1980, or
- they have applied for recognition of the status of a stateless personor have been recognized as such, or
- they come from a developing country, as mentioned in Article 2, point 3,of the Act of 25 May 1999 on Belgian internationalcooperation, or from an emerging country officially supported by theDevelopment Assistance Committee of the OECD;
c) they have been enrolled in a school in the German-speaking community since February 1 of the year preceding the previous year at the earliest. The government can add further countries to those mentioned in paragraph 1, no. 1, letter b, fourth indent,
if they are experiencing a particular crisis.

Non-formal learning contexts (Nicht formale Lernkontexte)

Systematic and purposeful learning in terms of learning objectives, learning duration and learning tools,
which does not take place in recognized educational or vocational training institutions and does not lead to a recognized certification.

Normative Evaluation

This assessment is a kind of record of the knowledge and skills (key competencies) that the student has acquired within a certain period and must have acquired in order to be promoted or to receive a leaving certificate.

Certificate of enrollment (Orientierungsbescheinigung)

In secondary education, there are three different orientation certificates, which largely determine the student's future career: A = successfully passed. B = successfully passed, but with restrictions on the options or fields of study in the next year or in the following level. C = not passed, will not be admitted to the next year or next level.

Orientation stage (Orientierungstufe)

Second stage of secondary education in 'type I', which is characterized by the fact that the focus shifts from common general subjects to options. It is at this stage that the division between 'transition' and 'qualification' takes place.

Official Subsidised Education System OSUW (Offizielles Subventioniertes Unterrichtswesen)

It is the teaching network of schools that are organized by a public-law school authority that is not the community and are subsidized by that community. In the German-speaking community, only municipal schools belong to this network of the OSUW.

Department of Education of the Ministry (Pädagogische Dienststelle des Ministeriums)

Department of Education of the Ministry: Department within the Ministry (abbreviated in German to PDM), in which members of the teaching staff are either exempt from teaching duties to perform coordination tasks in the pedagogical field or work as inspectors in the 'Pedagogical Inspection and Advice' and work closely together on matters of further and continuing education, its planning and implementation.

Educational inspectorate (Pädagogischen Inspektion)

Department of Education of the Ministry: In view of the relatively small number of schools, the government of the DG has set up its own supervisory and support structure, which does not correspond to the traditional specialist inspectorate. The 'Pedagogical Inspection and Guidance', in which 4 to 6 teachers with an inspection and guidance mandate have been working so far, fulfils specific mandates given to it by the responsible minister.

School council (Pädagogischer Rat)

A participation committee to be set up by each school board in each school, consisting of consists of the headmaster, the representative of the school authority and at least five members of the teaching and educational staff. This council has the right to information and consultation in all pedagogical matters and in all matters concerning the organization of the school. Among other things, it is responsible for the school's own educational project, for organizing internal evaluation of the school and for continuous professional development.

The Parliament of the German-speaking Community (PDG)

It is made up of 25 representatives directly elected by the population of the German-speaking
area and entitled to vote, as well as 10 non-voting mandataries who have been elected to other state bodies (Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Provincial Council).

Personal competence (Personale Kompetenz)

The abilities and personality traits of the individual that influence his or her actions and enable him or her to develop, test and shape his or her own professional, cultural and social identity independently, responsibly and methodically in the respective labor market or social context.

Psycho-Medical-Social Center PMS (Psycho-Medizinisch-Soziales Zentrum)

Extracurricular support structure in each of the three “school networks”, which works closely with the schools. The task of a PMS center is to advise and support the schools, pupils and parents in psychological, medical and social matters free of charge. It is also responsible for providing information and advice on study and career orientation.

Portfolio

Collection of reflected experiences, teaching materials, analyzed video, diary and teaching protocol recordings, reports on collaboration with experts and the like. It is always the result of a longer period of theoretical and practical engagement with a professional skill.

