New G9 in Baden-Württemberg: Opportunity or chaos for schools?

New G9 in Baden-Württemberg: Opportunity or chaos for schools?

From the 2025/26 school year, the nine-year high school (G9) in Baden-Württemberg will again be the standard form for grades 5 and 6. This decision follows a controversial debate that was fueled by a parents' initiative that collected over 100,000 signatures for a referendum to return to G9. The state government presented a bill that provides for a gradual return of G9, but it did not gain the full trust of the parents' initiative. Marita Raschke, one of the leading voices of the initiative, is already planning a second referendum and needs 40,000 signatures to enforce her demands.

The switch to G9 elicits mixed reactions. While Jürgen Schwarz, principal of Rutesheimer Gymnasium, emphasizes early preparation, many principals are concerned about the significant challenges that the change brings with it. In particular, Christoph Brechtelsbauer, headmaster of the Korntal-Münchingen high school, says that the new regulation will eliminate around two learning hours per week, which will also lead to a reduction in the need for teachers and thus reduce the chances of hiring new teachers.

Organizational challenges and changes

The organizational challenges associated with the introduction of G9 are already noticeable. Sandra Heyn, headmaster of the Albert-Schweitzer-Gymnasium, predicts that many hurdles will still have to be overcome by the 2031/32 school year, when all students will be on the G9 train. Particular attention is being paid to a current seventh-grader who could potentially lose two years if not transferred. This could have a significant impact on the planned introduction of the Abitur in the 2031/32 school year, which could also affect universities and voluntary service providers, among other things.

However, the new framework conditions also bring with them opportunities. Matthias Bochert, headmaster of the Ditzinger High School, sees advantages in the structured learning time as it could create space for innovation. In addition, newly introduced coaching lessons offer individual support for students. The schools have additional time slots for working groups, but must expect that they will not be able to provide any additional offerings. This could also benefit clubs and churches that are active in children and youth work, as they no longer have to rely on late afternoons.

Popular proposal and participation

The popular proposal “G9 Improvement Act”, which is called for by the initiative, contains several key points. This includes an option for the current high school grades 7 to 10 in the second half of 2025/26, the introduction of a second foreign language from grade 7 and the introduction of a profile subject from grade 9. It remains essential that the preservation of IMP (computer science, media education, pedagogy) and NWT (natural science and technology) is ensured.

Interested citizens can take part in the popular proposal by filling out the relevant form provided by g9-jetzt-bw.de can be downloaded, fill it out and send it by post to the collection point in Ravensburg. Anyone aged 16 or over who is eligible to vote in the state elections in Baden-Württemberg is eligible to take part. It is also possible to order larger quantities of forms for collecting signatures. It is clear that the return to G9 represents not only an academic but also a social challenge that requires many players in the educational landscape.