Welcome to FOSBOS Memmingen

The Berufliche Oberschule Memmingen is a Vocational Upper School run and financed by the Bavarian government and the city of Memmingen. Currently, about 600 young adult students with different educational backgrounds are enrolled in order to gain their qualifications for university of applied sciences or university. Our institution features two schools, a Technical college (Fachoberschule/FOS) and a Vocational Upper Secondary School (Berufsoberschule/BOS). For more information on the Bavarian school system, see the website of the Bavarian Ministry of Education and the Arts.

Fachoberschule

Requirements

Students need good performances in their secondary school certificate (Mittlere Reife-diploma), which you usually gain after positively graduating from 10th grade of secondary school.

Characteristics

School usually takes between two and three years.

As a unique feature of this type of school the curriculum of grade 11 includes theoretical and practical education. Students do internships in one of our partner companies or institutions at regular intervals.

After successfully passing the final exams in grade 12, students receive the Fachabitur, almost equivalent to the British A-level or the American high-school diploma. Students with a grade of at least 3.0 have the opportunity to attend grade 13 to get the Allgemeine Hochschulreife allowing them to study at all kinds of universities.

Educational directions

Social Studies, Business & Administration, International Business, Technology

Berufsoberschule

Requirements

Besides good grades in their secondary school certificate (Mittlere Reife–diploma), students must have a completed apprenticeship.

Characteristics

School typically takes one or two years.

Students also obtain the Fachabitur after passing 12th grade and they may enroll in grade 13 to gain the Allgemeine Hochschulreife.

Educational directions

Business & Administration, Technology

Educational directions

The practical work in our modern in-house workshops for metalworking and electrical engineering is carried out under expert guidance and therefore is a welcome change for the students from the usual lessons.

The FOS/BOS Technological Branch is part of the Fachoberschule (FOS) and Berufsoberschule (BOS) educational system in Bavaria.

This branch focuses on providing students with an education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in technology-related fields. It is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering, technology, and other related disciplines.

Here are some key aspects of the FOS/BOS Technological Branch:

Subjects: The curriculum includes a mix of general education subjects (such as German, mathematics, and English) and specialized subjects in technology and engineering. These specialized subjects may include topics like physics, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

  • Practical Experience: In addition to classroom instruction, students in the FOS Technological Branch participate in practical training or internships. This hands-on experience is an integral part of the program and allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Qualifications: The FOS program typically takes two years to complete, while the BOS program takes one year. Upon successful completion, students receive a diploma that qualifies them for higher education at universities of applied sciences or universities.
  • Career Opportunities: Graduates of the FOS/BOS Technological Branch are well-prepared for further studies in technology and engineering fields or for entry-level positions in industries such as manufacturing, IT, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
  • Admission Requirements: Admission to the FOS Technological Branch typically requires a completed Mittlere Reife (intermediate school leaving certificate) and an interest in technology and engineering. The BOS Technological Branch is for students who have completed vocational training in a related field.
  • Continuing Education: Graduates can choose to continue their education by enrolling in degree programs at universities of applied sciences or universities in fields such as engineering, computer science, or other technology-related disciplines.

The FOS and BOS Technological Branch provides students with a solid foundation in both academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for successful careers in technology and engineering.

Focus areas in metal technology training

  • Understanding of workpiece shapes
  • Measuring and testing
  • Marking and center punching
  • Material removal processes

Focus areas in electrical engineering training:

  • Measuring electrical quantities
  • Working with measuring devices in current, voltage, and resistance measurements
  • Measurements with the oscilloscope
  • Transmission of electrical energy
  • Dangers of electric current Proper preparation of cables and wires Installation of lighting circuits
  • Conversion of electrical energy into other forms of energy
  • Contactors and relay circuits
  • Electric motors

The FOS/BOS Business and Administration Branch is a track within the Bavarian education system that focuses on providing students with knowledge and skills in the fields of business, economics, and administration.

Key aspects:

  • Curriculum: The curriculum includes a combination of general education subjects (such as German, mathematics, and English) and specialized subjects related to business and administration. These specialized subjects might include economics, accounting, business management, marketing, finance, and law.
  • Practical Training: FOS students participate in practical training or internships in businesses or administrative offices. This practical experience is an essential part of the program and allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Qualifications:

The FOS program typically takes two years to complete and awards the Fachabitur upon successful completion. This qualification allows graduates to attend universities of applied sciences or pursue careers in the business and administration fields.

BOS: The BOS program usually takes one year and is for students who have completed vocational training in a related field or have professional experience.

  • Career Opportunities: Graduates from the Business and Administration Branch can pursue careers in fields such as finance, marketing, accounting, human resources, logistics, or other business-related areas. They can also choose to continue their education by enrolling in degree programs in business or economics.

Further Studies: Students who complete the FOS/BOS Business and Administration Branch may continue their education at universities of applied sciences or universities, studying subjects such as business administration, economics, or other related disciplines.

