danish education system...not so standard

it would be good for me, i think, to describe a little bit of the danish education system before i jump into describing my conversations and research ideas any further.  the danish school system is anything but simple...i think the important thing to remember is that however complex it may seem, if you look closely enough there is probably a cultural/social reason or practical construct behind each structure of the system.  

there are 3 levels to the danish ed system:

folkeskole = primary school

gymnasium = secondary, or high school

university = tertiary, college

the folkeskole is mandatory for 9 years--our 1st through 9th grades essentially--with an option for year 10.  there is a year 0 available, and highly suggested, as well.  the 10th year is for students who choose to go on to gymnasium--they must stay for exams and such to test into that level.  students who do not attend gymnasium can go into work or a trade school.  it's no uncommon for students to take their 10th year at "efterskole"---a year away from home at a boarding school.

gymnasium is much more comparable to a US general ed course load at university.  there are several tracks to take in gymnasium, which give danish students an option to specialize earlier if they choose.  this is where the system gets even just a bit more complex, as each track is nearly a different school in itself.  also, it is essential to note that folkeskole and gymnasium have very little in common with regards to structure, teaching, content, and assessment.  basically, they have nothing in common but that they are danish.

by the time danish students reach university, they are ready to specialize in a field, having basically completed a gen. ed. course load at gymnasium the previous 3 years.  the 1st two years at university often compare much more to the last 2 years of a standard american degree (BS, BA) program.  it's in the junior/senior year that US students begin to specialize in their major courses.