My eldest son is at school today, as usual, but it’s his last day in primary school. After the school holiday he starts in voortgezet onderwijs. That’s secondary school to you and me. Starting secondary school in the Netherlands is a whole new ball game for this Turning Dutch mother! I didn’t go through the Dutch school system, so everything is new.
Dutch Primary School System
A year ago I wrote Help! We’re About to Navigate the Dutch Secondary Education System. The year has flown by and my son has made his choice, been accepted and is now ‘celebrating’ his last day in his basisschool.
Dutch children may start primary school at age four. At aged five education is compulsory and all children must then start primary school. Dutch kids are generally twelve when they leave the primary system and head off to secondary school.
So it’s been eight years of primary school for my son. It’s actually his third primary school, but we saved the best for last so I know he has mixed feelings about leaving.
His first school was a horrible experience, and he started a new school going in to group 3.
Then we moved to the east of the country and he started in a wonderful village school. He’s finished his primary school education on a high for sure.
So I can tell you first hand that not all Dutch primary schools are created equally and whilst a change of schools may seem dramatic at the time, it can do a child the world of good.
Preparation for Starting Secondary School in the Netherlands
There’s been a kennismaking afternoon. My son has met his mentor, and his classmates. We are awaiting a list of supplies on a website, but have a secondary list of other essentials. An agenda has been ordered. And I have attended an incredibly helpful evening about how to help a child with the transition from primary to secondary school.
We’ve done just about all the preparation we can do. Now it’s just the six week summer holiday before starting.
Farewell Basisschool, Hello Middelbare School
So today is his last day. There’s a party this evening. I know it will be emotional. It’s our first son who’s leaving primary school so it’s a new experience for us.
But I also know that my son is ready for his next challenge. He’s really looking forward to starting his middelbare school in September, despite also being nervous.
He’ll be starting a VWO TTO course – a bilingual course with Dutch and English. Raising him bilingually has totally paid off! I’m delighted with his choice and he’s excited about it. Win-win.
Meanwhile, I’m packing tissues away in my bag for this evening…….
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