During our recent job shadowing visit to Austria as part of the Erasmus+ program, we had the opportunity to explore the structure of the Austrian school system, observe engaging lessons, and gain valuable insights into teaching practices and school culture.
Education Structure in Austria
The Austrian education system is divided into three main stages, each lasting four years. The first stage is primary school, after which students move on to either middle school or Gymnasium. The Gymnasium offers a more academically rigorous curriculum, preparing students for upper secondary education.
At the third stage, similar to the Polish system, students can choose between general secondary schools (similar to high schools), vocational schools, or technical schools. All paths eventually lead to the Matura exam – Austria’s equivalent of the final school-leaving examination. However, unlike in Poland, the content of the exam may vary depending on the type of school.
In general secondary schools, students must take eight exams, including two mandatory written tests in German and mathematics. Additionally, they choose two more written and four oral exams, which do not necessarily have to include languages.
School Life and Daily Routine
Austrian students typically spend 5–6 hours a day in academic classes such as mathematics, geography, and science. In the afternoons, they attend classes that require less intense concentration, like art and design or physical education.
Bilingual education is offered in specially designated bilingual schools where 80% of classes are taught in a foreign language. There are also CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) schools, which conduct 50% of lessons in a second language, and secondary schools where at least 30% of instruction takes place in a foreign language.
To become a teacher in Austria, one must complete a bachelor’s degree in teaching at least two subjects. This qualifies them to teach younger students. For older students, a master’s degree is required. English proficiency is considered an asset.
School Visit Highlights
During our school visit, we were guided through the campus by Marcus, the Erasmus+ coordinator. The school consists of several interconnected buildings, joined by corridors and linkways. Every room has a purpose: some are specialized – like music rooms, woodworking and sewing workshops, and science labs – while others are used for general instruction.
Interestingly, students remain in one classroom for most of their day. These rooms are assigned to specific classes and come equipped with lockers and coat hangers. Each desk includes a shelf where students store their most important learning materials. Often, the desks reflect a bit of “creative chaos” – with various books and supplies stacked up in readiness for lessons.
The school also fosters creativity and talent. One long-standing tradition is the annual musical performance, which used to feature well-known global productions. Recently, however, students have started performing original plays written by the school staff. Posters promoting these performances are proudly displayed in a dedicated school area. Additionally, the school organizes a yearly talent show where students showcase their unique skills and interests.
Observing Classroom Lessons
A particular highlight of our experience was observing math lessons across different age groups. In the senior classes, students worked on combinatorics and probability. Teachers used digital textbooks and projected tasks onto the board, solving them collaboratively with the students.
In one of the youngest classes, we saw a creative approach to teaching fractions – using pizzas and apples as visual aids. The teacher kept the children engaged by frequently changing activities. First, they colored and cut out paper shapes, then discussed what fraction of the whole they had. This led to a discussion on equivalent fractions and simplifying them.
In another lesson, students practiced expressing mathematical relationships using algebraic expressions. Tasks were shared with students via OneNote. Each student had access to their individual version on a tablet, while the teacher displayed theirs on a screen. This system allows the teacher to monitor student progress in real time and offer personalized feedback, even to those absent on the day.
This enriching experience offered us a closer look at the Austrian education system and teaching methodology. It also gave us fresh ideas and inspiration to bring back to our classrooms. We’re grateful for the opportunity and look forward to more international exchanges in the future!