Prüfling A

One of the options open to school leavers is to continue their education at university. Comment on this excerpt from a university course catalogue.

Bachelor of Circus Arts
You want to reach the top of the circus. You are looking for an inspiring, international setting to bring out your talent as a performer and to develop your authentic and artistic identity. Codarts offers that setting. At Codarts you study a wide range of circus disciplines. From acrobatics to juggling and aerials.

^{https://www.codarts.nl/en/circus/
Annotation:
Codarts: university in Rotterdam that teaches music, dance and circus arts
aerials: types of manoeuvres in gymnastics involving freestyle jumps} Together with your partner(s), reflect on what you consider to be the objectives of university education. Evaluate alternative pathways into the world of work.

Prüfling B

One of the options open to school leavers is to continue their education at university. Comment on this excerpt from a university course catalogue.

Tree Climbing
Cornell Outdoor Education's Tree Climbing course will teach you how to get up into the canopy of any tree, to move around, even to climb from one tree to another without touching the ground. This course will teach you how to use ropes and technical climbig gear to reach the top of any tree, to move around, and even to climb from tree to tree without returning to the ground. All equipment is included in the course fee.

^{http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=12&coid=95399lmage
[accessed: 16 November 2021]
Annotation:
Cornell University: elite (lvy League) university in the US} Together with your partner(s), reflect on what you consider to be the objectives of university education. Evaluate alternative pathways into the world of work.

Prüfling C

One of the options open to school leavers is to continue their education at university. Comment on this excerpt from a university course catalogue.

HIST 281: Thinking About Harry Potter
A course in contemporary history focusing upon Harry Potter as a cultural phenomenon. Students with an already copious knowledge of J.K. Rowling's stories will further explore them in terms of their relation to history, legend and myth; their contested aesthetic merit and ethical values; and their broader social and political implications.

^{https://www.lawrence.edu/academics/study/history/course_descriptions
[accessed: 21 August 2020]
Annotation:
WIS.: Wisconsin, USA} Together with your partner(s), reflect on what you consider to be the objectives of university education. Evaluate alternative pathways into the world of work.

Note:
Please note that these solutions are only suggestions. There are various possibilities for argumentation. Prüfungsteilnehmer A

• The course focuses on circus performance, including acrobatics, juggling, and aerial skills.
• It highlights the importance of artistic development and personal identity.
• The programme is offered in an international environment, appealing to students seeking global experience.
• It shows that universities can support unconventional and creative career paths.
• The course encourages physical skills, creativity, and performance abilities rather than traditional academics.
• It illustrates how higher education can cater to niche interests and diverse talents.

• Career prospects may be limited, as the circus and performing arts job market is small and highly competitive.
• The course focuses heavily on physical performance, which may not provide transferable skills for alternative careers later in life.
• Risk of injury is relatively high, which could affect long-term employability.

Prüfungsteilnehmer B

• The course teaches technical skills related to climbing trees safely using ropes and equipment.
• It aims to enable students to move from tree to tree without touching the ground, demonstrating an adventurous and practical learning approach.
• All equipment is included, suggesting professional instruction and safety standards.
• The fact that such a course exists at an elite university (Cornell) highlights the wide variety of academic options available.
• The course connects students with nature and promotes physical confidence and environmental awareness.
• It shows that university education can go beyond desk-based learning and include hands-on experience.

• The course content seems niche and may not be directly relevant to most professional fields.
• Given Cornell’s high tuition costs, some might argue the course is not a worthwhile investment compared to more academic subjects.
• It may be viewed as more of a recreational activity than serious university-level study.

Prüfungsteilnehmer C

• This course treats the Harry Potter series as a cultural and historical phenomenon.
• It examines the books in connection with myth, legend, history, and ethical values.
• Students explore social and political implications related to the texts.
• The course demonstrates that modern pop culture can be academically analysed.
• It encourages critical thinking, interpretation, and interdisciplinary study.
• This highlights how universities increasingly engage with contemporary topics that are relevant to young people.

• The topic could be seen as lacking academic depth, focusing on pop culture rather than traditional historical subjects.
• Those without prior interest in Harry Potter might find the course irrelevant or too narrow.
• Critics may argue that time and resources could be better spent on broader social, political, or cultural studies.

Alle Prüfungsteilnehmer objectives of university education

• provide academic knowledge and critical-thinking skills
• prepare students for future careers and professional life
• encourage personal development, independence, and responsibility
• expose students to new perspectives, cultures, and disciplines
• support creativity, research, and innovation
• offer specialised training for specific fields
• help students develop transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork

alternative pathways into the world of work

• Apprenticeships: Provide practical training and income while learning; good for trades (e.g. electrician, mechanic, chef).
• Vocational schools: Offer career-focused programmes (e.g. nursing, design, tourism); quicker entry into the workforce.
• Internships / traineeships: Allow hands-on experience and networking; valuable for business, media, and tech sectors.
• Gap year experiences: Volunteering or travelling can help students clarify career goals and gain soft skills.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting a business allows independence and innovation but involves financial risks.
• Online courses / lifelong learning: Flexible and affordable; ideal for developing digital or creative skills.
• Immediate employment: Entering the workforce right after school provides early financial independence and experience, though advancement may be slower without qualifications.