More and more primary school students are repeating classes - what does that mean for the future?

More and more primary school students are repeating classes - what does that mean for the future?

The summer holidays are just around the corner in Cologne and with them the distribution of certificates. This is the beginning of an exciting time for many students. For some little ones, it is even the first certificate they have held in their hands. But not all children were able to leave their first years of school behind them without any problems. There is a trend particularly evident in the Rhein-Sieg district: more and more students in the first two grades are repeating the school entry phase. In many places, this affects both the first and second school years, which is colloquially often referred to as “sitting down”, even if it is not officially called that. In fact, the NRW School Law stipulates that the first two years of school are considered the school entrance phase, which can be completed in one, two or even three years.

A look at the background shows that an increasing number of children in North Rhine-Westphalia are having difficulty mastering the requirements of the school entry phase. According to the current report from ga.de it shows that more and more parents and schools are opting for longer school years. This is often a direct response to the challenges that come with the first few years in the school system. In this context, the NRW School Act regulates the important aspects of the school framework.

School entrance phase in North Rhine-Westphalia

The school entry phase, which we focus on in the Rhein-Sieg district, is a special time for children of primary school age. This is about laying the foundation for a successful school career. But reality shows that the path is not the same for every child. Many students need more time to learn the basic skills they need in elementary school. The decision to extend the school entry phase to up to three years is no longer uncommon. Statistically, this is happening to more and more children in the region, which has become a growing trend in recent years.

In the first two classes, which are subject to compulsory schooling in accordance with Section 34 of the North Rhine-Westphalia School Act, the challenge is particularly that both social and academic skills are required. Schools have a duty to create a good environment in which every child receives individual support. The effects of this problem often only become apparent when the certificates are distributed, which is a situation that should not be underestimated and is often emotionally charged for parents and teachers.

Right to education and support

A central aspect of the school law is the right to education and the individual support of each student. Teachers are required to take the support of every child seriously and to design school conditions in such a way that they can meet the requirements. Special achievements, but also challenges, are taken into account in the school relationship, which also requires parents to be involved. This is how we all get to a point where the common goal is that every child receives the optimal support to be able to learn successfully.

The upcoming summer holidays could not only represent a break for many students, but also an opportunity for reorientation and learning at their own pace. What happens next in schools – and whether the trends will continue in the next school years – remains exciting to watch. One thing is certain: the dialogue between parents, teachers and schools must be intensified in order to create optimal conditions for the children. After all, the little ones are the focus and they are our future.