The FOS/BOS Business and Administration Branch offers a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in the business and administration sectors.

The defining feature of the International Business studies program is the subject of International Business and Economics. Through this core subject, students receive a fundamental and in-depth education in business administration and economics.

The subject of International Business and Economics follows an interdisciplinary and project-oriented approach.

Business administration, economics, legal, and socioeconomic issues are interrelated, complementing each other and constantly seeking their connection to internationality, namely their relevance to cross-border activities of businesses as well as states.

The focus lies upon practice-oriented, real-life or career-oriented scenarios which students address holistically, drawing on their experiences from hands-on training.

All issues are taught with a practical focus, enabling competent decision-making in both professional and personal situations.

Classes:

In International Business, as in other disciplines, there are specialized courses in which the specific content of the discipline is taught. You can find an overview of this in the curriculum. The sample schedules illustrate a potential distribution of classes.

Starting in 11th grade, a second foreign language is taught, establishing the fundamentals for the general university entrance qualification from the outset. At our school, students can choose between French and Spanish. Additionally, the specialized area includes the examination subject International Business and Economics (IBV), which requires cross-border, interconnected thinking.

The specialized area is rounded out with the subjects of law and International Business Studies, which we teach bilingually.

The vocational training is similar to that in the Business and Administration discipline, but here, students are placed in internationally active companies. In the vocational training focus, the subject of business informatics provides practical exposure to business applications.

The Fachoberschule ‘Social Branch’ is an educational program designed to prepare students for careers in the social sector or to enable them to pursue related higher education studies upon completion of the program. The curriculum and practical training content are specifically geared towards imparting knowledge and skills relevant to social professions.

Here are some features and aspects of the FOS Social:

  1. Focus Areas: The program centres on subjects such as
  • pedagogy,
  • psychology,
  • sociology,
  • social law.

Students acquire knowledge in these fields to later work in social professions.

  1. Practical Training: A key component of the program is vocational training, in which students gain hands-on experience in social institutions. This includes internships in kindergartens, nursing homes, youth work organizations, facilities for people with disabilities, or social counselling centres.
  1. Theoretical Education: Alongside practical work, there are theoretical subjects typically taught in school classes. These subjects deepen knowledge in areas such as pedagogy, psychology, social policy, and law.
  1. Soft Skills: The program emphasizes the development of soft skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
  1. Target Audience: The FOS Social is aimed at students interested in social professions and looking to qualify in the social sector.
  1. Career Opportunities: Upon completion of FOS Social, graduates can work in various social professions such as social education, teaching, caregiving, or other helping professions.

The FOS Social thus provides a solid foundation for a career in the social sector and allows students to gain practical experience that will aid them in their future career choices or in pursuing further studies in a related field.

Vocational Guidance

A major focus is placed on reflecting on the experiences gained. Additionally, aspects of play pedagogy with children with disabilities are taught and deepened through targeted exercises. Various projects, such as self-worth and addiction, are carried out by student teams.

Informational visits to social work institutions complement the vocational training.

Vocational Specialization

Vocational specialization consists of two modules: Art and Music in the Context of Social Work. These modules aim to equip you with skills that you should apply in practice on-site.

Quality of teaching and education

The Bavarian Quality Tableau for Teaching and Education is an initiative by the Free State of Bavaria that aims to assess and improve the quality of education in Bavarian schools.

It offers teachers, schools, educational authorities, and the public information and comparisons regarding the quality of the educational system in Bavaria.

The assessment is based on several criteria which cover numerous aspects of teaching and education, including:

  • Quality of Teaching: Elements such as lesson planning, teaching methods, didactics, and the learning environment are considered.
  • Student Performance: Student academic performance is evaluated based on exams, tests, and other assessments.
  • Teachers: The qualifications, continuing education, and satisfaction of teachers are part of the assessment.
  • School Climate: Aspects such as the relationship between teachers and students, conflict management, and social integration are evaluated.
  • Facilities and Resources: The availability and quality of teaching materials, technical equipment, and other resources are taken into account.
  • School Development: Initiatives and measures aimed at the continuous improvement of the school are included in the assessment.

The results of the Quality Tableau can help schools identify their strengths and weaknesses and take targeted measures for improvement. Parents and students can also use the information to get an idea of the quality of different schools.