Prevention (Prävention)

The prevention of developmental disorders and diseases by means of preventive measures to eliminate causes and risks, through early detection and early intervention or by avoiding the further development of an existing disorder or disease. In general, a distinction is made between primary, secondary and tertiary prevention: primary prevention contributes to the prevention of developmental disorders or diseases by strengthening resources and reducing stress developmental disorders or diseases, secondary prevention aims to intervene in the development process of a developmental disorder or disease through early detection and adequate early treatment, and thus to positively influence the course of the disorder or disease, and tertiary prevention aims to prevent relapses and chronification.

Primary school Primarschule

It comprises the first six years of compulsory education and is generally aimed at 6- to 12-year-old children.

Audit committee (Prüfungsausschuss)

The examination boards of the German-speaking community conduct secondary school examinations for the acquisition of school certificates that have the same value as the respective leaving certificates. From 1999, the primary school leaving certificate can also be awarded by the examination board.

Qualification (Qualifikation)

The formal result of a comprehensible assessment and validation process, in which a competent institution has determined and certified that the individual learning outcomes meet predetermined standards.

Qualifications framework (Qualifikationsrahmen)

A tool for systematically describing and classifying qualifications according to competency levels.

Core curricula (Rahmenpläne)

 Compulsory frameworks that formulate requirements for teaching and learning in schools; these include, among other things, core competencies, competency expectationsand references to competency expectations; the latter describeinterim goals for the various levels in primary and secondary school thatrepresent important stages in competency development.

Mainstream school (Regelschule)

General education and training institutions under the direction of a head teacher, in which pupils follow a study program set or approved by the government, where the teaching objectives may be adapted for pupils with special educational needs.

Regions (Regionen)

In addition to the three communities, the three regions are also constituent parts
constituent parts of the federal state of Belgium. The regions are primarily responsible for policies in areas closely related to the management and administration of the territory. The regions should not be confused with the communities. The three regions are the Flemish Region (or Flanders), the Walloon Region (or Wallonia) and the Brussels-Capital Region.

School (Schule)

An educational institution under the direction of a principal where pupils are taught according to a program of studies that has been determined or approved by the government, although the educational objectives may be adapted for pupils with special educational needs.

School level (Schulebene)

The division of the regular and special education system into kindergarten, primary school and secondary school.

School-internal curriculum (Schulinternes Curriculum)

Part of the school project, which is developed by the school community in an internal continuous examination of the framework and the school's internal development priorities, as a response by the individual school to the need for quality development and review of teaching. This internal school curriculum will be evaluated and, if necessary, revised in accordance with the school's development needs within a period agreed in advance with the school management, teaching staff, educational support staff, paramedical and socio-psychological staff of the individual school and, if necessary, revised.

School education (Schulische Weiterbildung)

Educational opportunities for young people and adults who are no longer required to attend school but who wish to continue their education and/or acquire further qualifications from secondary school or university (very rarely).

School year (Schuljahr)

Period from September 1 to August 31 of the following year.

School network (Schulnetz)

Network of all schools organized by a school authority or by a grouping of different school boards. In the German-speaking community (DG), there are three school networks: the GUW (the community education system), the FSUW (the privately-owned or 'free' subsidized (Catholic) education system) and the OSUW (the officially subsidized education system organized by the municipalities).

School pact (Schulpakt)

Political agreement and law of May 29, 1959, which ended the second 'school struggle' and regulated the admission of non-governmental educational institutions and their staff to subsidies from the state.

School authority (Schulträger)

Legal or natural person who is legally responsible for the establishment, organization and administration of one or more schools and provides its own services for the maintenance of the school. Each school board belongs to one of three school networks.

Special needs education (Sonderpädagogische Förderung)

Support for pupils with special educational needs in accordance with an individual educational plan in special schools or in mainstream schools. Its aim is to support and encourage pupils with an impairment, with adjustment or learning difficulties in acquiring academic, social and civic skills. It offers pupils help and guidance in adopting values, attitudes and approaches.

