Primary level: what is taught?
 |  | The general goals of primary school consist of enabling pupils to develop their intellectual, creative, physical and artistic abilities, to further their sense of responsibility in relation to themselves, to others, to the environment and to society, while acquiring basic knowledge and skills for their personal educational career. |
Subjects
The following subjects are taught at the primary level:
The following subjects are taught at the primary level:
 | The first national language (German, French, Italian or Romanic, depending on the region), often with writing included |
| 2 foreign languages (currently being implemented, see compulsory education) |
| Mathematics |
| History |
| Geography |
| Introduction to natural sciences |
| Visual arts |
| Handicrafts |
| Music |
| Sport. |
In several cantons, various subjects, such as introduction to natural sciences, geography and history are taught within a single subject (e.g. "people and the environment"). Other areas, such as the application of new information and communication technologies or health are taught as integral components of other subjects. Most cantons provide for religious or ethical instruction.
Curricula and allocation of hours
The cantons define the curricula and allocation of hours per subject and prescribe the teaching material. In the course of the harmonisation of compulsory education (HarmoS), curricula specific to each linguistic region are being developed for compulsory education: the Plan d'études romand for the French-speaking cantons and the Lehrplan 21 for the German-speaking and multilingual cantons. Teaching material is also to be coordinated on the level of the linguistic regions.
Curricula and allocation of hours
The cantons define the curricula and allocation of hours per subject and prescribe the teaching material. In the course of the harmonisation of compulsory education (HarmoS), curricula specific to each linguistic region are being developed for compulsory education: the Plan d'études romand for the French-speaking cantons and the Lehrplan 21 for the German-speaking and multilingual cantons. Teaching material is also to be coordinated on the level of the linguistic regions.
 | EDK: Language teaching |
| sprachenunterricht.ch - language tuition development platform |
| EDK: Curricula (selection) |
| Allocation of hours per subject |
| Project Lehrplan 21 for German-speaking and multilingual cantons |
| Information on Plan d'études romand |
