Training courses

Vwo+ program

At the Johan de Witt Scholengroep, we offer a supplementary program to pre-university education, which focuses on research and developing a scientific attitude.

Substructure

Conducting research within the World Campus: 
At the World Campus, we challenge students to push their boundaries and discover their interests and talents. We teach students how, as global citizens, they can play a positive role in our changing society by conducting research like real scientists. Students solve problems in various modules.

Focus on Modern Foreign Languages.
In the lower grades, all students study not two but three modern foreign languages, including French, German, and Spanish. They also participate in the Language Village project.

Focus on Creative Language
A special after-school program for all students who are engaging with language in a creative way, or wish to do so. Whether in Dutch or another language, students interested in writing, spoken word, performance, word art, rap, poetry, or storytelling can participate.

Upper structure

Special subjects
In the upper years of pre-university education (vwo), we offer students the opportunity to supplement their further vwo education with many extras. Examples include special examination subjects such as Chinese, Turkish, Arabic, Italian, Russian, Philosophy, Nature, Life and Technology, Business Economics, Mathematics D, Social Sciences, and Computer Science.

Pre-university
For ambitious VWO students, there is also the opportunity to participate in pre-academic programs, including the Pre-University College Leiden and the TU Delft Pre-University Programme. A select group of students is given the opportunity to exchange school desks for lecture halls one day a week to pursue a preparatory university program.

Olympiads
Enthusiastic STEM students, on the other hand, can fully express their creativity in the various Olympiads in which the school participates. Under the guidance of the subject teachers for Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and Mathematics, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into the respective subject and are challenged to showcase their talents at a national level.

Business School
Students taking Business Economics and Economics can earn points at school to receive a nationally recognized Vecon Business School certificate, in addition to their regular diploma. This adds extra value to a CV. They earn points by, for example, attending lectures or presenting a profile project (PWS) on an economic topic. In this way, we try not only to interest students in an economic career after graduation, but also to bring the subjects of (business) economics to life and make them more fun and exciting.

The UN and I
For our socially engaged and internationally oriented pre-university students, the project 'The UN and I, What can the UN Mean for my Future?' is offered in collaboration with Leiden University. Under the guidance of Professor Alanna O'Malley, Professor of United Nations Studies in Peace and Justice at Leiden University, students work on debating, diplomacy, and public speaking. English is the language of instruction in the workshops.

The Hague Youth Council
unites approximately 100 pre-university students from four schools in The Hague: Het Haags Montessori Lyceum, Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet, Het Rijswijks Lyceum, and the Johan de Witt Scholengroep. The mission is clear: to connect young people, actively involve them in important issues, and ensure their voices are heard. Students meet regularly, collaborate in thematic groups, and research topics. They present their findings to fellow students and policymakers, with an emphasis on actually influencing policy. Peaceful actions are encouraged to bring about change. The Hague Youth Council offers young people the opportunity to come together, learn, research, and make an impact.

Madurodam Aldermen and Mayors
Madurodam, like every city, has its own mayor and aldermen, consisting of ten high school students from various schools in The Hague, including those from the Johan de Witt School Group. These young people play a crucial role in promoting Madurodam's social vision. They carry out challenges and advise the Madurodam Children's Fund on its charity policy. Every year, Madurodam donates its proceeds to organizations that encourage children to connect, regardless of age, background, or culture. Since its founding in 1952, more than €37 million has been donated. In 2022, the Children's Fund donated over €524,800 to projects, of which €142,750 went to South Holland. Each year, senior high school students can apply for the position of member of the Madurodam Aldermen.

Giving Back
Naturally, there are also students who do not yet know exactly which direction they want to develop in, but who possess plenty of talents. We offer the Giving Back mentoring program especially for these students. The Giving Back Foundation guides students in discovering and utilizing their talents. The program consists of an individual mentoring program on the one hand, and participation in group programs on the other, including workshops, training weekends, company excursions, community service, and a study trip.

