KNM: onderwijs en opvoeding

School is free and compulsory, and parents and school work together. This is what the KNM exam expects you to know.

• School from age 5 (de leerplicht). Most children start primary school (basisschool) at 4; from 5 they must go. Young people without a diploma keep learning until 18. Before age 4, many children go to childcare (de kinderopvang); working parents can get help with the costs.
• If your child is ill… call or message the school in the morning, before lessons start.
• Holidays only in the school holidays (de schoolvakantie). For a day off at another time, ask the school for permission (verlof). You only get it for special reasons. Without permission, parents can get a fine (een boete).
• Parents and school work together. Go to the ouderavond and the talks about the report (het rapport). Do you have a question or a worry? Talk to the teacher (de leraar or de juf/meester).
• Boys and girls are equal. They follow the same lessons, including gym, and get the same chances.
• No violence. Hitting a child (slaan) is forbidden, also at home. Need help with raising your children (opvoeden)? Ask the Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin or the huisarts. Worried about a child? Call Veilig Thuis. Danger now? Call 112.
• Young people choose for themselves. They choose their own friends and their own partner. Nobody may force someone to marry (dwingen), and marriage under 18 is not allowed.
• At the end of the basisschool children take a test (de doorstroomtoets), and the school gives advice for secondary school (het schooladvies voor de middelbare school). Talk about it with the school. Children can move up a level later.

Overview: the path of a child in the Netherlands

• 0 - 4 years old: daycare (kinderopvang, optional)
• 4 - 5 years old start primary school (basisschool, duration: 8 years).
• Around 12 years old: secondary school (middelbare school, there are different types like vwo, havo, vmbo. The choice of middelbare school depends on the advice of the teacher and the personal preferences of the child). Middelbare school duration: 4 - 6 years, depending on the school type.
• 16/17/18+ years old: After middelbare school, students can choose for different types of education (universiteit, hbo, mbo) or start working. Usually students choose some kind of extra education to specialise before entering the job market.

Component · KNM, theme Onderwijs en opvoeding

• Task type · A short school or family situation with a named person, then "Wat is waar?", "Wat doet X het beste?" or "Mag dat?". Three answer options.
• Real exam · On the computer, 45 minutes, multiple choice, in simple Dutch (about A2).

Most common mistakes

1. "Parents decide about holidays." Outside the school holidays a child goes to school. Time off needs permission from the school.
2. "A slap is part of raising children." Hitting a child is forbidden in the Netherlands, also at home.
3. "Parents choose the partner." Young people choose their own partner. Nobody may force someone to marry.
4. Staying away from school life. Dutch schools expect parents to come to talks and to contact the teacher.