Switzerland Secondary II Baccalaureate: Economics and Law

The Swiss Baccalaureate program includes a compulsory introductory course in Economics and Law. This course is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in both disciplines, preparing them for further studies at the tertiary level, particularly university. While the specific syllabus may vary between cantons and individual Gymnasium schools, the overall aim is to equip students with a basic understanding of economic and legal principles.

Key Features:

• Compulsory Subject: Economics and Law is a mandatory component of the Baccalaureate curriculum, ensuring all students receive exposure to these fields.
• Introductory Course: The course serves as an introduction, laying the groundwork for potential specialization at the university level.
• Cantonal and School Autonomy: While the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) sets overall guidelines, cantons and individual Gymnasium schools have some autonomy in developing their specific syllabi. This can result in variations in the specific topics covered and the depth of study.
• Assessment: Student performance in Economics and Law is assessed, contributing to their overall Baccalaureate grade. This assessment may include coursework, examinations, or a combination of both.
• Pathway to Higher Education: Successful completion of the Economics and Law course, along with the other Baccalaureate requirements, grants students access to Swiss universities, including cantonal universities and Federal Institutes of Technology (FIT).