The HAVO program lasts five years and prepares you for further education in higher professional education (HBO). During these five years, we closely monitor your development and ensure you have everything you need to perform at your level. We focus on study skills and teach you how to plan and organize your schoolwork.

Select profile

In the upper grades, the choice is yours: which track do you want to pursue? You can choose from these tracks:

• Culture & society
• Economy & society
• Nature & technology
• Nature & health

You'll take common courses with the rest of your class. You'll also take courses specific to your profile. Additionally, you'll choose from electives such as science, life & technology (NLT) and philosophy. 

The Johan de Witt School Group has different types of classes:

Regular classes

Are you a true pre-university education (HAVO) student? Did you receive a specific recommendation that perfectly suits you? Then you can join us in the class at your level. You'll be in a class with other students of the same level.

Sometimes it's not entirely clear which program is the best fit for you. The Johan de Witt Scholengroep wants to give these students more time to discover this. This can be done in the opportunity class or the heterogeneous first-year class. In these classes, you'll have the opportunity to further develop your skills or catch up on any learning delays. Afterward, you can move on to the most suitable program. We follow the advice of your primary school in this regard. 

Opportunity classes

Have you received a double recommendation? Then you'll be best placed in a high-opportunity class. You'll receive instruction at the higher level, but you'll receive a report for both programs. At the end of the first year, we'll determine which level is most suitable based on the student's results and development. We offer the following high-opportunity classes:

• pre-university education (havo/vwo)
• pre-vocational secondary education (mavo/havo)
• Vmbo-kader/mavo
• Vmbo basic/vmbo intermediate level
• vmbo-p/vmbo-basic

Heterogeneous classes

Are you still developing and need more time? Then the heterogeneous first year might be just what you need. The heterogeneous class combines three educational levels. You follow your own program. Over three years, you'll discover which level you're qualified for. We offer the following heterogeneous classes:

• pre-vocational secondary education (mavo/havo/vwo)
• Vmbo-kader/mavo/havo
• Vmbo basic/vmbo intermediate/mavo
• Vmbo-p/ vmbo-basic/vmbo-framework

Transition to pre-university education

Is your pre-university education (HAVO) in sight and would you like to eventually pursue a university degree? Then, after graduating, you can progress to pre- (VWO). 

Havo+

Substructure

At the Johan de Witt Scholengroep, we offer a supplementary program to our senior general secondary education (HAVO) programs, which focuses on research and developing a scientific mindset. We challenge students to push their boundaries and discover their interests and talents. In the lower grades, all students study not two but three modern foreign languages, including French, German, and Spanish. In addition, students are offered Citizenship from the first year onward. In the first year and second year, you'll work with robotics and digital games. In robotics, you'll learn to program a robot, for example, so that it spins around. In the second year, you'll develop this further and even create your own game.

Upper structure

In the upper grades of pre-university secondary education (HAVO), students can supplement their further education with many additional options. These include special exam subjects such as Chinese, Turkish, Arabic, Italian, Russian, Philosophy, Natural and Life Sciences, and Technology. They can also take Business Economics, Mathematics D, Social Sciences, and Computer Science.

Olympiads

Enthusiastic science students, on the other hand, can fully express themselves in the various Olympiads the school participates in. Under the guidance of chemistry, physics, and/or mathematics teachers, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into their respective subjects and are challenged to showcase their talents at a national level.

Giving Back

Of course, there are also students who aren't quite sure which direction they want to take, but who possess plenty of talents. We offer the Giving Back mentoring program specifically for these students. The Giving Back Foundation guides students in discovering and utilizing their talents. The program consists of an individual mentoring program and participation in group programs with workshops, training weekends, company excursions, community service activities, and a study trip.

Business school

Students taking business economics and economics courses can earn credits at school to receive a nationally recognized Vecon Business School certificate, in addition to their regular diploma. This adds value to a resume. They earn credits by, for example, attending lectures or presenting their profile paper (PWS) on an economics topic. In this way, we not only aim to interest students in a career in economics after graduation but also to bring the subjects of (business) economics to life and make them more fun and exciting.

