Intercantonal Agreement on Harmonisation of Compulsory Education (HarmoS) (HarmoS)

The Cantons that are party to the concordat harmonize compulsory education by

a. harmonizing teaching objectives and school structures, and

b. developing and ensuring the quality and permeability of the school system through common steering instruments.

1 Respecting the diversity of cultures in multilingual Switzerland, the concordat Cantons follow the principle of subsidiarity in all their measures aimed at harmonization.

2 They commit to eliminating everything at the school level that hinders the national and international mobility of the population.

1 During compulsory schooling, all pupils acquire and develop fundamental knowledge and skills, as well as cultural identity, which enable them to continue learning throughout life and to find their place in social and professional life.

2 Throughout compulsory schooling, every pupil acquires basic education that allows them to access cycles of vocational training or general education at secondary level II, particularly in the following areas

a. languages: a solid basic education in the local language (oral and written proficiency) and essential skills in a second national language and at least one other foreign language;

b. mathematics and natural sciences: a basic education that allows for the application of essential mathematical concepts and procedures and provides the ability to recognize the fundamental connections in natural and technical sciences;

c. human and social sciences: a basic education that allows for the knowledge and understanding of fundamental aspects of the physical, human, social, and political environment;

d. music, visual arts, and applied arts: a diversified theoretical and practical basic education, aimed at developing creativity, manual dexterity, and aesthetic sense, as well as acquiring knowledge related to artistic and cultural heritage;

e. movement and health: education in movement and health aimed at developing motor skills and physical aptitudes, as well as promoting physical and mental well-being.

3 Compulsory schooling fosters in pupils the development of an autonomous personality, as well as the acquisition of social skills and a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment.

1 The first foreign language shall be taught at the latest from the 5th year of schooling and the second at the latest from the 7th year, provided that the duration of the school levels complies with the provisions of Art. 6. One of the two foreign languages shall be a second national language and its teaching shall include a cultural dimension; the other shall be English. The competencies required for these two languages at the end of compulsory schooling shall be equivalent. The Cantons of Graubünden and Ticino, insofar as they also provide for the compulsory teaching of a third national language, may derogate from this provision with regard to the years of schooling established for the introduction of the two foreign languages.

2 An appropriate optional offer for the teaching of a third national language shall be provided during compulsory schooling.

3 The order in which foreign languages are taught shall be coordinated at the regional level. The criteria for quality and development of this teaching shall fall within the context of the overall strategy adopted by the EDK.

4 With regard to immigrant pupils, the Cantons shall ensure their support, concerning organisational aspects, for language and culture courses of the countries of origin (LCO) arranged, with respect for religious and political neutrality, by the countries of origin and the various linguistic communities.

1 Pupils begin school upon reaching the age of 4 (the reference date is July 31).

2 During the first years of school (preschool and primary education), the child gradually learns the foundations for socialization and becomes familiar with school work, particularly completing and consolidating fundamental linguistic bases. The time required for the child to complete these first years of school depends on their intellectual development and emotional maturity; if necessary, they are supported with specific measures.

Duration of School Grades

1 The primary level, including kindergarten, lasts eight years.

2 Secondary level I follows the primary level and generally lasts three years.

3 In the Canton of Ticino, the distribution of school years between the primary level and secondary level I may vary by one year compared to what is stipulated in paragraphs 1 and 2.

4 Transition to secondary level II takes place after the 11th year of schooling. Transition to baccalaureate schools occurs in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Council and the EDK [1], generally after the 10th year.

5 The time required to attend the different school levels depends, in each individual case, on the individual development of the student.

[1] Currently, the Administrative Agreement of the Federal Council of 16 January 1995 and the EDK Regulations of 15 February 1995 on the Recognition of Baccalaureate Certificates (RRM) are applicable. Collection of the EDK's legal bases, number 4.3.1.1./RS 413.11.

1 To harmonize the objectives of teaching at the national level, national educational standards are set.

2 These educational standards can be of two types, namely

a. performance standards based, for each subject area, on a reference framework comprising levels of competence;

b. standards that determine training content or conditions for their implementation in teaching.

3 The national educational standards are developed and scientifically validated under the responsibility of the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education). They are subject to a consultation in accordance with Article 3 of the Concordat on School Coordination of 29 October 1970 [2].

4 They are approved by the Plenary Assembly of the EDK with a two-thirds majority of its members, including at least three Cantons with a non-German linguistic majority. Revisions are carried out by the concordatory Cantons following an analogous procedure.

[2] Collection of EDK Legal Bases, section 1.1.

1 The harmonization of curricula and the coordination of teaching materials are guaranteed at the level of the linguistic regions.

2 Curricula, teaching materials and assessment instruments, as well as educational standards, are coordinated with one another.

3 The Cantons collaborate within the linguistic regions on the implementation of this agreement. They may adopt the necessary organizational provisions.

4 The EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) and the linguistic regions consult with each other on a case-by-case basis to develop reference tests based on educational standards.

The cantons that are parties to the concordat shall ensure that pupils can certify their knowledge and skills by means of national or international portfolios in accordance with the recommendations of the EDK.

1 In application of Article 4 of the Concordat on School Coordination of 29 October 1970 [3], the concordat cantons and the Confederation participate in a systematic, continuous, and scientific monitoring of the entire Swiss education system.

2 The developments and achievements of compulsory schooling are regularly assessed within the framework of this educational system monitoring. The verification of the attainment of national educational standards, particularly through the reference tests mentioned in Article 8, paragraph 4, is an integral part of the assessment.

[3] Collection of the Legal Bases of the EDK, figure 1.1.

1 In the elementary level, the block timetable formula is preferred in the organization of teaching.

2 An appropriate offer for the care of pupils is proposed outside of teaching hours (daytime structures). The use of this offer is optional and, in principle, entails a financial contribution from the holders of parental authority.

The concordat cantons undertake to establish the structural characteristics of compulsory schooling as defined in Chapter III of this agreement and to apply the educational standards defined in Article 7, at the latest within six years of the entry into force of this agreement.

Adhesion to this agreement is declared before the Committee of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education.

The revocation of this agreement must be declared before the Committee of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education. It comes into force at the end of the third calendar year following the declaration of revocation.

Repeal of Art. 2 of the

School Concordat of 1970

The Plenary Assembly of the EDK sets the date for the abrogation of Art. 2 of the Concordat on School Coordination of 29 October 1970 [4].

[4] Collection of the EDK's Legal Bases, section 1.1.

1 The Committee of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education shall put this agreement into effect from the moment at which at least ten Cantons have declared their accession.

2 The entry into force shall be communicated to the Confederation.

The Principality of Liechtenstein may also accede to the present agreement. Accession confers upon it the same rights and obligations as the contracting Cantons.

Bern, 14 June 2007

On behalf of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education

The President: Isabelle Chassot

The Secretary General: Hans Ambühl