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take a second foreign language. Beginning in grade 7 (age 13) students must work a short period each week in factories and on farms; after grade 9 this period is increased. Figure 26 details the curriculum of a typical comprehensive polytechnical school.

There are also special schools at the primary and secondary level for the mentally or physically handicapped. These schools are organized according to the nature of the handicap but are so structured that when appropriate a child may be transferred to the corresponding grade in a comprehensive polytechnical school.

The extended polytechnical school provides education most closely approximating that formerly provided by the classical German Gymnasium. With stricter entrance requirements and a more highly qualified teaching staff, these schools prepare academically oriented students for university study. Students who plan to pursue higher education take special classes in grades 9 and 10 of the comprehensive schools and then transfer for a 2-year extended polytechnical school. Successful work there leads to the Abitur, the end-of-school examination which is necessary for entrance into institutions of higher learning. Although specific data are lacking, probably about 80% of the students at East German universities graduated from the extended polytechnical schools.

Most youths, however, do not prepare for university-level studies. After completing the comprehensive polytechnical school, the majority take specialized training at one of several types of vocational schools (Berufsschulen) which are compulsory for 2 years or until the students reach age 18. Some of the schools are attached to government-owned enterprises or, where there are no large enterprises in the locality, are operated directly by the local government. These 2- or 2½-year schools offer a combination of academic studies and an apprenticeship in a trade, craft, or industry. Normally, these schools are terminal but graduates are eligible for admission to a technical school after 1 year of practical work experience. Growing in importance are the vocational schools which offer the Abitur as well as a skilled worker's certificate. These schools provide a 3-year full-time academic and vocational course which qualifies students upon the successful completion of their work for entrance into technical schools or institutions of higher learning or for employment as skilled workers. The vocational school system produces the bulk of East Germany's skilled manpower.

Some young people who have completed the 2 or 3 years of vocational training, as well as experienced workers who wish to improve their abilities, may opt to attend a technical school (Fachschule). These schools

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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110024-7