MAVO consists of four years. We believe it's important to monitor your development—together with you. This way, we determine what support you need from the school to obtain your diploma. We pay close attention to study skills and help you organize your schoolwork. You plan your studies using a school planner. If we determine that you can handle a higher level, we offer you the option of moving up to HAVO. For schoolwork, you'll use a Chromebook, which you can rent or purchase through the school.

Profile selection

At the end of the second year, you'll choose a track that matches your preference: a follow-up to vocational education (MBO) or senior general secondary education (HAVO). We're here to help you make the right choice. That's why you'll receive career guidance from your mentor from the lower years onward.
You can choose from these tracks:

• Economy
• Care and welfare
• Technology
• Agriculture

Starting in third year, you'll start working on your profile. We call this the "preliminary exam year." In addition to your profile subjects, you'll take the compulsory subjects Dutch, English, social studies, physical education, and art in the third and fourth years. You can also choose a practical subject in the third year: services & products or economics & entrepreneurship.

Final year of high school

In fourth year, you'll work on your profile project alongside six final exam subjects. You'll present this project upon completion. We collaborate with ROC Mondriaan to ensure a smooth transition to vocational education (MBO). If you wish to progress to HAVO after your final exams, you'll take an additional subject in your final year.

mavo+

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep wants you to make the most of your secondary school years and choose the right study program afterwards. To further enhance your future opportunities, we offer many extra programs and projects through the Talentenhuis. Engineering and technology play a major role in our lives, from heating to cooking and from your phone to travel. That is why you will already start working with robotics in the first year. During these lessons, students learn the basic skills of computational thinking. In Digigames, students learn how to create a digital game, from design to creating a playable game. In the second year, students delve deeper with more challenging assignments. 

The Johan de Witt School Group has different types of classes:

Regular classes

Are you a typical MAVO student or a typical VMBO basic student? Did you receive one recommendation and does it suit you perfectly? Then you can join us in the class at your level. You'll be in a class with other students of the same level.

Sometimes it's not entirely clear which program is the best fit for you. The Johan de Witt Scholengroep wants to give these students more time to discover this. This can be done in the opportunity class or the heterogeneous first-year class. In these classes, you'll have the opportunity to further develop your skills or catch up on any learning delays. Afterward, you can move on to the most suitable program. We follow the advice of your primary school in this regard. 

Opportunity classes

Have you received a double recommendation? Then you'll be best placed in a high-opportunity class. You'll receive instruction at the higher level, but you'll receive a report for both programs. At the end of the first year, we'll determine which level is most suitable based on the student's results and development. We offer the following high-opportunity classes:

• pre-university education (havo/vwo)
• pre-vocational secondary education (mavo/havo)
• Vmbo-kader/mavo
• Vmbo basic/vmbo intermediate level
• Vmbo-p/vmbo-basic

Heterogeneous classes

Are you still developing and need more time? Then the heterogeneous first year might be just what you need. The heterogeneous class combines three educational levels. You follow your own program. Over three years, you'll discover which level you're qualified for. We offer the following heterogeneous classes:

• pre-vocational secondary education (mavo/havo/vwo)
• Vmbo-kader/mavo/havo
• Vmbo basic/vmbo intermediate/mavo
• vmbo-p/vmbo-basic/vmbo-framework

Does a combination of book-based learning and practical experience suit you? Then our pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) program (KBL) is the perfect fit for you. This four-year program focuses on planning and organizing your homework and helps you study for tests. For schoolwork, you'll use a Chromebook, which you can rent or purchase through the school.

Professional campus

At the vocational campus, you learn by doing. These practical skills will be valuable if you continue your studies at a vocational college (MBO) or start working after graduating. In the upper years, you'll work at least 14 hours a week at the vocational campus. You'll choose a profile and can choose from no fewer than 13 electives, such as Fashion, First Aid, and also Environment, Reuse, and Sustainability.

