High school

After graduating from primary school around the age of 12 students enter secondary education or High School. Depending on the skill level and interest of the student there is a different structure compared to Primary school.

Structure

  • General Secondary Education (ASO, Ensignement Secondaire Général) is a very broad education trajectory which prepares student for higher education (University-College and Universities)

    • Possible directions include (combinations of): ancient Greek and Latin, Modern Languages (stressing French and Dutch, English, German, and sometimes optional Spanish), Sciences (chemistry, physics, biology and geography), Mathematics, Economics, and Human Sciences (psychology, sociology, media)

  • Technical Secondary Education (TSO, Ensignement Secundaire Technique) has it's focus more on technical aspect and prepares students for both the job market or higher education depending on the course/trajectory the student is taking.

    • The TSO is divided into two groups of education again: TTK and STK.
    • The TTK courses focus more on technical aspects, the STK courses focus more on practical matters. Both offer a general education in mathematics, languages, history, science, and geography, but mostly not on the same level as ASO courses. Lessons have a less theoretical, but more technical and practical approach. Once students have completed all six years they are either ready for the job market (STK courses mostly) or continue to study (TTK courses mostly).
    • The continued studies could be a seventh specialization year (mostly STK students take this as an option), or studying for a bachelor's or master's degree. Possible directions include several office management-like directions, practical ICT, tourism, health, teaching, trade, practical engineering or communications.

  • Vocational Secondary Education (BSO, Ensignement Secondaire Professional) is very practical and very job specific education. After completing a 6 year course, the student is ready to work in the jobs market, unless he wants to continue in higher education he has to study an extra year to access to field.

    • Afterwards, several directions offer seventh, sometimes eighth, specialisation years. Possible directions include carpentry, car mechanics, jewellery or masonry. BSO is the only type of secondary education that does not qualify students to pursue higher education. If the student chooses to follow the optional 7th (and sometimes 8th) year, they will receive a diploma of the same level as a TSO diploma, which does allow them to pursue higher education.

  • List of Flemish speaking high schools

  • List of French speaking high schools

What should Ahmadi students choose?

Ahmadi boys and girls should only aim for excellence, therefore TSO/Enseignement Secondaire Technique and ASO/Enseignement Secondaire Général are ideal to prepare them for higher education. However they should also be able to follow their passion/interet so parents should encourage their children to increase their interests in areas that have great potential. This wil help them become a very valuable member of society and become the best in their field of interest.