Social competence (Sozialkompetenz)

The ability and willingness of individuals to pursue their own or overarching goals successfully in harmony with others in changing work, life and learning situations, as well as to work together in a communicative and cooperative manner.

Capital stock (Stellenkapital)

Number of positions a school has available.

Tuition fee (Studiengebühr)

Fee charged by the university that students must pay for the purchase and use of teaching materials, the use of buildings, facilities and equipment, and for participating in certain activities.

Academic transcripts (Studiennachweise)

The certificates required by law or regulation, which are awarded at the end of an academic year.

Study programm (Studienprogramm)

Weekly lesson plans and curricula for a class in primary school
and in secondary school.

Credit (Studienpunkt)

Credit Point: Study units expressed in hours, by means of which the scope of the
training activities of a training program and the scope of the corresponding
independent work by the student are expressed in accordance with the standard practiced uniformly throughout Europe European Credit Transfer System, abbreviated ECTS; one study point corresponds to an average workload of 26 to 30 hours of work

Level (Stufe)

Structure across years within a school level.

Allocated teaching hours (Stundenkapital)

On the basis of the number of regularly enrolled pupils, a secondary school is allocated a certain number of hours, depending on the school level and teaching method. This number of hours determines the number of teaching posts.

Technical education (technischer Unterricht)

One of three forms of teaching in secondary school. The vast majority of subjects in technical education belong to the qualification teaching and primarily prepare the student for entry into professional life, but also enable the continuation of studies at a university or university. 

Components of the school curriculum (Teilcurricula)

Parts of the internal school curriculum that are created on the basis of the school's chosen development priorities.

Part-time education (Teilzeitunterricht- TZU)

Part-time education is in contrast to full-time education and is one of the ways of meeting the compulsory education requirement (15/16 years) of compulsory education in a type of dual training (school and company).

Transition class (Übergangsklasse)

A teaching structure that allows for the reception, orientation and optimal integration of newly arrived pupils into the regular primary or
secondary school. 

Transition education (Übergangsunterricht)

One of the two types of secondary education in the 2nd and 3rd stages. In
contrast to skills training, the main aim of transition training, which is offered in the form of general and technical education, is to prepare young people for further studies at university level, without, however, excluding entry into professional life.

School network (Unterrichstnetz) 

To the GUW (Gemeinschaftsunterrichtswesen), the FSUW (Freies subventioniertes education system) or the OSUW (official subsidized education system).The school authority for the communal education system (GUW) is the Minister of Education as the representative of the government. In the DG, the school authority for the OSUW is exclusively the 9 municipalities, while the school authority for the FSUW is a private-law association of individuals.

Full-time education (Vollzeitunterricht)

This is in contrast to part-time education and concerns children in kindergarten (pre-school) and pupils up to the age of majority who, as regular pupils, attend a certain number of teaching hours (depending on the weekly timetable and level) over 182 days.

Preschool/ kindergarten (Vorschule)

Another term for kindergarten. Aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 6. Always affiliated with a primary school, forming the primary school.

Working day (Werktag) 

The weekdays Monday through Friday, with the exception of the legally established holidays.

Weekly hour grid (Wochenstundenraster) 

List of the teaching units of a subject or specialist area during a teaching week.

Center for Training and Further Education in Medium-Sized Businesses and in Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprises (ZAWM)

Center for Special Education (Zentrum für Förderpädagogik)

Merger of the special schools organized by the German-speaking community into one organizational and pedagogical unit, which is part of the community education system.

Admissions committee (Zulassungsrat)

The principal and a group of teachers form a council that decides on the admission of a student to a class, level, type of instruction or option in the secondary school.

Supplementary education (Zusatzausbildung) 

Training that builds on training in small and medium-sized enterprises, secondary education, higher education or university education and concludes with a certificate of study.