Departments and main subjects

„Physics is a natural science that investigates the fundamental phenomena of nature. To explain their properties and behavior using quantitative models and laws, it particularly deals with matter and energy and their interactions in space and time.“ (from Wikipedia, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physik, as of October 3, 2018)

You can read in detail about the fundamental competences that students at FOS (vocational upper secondary school) and BOS (vocational upper secondary school for adults) acquire in physics from the pre-class to the 13th grade on the curriculum homepage: https://www.lehrplanplus.bayern.de/schulart/fos/inhalt/jahrgangsstufenprofile

„German is a major subject at vocational upper secondary schools since language is the central means of communication. As language and thinking are inseparably linked, the subject of German marks a significant contribution to achieving educational goals and developing competencies up to the level of specialized secondary school diplomas or the general university entrance qualification. The subject is of such great importance because language is a fundamental means of understanding the world as well as a primary characteristic of humanity. Mastery of language in both spoken and written form enables self-determination, personal development, tolerance, and participation in the social, cultural, societal, and political events of the time.“

You can read in detail about the fundamental competencies that students at FOS (vocational upper secondary school) and BOS (vocational upper secondary school for adults) acquire in German from the pre-class to the 13th grade on the curriculum homepage:

https://www.lehrplanplus.bayern.de/fachprofil/fos/deutsch

The department considers, in addition to imparting relevant competences and preparing for final exams, the cultural and societal engagement as an important area of responsibility. Therefore, we regularly take our students to theater and opera performances, as well as readings and museum exhibitions.

Depending on the grade level, different competences are the focus of English instruction.

Skill Pre-Class 11th Grade 12th Grade 13th Grade
Listening Videos, radio, and TV recordings from native speakers; understand general viewpoints Videos, radio, and TV recordings from native speakers; understand main points Videos, radio, and TV recordings from native speakers of various English-speaking countries; understand main and detailed points Videos, radio, and TV recordings from native speakers of various English-speaking countries; understand complex statements
Speaking Act spontaneously and increasingly fluently in various communication situations Express opinions/intentions depending on the situation and participants Discuss based on own experiences and communication rules Engage in discussions with differentiated and justified presentation of one’s own standpoint
Reading Extract information from simple texts from various sources Conclude unknown vocabulary independently; use a monolingual dictionary Understand essential content of newspaper texts, internet publications; transfer information into German (mediation); use a monolingual dictionary effectively Understand and analyze main points of pictures, cartoons, statistics, quotes; develop and argue own position; convey the core message of a German text in a coherent English text (mediation)
Writing Write emails, blogs about various personal experiences; apply basic grammatical structures Understand main points of pictures, cartoons; apply grammatical structures Understand and analyze main points of pictures, cartoons, statistics, quotes; develop and argue own position Understand and analyze main points of pictures, cartoons, statistics, quotes; develop various positions independently; convey the core message of a German text in a coherent English text (mediation)

„An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.“

(Benjamin Franklin, scientist and statesman, 1706 – 1790)

The subject BWR is a defining aspect of the field of Economics and Administration and is therefore the fourth examination subject alongside German, English, and Mathematics. In BWR, problem-solving thinking should be promoted, and interest should be sparked in approaching and solving various business administration tasks from different perspectives using process-related competencies.

Since business-related questions are also influenced by legal conditions and socio-economic factors, there are connections to the subjects of Legal Studies, Economics, and Computer Science, which also belong to the profile area of the field of Economics and Administration.

A defining subject for the International Business (IW) educational path is IBV (International Business Administration and Economics). In this subject, students receive a fundamental and advanced education in both business and economics.

This subject makes a crucial contribution to students‘ ability to pursue further studies in internationally oriented fields and qualifies them for future roles as leaders in internationally operating companies.

Situations and problems in economics as well as business management areas of an internationally active company define the competencies to be taught in this subject. In the fields of Business Administration (BWL) and Economics (VWL), problem-solving thinking and responsible action are promoted, providing opportunities to analyze and solve tasks independently and collaboratively from multiple perspectives.

The IBV subject follows an interdisciplinary and project-oriented approach. Business, economic, legal, and socio-economic issues are interconnected, complementing each other and always seeking their relation to internationality, that is, their relation to cross-border actions by companies and states. The focus is on practical, life- and career-oriented action situations, which students solve holistically, incorporating their experiences from practical training. All problem-solving approaches are taught in a practical manner, enabling competent action in both professional and private situations.

The subject of Pedagogy/Psychology is completely new to most students who come to us. Accordingly, the expectations are often high and sometimes unrealistic: some students think that the class involves „nice“ discussions about problems or even „therapies.“ However, the focus is on learning through professional theories about how the human psyche works or does not work, and what conclusions can be drawn for education and learning behavior.

Many students are encouraged to apply these acquired insights to themselves and their surroundings. This often sparks lively debates in their daily family life…

Selected Curriculum Content for the Subject „Pedagogy/Psychology”

All content in the subject builds progressively from the 11th grade to the 13th grade, is interconnected, and is especially deepened in the 13th grade.

For example, topics in the 11th, 12th, and 13th grades include:

– „Thinking,“ „Perception,“ „Emotion,“ and „Motivation“

– Social Communication and Social Interaction

– Perspectives of Psychoanalysis

– Clinical Psychology: Presentation of selected psychological disorders

Getting in touch

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