Dutch children attend primary school between the ages of four and twelve. They complete an eight-year programme. During the first two years they learn mainly through play. They develop language and motor skills, and learn how to get on with other children. Later on, they get to grips with subjects like arithmetic, reading, writing, geography and history.
The aim is to develop each child's individual skills. Children therefore tend to be taught in ability groups.
Most children sit the CITO test (a test devised by the National Institute for Educational Measurement) before they leave primary school. However, their performance at school is what mainly counts in deciding which secondary school they will go to.
