HAVO is a term that refers to the higher general secondary education system in the Netherlands, which is the second level of secondary education for students between the ages of 15 and 18. The term "HAVO" is an abbreviation derived from the Dutch words "hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs," which translates to "higher general continued education."
In the Dutch educational system, HAVO follows the vmbo (preparatory secondary vocational education) and is considered a more academically oriented form of secondary education. HAVO provides a broad and general education, offering a variety of subjects such as languages, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and arts. It aims to prepare students for higher vocational education (HBO) or university studies.
Typically, HAVO programs have a duration of five years, divided into two stages: the onderbouw (lower stage) and the bovenbouw (upper stage). The onderbouw consists of the first three years and provides students with a broad education foundation. In the bovenbouw (the last two years), students can choose specific subjects, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest. At the end of the HAVO program, students take a final examination known as the HAVO diploma, which grants access to various tertiary education programs.
Overall, HAVO serves as a crucial educational pathway in the Netherlands, providing students with knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for further academic or vocational pursuits.
