keuzevakken

Keuzevakken are elective courses offered within Dutch secondary education. They are optional subjects that students choose in addition to the mandatory core curriculum, allowing learners to pursue personal interests and talents while broadening their skills. The exact range of electives varies by school and educational level, and the subjects are typically designed to complement the compulsory subjects.

Electives are usually scheduled within the regular timetable and can be offered for one or two school years. The number of hours per week allocated to keuzevakken, as well as any prerequisites, depends on the school. Students often select a mix of subjects across different domains to create a balanced schedule that fits their future plans and ambitions.

Common areas for keuzevakken include arts and culture (music, drama, visual arts), sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), languages (additional foreign languages), technology and ICT (coding, robotics), social sciences (geography, economics, psychology), and physical education or media literacy. Some schools also offer entrepreneurship, philosophy, or digital media courses. The diversity of options is designed to help students explore interests, develop transferable skills, and prepare for further education or the labor market.

Assessment of keuzevakken varies by school and subject; grades may contribute to the final average, or evaluation may be based on projects, assignments, and exams. The availability and format of keuzevakken can differ between regions and schools, but the overarching goal is to provide flexible, student-centered learning within the secondary education framework.