Education in Belgium

lesson #1

Social Orientation course

Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering

Programme

Lesson #1 General Information

Lesson #2 The education system

Lesson #3 Lifelong learning

What do you already know about the educational system in Belgium?

Instruction:

Try to think of 2 things you already know about the educational system in Belgium.
Write them down.

In this presentation you will receive general information about the educational system in Belgium.

We will discuss 5 topics.

At the end there will be a quiz to check what you remember.

As you might know already, Belgium is a litte complicated.

There are many political structures.

Do you know which structure is responisble for education in Belgium?

Topic #1: Education & Belgian politics

Education is the responsibility of the 3 language communities.

Topic #1: Education & Belgian politics

In this course we will focus on the Dutch-speaking educational system.

If you want to know more about the French-speaking system: check this link

Topic #2: Compulsory school age

Education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 18.
- It starts on the 1st of September of the year in which your child turns 6.
- It doesn't mean children have to go to school, but they have to 'learn'.

If you are new in Belgium: you must enroll your children at a school within 60 days of your registration.

Topic #3: Free choice of School

Parents can choose any school that they feel is the best for their children.

Topic #4: Types of schools

The schools are organized in 3 clusters:

Official Education	Free Subsidised Education	Private Education
Organised by - the Flemish goverment - the communes - the provinces	These schools are linked to a religion or to a particular pedagogical project.	- not supported by the government - enrolment and tuition fees are requested