The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-05-11
GERMANYS SCHOOLS.
TIE GRADES IN THE EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM OF THE EMPIRE.

Social and Scholastic Distinctions Rigidiy
Enforced - Vigorous Discipline Main
taiucd -- Poiiioness Toward Teachers.
The switch ~ ~ Assisiant-Had Marks.
Private schools arc but few in Germany
compared to their number in this country,
and most parents send their children TO
the government schools These are
divided into various kinds. according to
the studies and 10 the social conditions Of
the students-gymnasia. attended by boys
who propose pursuing classic studies real
schools. devoted to mathematics and eco
nomicai studies rather than 10 classics
Uhe word "real-studien" means essential,
economical or polytechnical studles); higher
burger schools tciiizens' schoOlsl whore
the prices for attendance are even smaller
thsn the very modest ones paid in tho two
first named, lower burger schools, for sons
Of still less wealthy people, and. at last
free schools. whose students pay no;hin.
Tho girls have higher daughter schools
where the instruction and prices are high
est. though the latter are very moderate,
indeed Next ia rank are the plain
daughter schools. while such young
ladies as cannot pay any school money at
all attend. like their brothers, those
ANONYMOUSLY called free schools.
SOCIAL DISTRACTIONS
TouSec. there is most orthodox dis
tinction between higher daughters" and
the girls who must be satisfied with being
! "daughtcrs" without the adjective There
being but slight difference between the
extent and number of studios taught In
either kind OF school, it is plain that the
distinction made IS caused by social pre-
judice The students Of the gymnasa are
never at peace with those of the real
schools. but admit them 20 be their equals
/ They treat the boys of the burger schools
with contempt. and this without going
/ into the details Of higher or lower. But
Tor gymnasiast 10 walk with or tail, 10 a
boy Of "A free school. or to have anything
to do with him. except fighting. would be
considered by parents. teachers and com.
pauions rs unbocoming and Extensively
low conduct The girls too. have pro
uouuccd opinions rs to the proper sphere
for higher daughter" or for lower"
one. or for ono who is neither higher uOr
lower. but so exceedingly poor rs to bo
called free Free from pride and pre-
JUDGE. suppose
German boy enters the lowest class
Of the gymnasium, called "Scx,a. when
lie is about years of age. The next class
is called "Quinta. then "QUarta. Ter
tia. "Secunda" and "Prima' When he
has toiled through all If these he tries to
pass the 7cry difficult "Abiturientcn ex-
amen lie has now az exclusive aad
thorough educatlnn. ana may enter a uni
yesslty If he has successfully passed the
examination he is then allowed 10 become
soldier TIA. Is 10 say, he would have
10 join the ARM anyw1y but when he has
attended the gymnasium or real school up
to "Secunda. he 'n,ers the ranks as =
volunteer. being ony compelled toserye
during one year and IN Germany 10 be
forced to be A solder for no longer than
one year may be considered equal to youn
teerlng tn ily other COUNTRY
RIGOROUS DISCIPLINE
have mentioned he rigorous discipline
of German schoo,a This discipline can be-
maintlinsd ou-y by the cooperation Of he
parents with he teachers well regu
lated system )t reward and punishment.
with a careful surveillance, holds the boys |
under control II 4 parent does not agree |
with some Of the Severe penalties inflicted /
upon the boy his son IS apt to be expelled !
for fear II his undermining the discipline !
School begins about q. N At five min |
utes past that hour the doors are closed |
and those who arc tate arc not admitted. |
but punished tho neY. dag The boys |
await their teachers in their respective !
class rooms When the teacher enters |
they all rise as one boy and never think |
Of sitting down before the teacher motions |
them 10 do so When he leaves they 20 |
through the same ceremony When boy /
is asked a question he rises aud remains !
standing until he is through 40 student
dare to omit lifting his cap when meeting
any teacher of the school on the street
The teachers Of all classes up to "Tcrtia
age furnished with reed or switch. which
is a cheap and ever ready assistant y
refractory boy Is ordered to stretch his
hand ont. the palm upward and before he
knows it he has got such a whack as viii
beat an entire Latin grammar at ouce iuto
his head
It is not invariably through the hand.
however. that science and literature are
made to enter n boys brain Some teach
er- consider the ears to be the best me
dunn while Others give preference to the
bows backs as presenting the broadest
surface Bad marks are gives as the
liehtest punishment. with the silent I'm
derstanding that two Of them be equal TO
one thrashing When boy Is kept in
after schootimc his parents are at once |,
notified Of tho fact Not unfrcQucutly
parent gets notice that his sen Is 10 stay
at school. not for a certain number of
hours. but Of days Every school has
Jail. called Career" From one 70 eight
- H. . d. -.hoo4 ,,;..,, 10 81 ,,.rr,f.h |