What is polytechnische oberschule?

Polytechnische Oberschule (POS) was a type of secondary school in East Germany that provided vocational education. These schools were established in the 1950s under socialist principles of education and were aimed at imparting practical knowledge in addition to academic learning. Students in a POS were required to complete a curriculum that included subjects such as mathematics, science, physical education, and a trade-specific subject such as woodworking or metalworking.

The POS was designed to bridge the gap between academic education and vocational training, enabling students to acquire practical skills that could help them secure jobs after graduation. The curriculum emphasized social and collective work, and students were encouraged to participate in community building and socialist projects. In addition to the basic curriculum, students had to complete mandatory internships in workplaces relevant to their field of study.

After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the POS system was gradually phased out and replaced with a more unified education system. Many former POS students report that the education they received was rigorous and practical, helping them to find employment in their chosen trades.