How do Dutch kids go to school?

Most Dutch kids go to a primary school and later a secondary school that is located in their own neighbourhood, so they can walk or bike to school. In most municipalities, you can choose a school yourself, but in Amsterdam for example, you have school districts.

How does schooling work in the Netherlands?

Children in the Netherlands get 8 years of primary education, 4, 5 or 6 years of secondary education (depending on the type of school). After secondary school they can go on to vocational education or higher education.

What is a typical Dutch school day?

Pupils attend school Monday through Friday. School hours in primary school are from 8:30 to 15:00 with an hour-long lunch at 12:00. Wednesdays are half-days and children go home at 12:00. School hours for secondary school students start at 8:30 until about 16:00–17:00, depending on the day's schedule.

Do Dutch kids go home for lunch?

Children are required to go to school 5 days a week. School hours may vary from school to school. Primary schools do not have cafeterias; children have to bring their own lunch to school or go home for lunch.

Do kids in the Netherlands have homework?

🎒 At most Dutch primary schools, kids will have regular homework starting from 6th grade (age 9). This homework won't be daily, but once or twice a week. Dutch primary school homework is often something your child can do without your help.

The Dutch School System explained

How long is a school day in Netherlands?

Usually, school starts between 8:30 and 8:45, and ends between 15:00 and 15:15. There is a lunch break for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, during which the children can either go home or have lunch at school (overblijven/TSO). For the children who stay at school, an additional fee (overblijfgeld) has to be paid.

Is school in the Netherlands hard?

The Dutch education system compared to the American is a bit more relaxed in regards to class assignments but more strict in regards to grading. It's often difficult to attain high marks, and you get fewer assignments than you would in an American school.

Why are Dutch children so well-behaved?

According to the study, Dutch infants' relatively calm demeanor were due in part to a more regulated sleep schedule and lower intensity activities. American parents are known to emphasize the importance of stimulation, exposing their children to a wide variety of new experiences.

How do Dutch parents discipline their child?

Dutch parents give freedom but also make rules

Dutch parents are known to be less strict than parents in other countries. Little is punished and certainly not beaten. You see this in the way the Dutch children are allowed to play outside. Children are welcome to play in the streets on their own.

What do Dutch kids eat for breakfast?

For the typical Dutch child, breakfast is a glass of milk with bread, unsalted butter and most importantly, hagelslag “hailstorm” – sweet sprinkles that come in multiple flavours (chocolate, fruit, anise), shapes and sizes. My local supermarket has half an aisle devoted to them.

Do the Dutch work 4 days a week?

Although the Netherlands doesn't officially work a 4 day week, it's the a norm for many people, especially working moms. According to government statistics, 86% of employed moms worked less than 35 hours per week. 12% of working fathers also worked low hours compared to other countries.

What Dutch eat in a day?

Dutch food culture is heavily based on meat, bread and potatoes. It is not unusual for the Dutch to eat bread in the morning and afternoon, and end the day with potatoes, vegetables and meat.

Are schools free in Netherlands?

In the Netherlands parents do not pay school fees for primary education, but schools may ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of extracurricular activities. Parents also pay for BSO (out-of-school care) and TSO (lunchtime supervision).

How good is the Dutch education system?

The Netherlands also scores highly for equity in education opportunities, and Dutch universities typically score well in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Children can begin primary school after turning four and education is compulsory from the age of five.

What age do Dutch people go to university?

The Dutch start the “middelbare school” (high school) at about the age of about 11 - 12 years old. For university this generally takes 6 years: when they are about 17 - 18 years old. They then start at the university for their bachelor degree.

What country has the best school system?

1. United States of America. The United States has the best education system in the world. A significant number of international students, totalling 1,057,000, have been enrolled in universities in the USA last year.

What is the Dutch style of parenting?

From the moment their children are born, Dutch parents are advised to provide “rust, reinheid, regelmaat,” which roughly translates to “rest, cleanliness, and structure.” Dutch children are consistently given a clear daily schedule that allows for plenty of naps for the little ones and prioritizes stability.

What do Dutch children call their mother?

Dutch: Moeder or Mam.

What is typical Dutch Behaviour?

Dutch people are quite direct in their contact with others and use ample eye contact. In fact, they are direct to the point of seeming rude or unsociable, although it is rarely intended that way. The Dutch are okay with verbal conflict and they don't fear that confrontation may damage a relationship.

What is considered rude in Dutch?

Basic Etiquette

It is considered rude to keep people waiting. It is polite to cover your mouth when yawning. It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum. Knock before entering a room if the door is shut.

What is Dutch kissing?

Dutch greetings (not corona time)

In informal, more personal situations, women kiss each other and men on the cheek three times (right-left-right). Men between men usually only shake hands.

What country has the happiest kids?

All of these factors lead to happy children, and other countries could learn a lot from how the Dutch raise such happy kids. According to a recent UNICEF report, the Netherlands ranks 1st in child wellbeing out of several dozen countries studied, with Denmark and Norway following in the rankings.

Why is Dutch education so good?

The quality of Dutch higher education is well-recognised. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries. Also, there are lots of scholarship opportunities. The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred.

What is the GCSE equivalent in the Netherlands?

GCSEs are a UK qualification typically taken two years before A Levels. For applicants from the Netherlands, we accept the VWO as the equivalent qualification for both A Level and GCSE, however we ask for a lower grade to meet the GCSE requirement.

Is school expensive in Netherlands?

The Dutch government funds primary, secondary, vocational and higher education in the Netherlands. Education is therefore mostly free. However, students and their families are usually required to pay some additional fees. Different costs apply to students at private schools, which set their own tuition fees.