No two children learn the same way. That’s why our secondary school follows the principle of "Customised Learning" – an approach that creates a school environment tailored to each student’s individual needs. Our aim is for every student to feel seen and supported in their learning journey, recognising their unique strengths and areas for growth, both in the classroom and in everyday school life. We achieve this through flexible learning at different levels of difficulty, binding elective subjects and profile subjects that reflect personal interests, and targeted support to help every student reach their full potential.
At Josef-Schwarz-Schule, we give your child the freedom to switch flexibly between levels and to shape a personal profile based on their individual strengths.
From year 7, students can follow their own interests by choosing a binding elective subject such as French or technology. In year 8, they begin to set personal priorities – for example in languages, humanities or sciences. Throughout this journey, we support each student with a flexible learning programme and plenty of space to grow.
Our school concept is based on the three-tier secondary school system in Baden-Württemberg, offering different qualifications depending on individual progress and goals.
At Josef-Schwarz-Schule, we place great value on personalised learning. Each child’s individual strengths and needs are supported through targeted programmes.
From year 7 onwards, binding elective subjects allow students to specialise early. They can choose between French, everyday culture, nutrition and social studies (Alltag, Ernährung, Soziales, AES), or technology.
Students who are interested in learning a second foreign language can opt for French from year 6 as preparation for choosing it as a binding elective subject in year 7. It’s an ideal way to gain access to one of the world’s most important languages.
Lessons are practical and interactive, featuring role plays, everyday dialogues and creative projects. Excursions and exchanges with our French partner school offer real-world opportunities to apply what’s been learned.
We also prepare interested students for the internationally recognised DELF language certificate – a valuable asset for future university or job applications.
AES stands for "Alltagskultur, Ernährung & Soziales" which covers the topics everyday culture, nutrition and social studies. AES is one of three binding elective subjects students can choose from year 7 to 10 – and for many, it’s a completely new term.
But this subject has real-life value: it focuses on healthy eating, sustainability, consumer awareness and social responsibility. Learning is hands-on, with cooking, teamwork and reflective project work, helping students build important everyday skills and an understanding of broader social contexts.
Technology is aimed at students from year 7 who enjoy designing, building and experimenting with their own ideas. The subject blends creativity with technical knowledge – from constructing simple circuits to planning a dream house.
Students explore different materials such as wood, metal and plastics, and tackle modern themes like renewable energy, car technology and smart systems. Technology encourages practical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving – valuable skills for every learner, no matter which qualification they pursue.
From year 8 onwards, students set a second academic focus by selecting a profile subject. Options include Science & Technology (Naturwissenschaft & Technik, NWT), Computer Science–Mathematics–Physics (Informatik, Mathematik, Physik, IMP), Spanish, PE or Art. From year 11, college students can also choose Spanish as a new foreign language. In year 12, our college offers a wide range of subjects, with a particular emphasis on computer science, natural sciences and economics.
The science & technology (Naturwissenschaft & Technik, NWT) profile subject provides a hands-on specialisation in scientific and technical fields. Students work on interdisciplinary projects that combine theory with practical application, such as developing their own energy bar.
They apply scientific methods, design technical solutions and strengthen skills in analytical thinking, creativity and teamwork. This subject lays strong foundations for future studies in the natural sciences.
In the IMP profile subject (Informatics-Mathematics-Physics), content from computer science, mathematics and physics is integrated into real-world projects. Students learn programming languages, work with microcontrollers like Arduino and develop their own software solutions.
This subject strengthens logical reasoning, problem-solving skills and technical understanding. IMP prepares students for further studies and careers in the STEM field and equips them with vital skills for the digital future.
The Spanish profile subject gives students the opportunity to acquire a global language and broaden their intercultural awareness. Lessons focus on communication, cultural insights and regional knowledge.
Authentic materials and interactive activities help make language learning engaging and effective. Spanish skills open doors to a variety of international study and career paths.
The PE profile subject focuses on developing physical fitness, team spirit and athletic performance. Students explore different types of sport, improve their coordination and motor skills, and learn to take responsibility within a group.
They also gain insight into training methods, sports science and healthy lifestyles. PE promotes confidence, discipline and social skills.
The Art profile subject blends hands-on creativity with theoretical knowledge. Students realise their own artistic ideas while also learning to analyse and contextualise artworks using both traditional techniques and digital media.
This subject nurtures creativity and aesthetic judgement, enabling students to develop their individual artistic expression.
The school system in Baden-Württemberg follows a three-tier structure based on individual ability levels.
At Josef-Schwarz-Schule, we support each student in achieving their full potential while offering targeted guidance through academic challenges. As a rule, we begin each subject at Gymnasium (advanced) level. Students who learn at a different level receive differentiated support tailored to their needs.
Our students can choose from three levels in each subject:
• Standard level (basic level) leads to the Hauptschulabschluss
• Intermediate level leads to the Mittlere Schulabschluss
• Advanced level leads to the Abitur
This flexible model means that, for example, a student can take mathematics at advanced level and French at intermediate level. A final decision on a uniform level and intended qualification is not required until year 9.
To enable differentiated learning within the classroom, two teachers are present in all core subjects: the main subject teacher and an assistant teacher (AT).
The AT supports students working at different levels by offering alternative explanations, differentiated tasks or focused small-group sessions. This structure ensures that all students remain engaged and challenged, regardless of their individual learning level.
From year 5, our students acquire essential skills for navigating the digital world. They learn how to use computers safely, apply common office programmes, and behave responsibly online.
Their first programming experience comes through working with LEGO Mindstorms robots in the subject Biology, Natural Phenomena and Technology (BNT). Students with a particular interest can also join the LEGO Robo Club and take part in the First LEGO League competition.
From year 8, students can choose the profile subject IMP (informatics, mathematics and physics). Here, they learn to solve scientific and mathematical problems by developing their own programmes using various coding languages.
In year 8, they begin by programming Arduino microcontrollers — small computers used to control sensors and actuators. In year 9, they deepen their programming knowledge using the Python language. These skills are then applied in individual projects, during which students are introduced to the basics of agile development with SCRUM.
In upper secondary, the JSS college, students prepare intensively for the possibility of taking computer science as an Abitur subject. A dedicated "bridge course" allows students who did not choose the IMP profile subject to enter the subject at this level.
In addition to Java and web design, students deepen the programming skills they acquired in middle school (C++, Python, Java) with more advanced knowledge in databases, technical computer science and theoretical computer science.
For young people, the transition from school to further education or the world of work is a significant step.
In the subject WBS, which covers economics, careers and study orientation (Wirtschaft, Berufs- und Studienorientierung, WBS) , students explore these questions in depth: “What suits me – professionally and personally?” The curriculum includes optional participation in "Girls' & Boys' Day", a careers orientation event with well-known regional companies and a work placement in year 9.
