Zijvakken

Zijvakken are elective subjects offered by educational institutions that students can choose in addition to their mandatory subjects. In the Dutch secondary education system, zijvakken are typically pursued in the upper years (for example in HAVO or VWO) to tailor a student’s profile toward interests or future study plans. They are distinct from profielvakken, which are part of a chosen profile, and from core general subjects that are compulsory for all students.

The range of zijvakken can vary by school but commonly includes subjects such as arts and culture, drama or music, information and communication technology, modern languages, philosophy, or social sciences. The exact number of zijvakken and their contribution to the final exam or diploma differ by school and track; in some cases they count toward the eindexamen or influence the final grade, while in others they provide additional credentials without direct exam weight. Schools may also use terms like keuzevakken to describe similar elective options.

In higher education, the term zijvakken is less standardized but can refer to elective courses offered outside the main field of study. These are often called electives or minor subjects and serve to broaden competencies, prepare for specific disciplines, or fulfill degree requirements for a minor.

Assessment and planning: Zijvakken are typically arranged in consultation with teachers and school counselors, with scheduling and assessment aligned to the school’s curriculum. Availability depends on institutional capacity, staffing, and policy, making the exact role of zijvakken vary across schools and education levels.