In the first three years of secondary education, schools can to a large extent decide for themselves how to translate the established core objectives into educational programs. The level of the first three learning years at our school is such that students can make a good transition to the upper school and have a solid foundation for the final examination program. The coherence between the subjects and the relevance of what is learned to the world around us is expressed in good coordination between the subject sections and in the subject-transcending projects and extra curricular activities (see chapter 2).
The bridge classes are divided into havo classes, havo/vwo classes, atheneum classes, gymnasium classes and a gymnasium-plus class. A condition for placement in an atheneum or gymnasium bridge class is a vwo recommendation from the elementary school. In the gymnasium-plus class, additional challenges are offered to more- and highly gifted students. These students have a test report or test data that shows that they are gifted or more gifted.
We deliberately try to keep these classes small, so that the teachers have plenty of attention for the student. Entrance is possible with at least a havo recommendation.
Do you have a vwo recommendation and do not want to take classical languages? Then the atheneum bridge class is a good choice.
In the gymnasium class, students can be introduced to the subject of Latin in two lessons per week. Moreover, in these lessons, much attention is paid to various aspects of classical culture. However, the possibility remains for all bridge class students - including those who have not taken Latin - to choose gymnasium after the bridge class, provided they have been promoted to vwo 2. For these students, there is a catch-up Latin program. Greek classes begin in gymnasium 2.
More- or highly gifted students may be placed in the GymnasiumPlus class based on appropriate test data. These students are offered a more challenging curriculum with subjects such as programming & design and philosophy. Students in the GymnasiumPlus class move more quickly through the regular curriculum.
Students with a havo/vwo recommendation are admitted to this class.Students are given two years to explore which level best suits them: havo or vwo.
This class focuses on formative practice and testing within the regular testing policy and curriculum. Based on teacher feedback and test results, a good picture of the student's level can be formed. Students are given the opportunity for supervised homework at school. After the second grade, students advance to 3 havo or 3 vwo.
