Position and image of the human sciences course of study within the Flemish secondary education system

Subtitle:effects of an educational reform

Human Sciences is one of the many courses of study in the system of secondary education in Flanders that prepares students for higher education. Despite its aspirations, this course of study is perceived both within and outside the schools as the easiest track and, therefore the lowest rung within general secondary education. In 2001, the Flemish government passed a reform with the intention of upgrading the course of study. In addition to changing the name from Humanities to Human Sciences, structural changes were implemented in order to improve the image. In this article, we assess whether this reform has been successful. Although there is clear evidence of positive developments, several steps must still be taken with regard to positive orientation, transfer opportunities, departmental functioning and school policy.

Publication year:2013

Keywords:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:yes

Accessibility:Open