The vocational campus is exam-oriented, and half of the tests consist of practical assignments. All profiles participate annually in the SKILLS competitions. In these SKILLS competitions, you showcase your talents through assignments, competing against other schools. The Services and Products department came in second in the Netherlands in 2021.

The seven profiles:

• Mobility and Transport
• Building, Living and Interior
• Producing, Installing and Energy
• Economy and Entrepreneurship
• Media and Design
• Care and Welfare
• Services and Products

You'll take courses that match your specific profile. They provide practical preparation for your further education and future career. These courses are taught in dedicated practical classrooms. In addition, everyone in the upper grades takes the same subjects: Dutch, English, social studies, physical education, and an art subject. 

MBO training

With your pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) diploma, you can begin a vocational (MBO) program at level 2, 3, or 4. You choose a vocational program that teaches you a trade, so you can start working well afterward.

Vmbo-kader+

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep wants you to make the most of your secondary school years and choose the right study program afterwards. To further enhance your future prospects, we offer many extra programs and projects. In the upper years of VMBO, we organize projects that allow you to thoroughly explore your profile, studies, and career. These projects either align with your profile or transcend it.

Substructure

In the first year of secondary school, you'll explore robotics and digital games through the Talent House. In robotics, you'll learn to program a robot, for example, to make it spin. In the second year, you'll develop this further and even create your own game. 

Upper structure

Collaboration with ROC Mondriaan

To promote the transition to vocational education (MBO), we collaborate with ROC Mondriaan. We organize basic/intermediate activities with Mondriaan for the 3rd^and 4th^year classes. On Wednesday afternoons, students work on a project tailored to their profile. The program has been developed by teachers from the Johan de Witt Scholengroep and Mondriaan. At Mondriaan Tinwerf, the 3rd year classes experience activities^such as a drone flight through the urban mind.

Vocational subjects

Within the vocational subjects, we regularly organize projects. For example, we participate in SKILLS Talents every year. This is a practical school exam with collaborative assignments and skills within the chosen profile. Students compete against each other and, in pairs, demonstrate their skills to the jury. The school finals are followed by provincial and national finals.

Better educational and career choices

During the lightning internship, students get to know a company in person, or the company comes to the school. This gives them a better understanding of the various sectors and professions available. Students also have a career coach with whom they can work one-on-one to find the right further education program for them.

Do you learn best by doing things right away? And do you prefer to get hands-on? Then the pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) basic vocational track (BBL) at the Johan de Witt Scholengroep is perfect for you. This VMBO program lasts four years. In the first year, you'll learn most of your subjects from your class teacher. They'll closely monitor your progress and help you plan and organize your homework or study for tests. 

Select profile

In the upper grades, you choose which track you want to pursue after graduation: which further education program is right for you? This track has a specific profile. You can choose from seven different profiles:  

• Building, living and interior
• Production, installation and energy
• Mobility and transport
• Media, design and ICT
• Care and welfare
• Economy and entrepreneurship
• Services and products

You'll take courses that match your specific profile. They provide practical preparation for your further education and future career. These courses are taught in dedicated practical classrooms. In addition, everyone in the upper grades takes the same subjects: Dutch, English, social studies, physical education, and an art subject. 

Moving up to pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO)

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep believes it's important that you can be yourself and feel comfortable in your program. If we see you're doing well and achieving good grades, you can progress to a higher level. This means you can start the VMBO basic program in the first year, but ultimately earn your diploma at the VMBO intermediate level.

MBO training

With your VMBO basic diploma, you can start a level 2 vocational education (MBO) program. You choose a vocational program that teaches you a trade, so you'll be well-prepared for work afterward. 

vmbo-basic+

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep wants you to make the most of your secondary school years and choose the right study program afterward. To further enhance your future prospects, we offer many additional programs and projects. In the upper years of pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO), we organize projects that help you orient yourself on your profile, study program, and career. These projects may be tailored to your profile or may transcend it.

Substructure

In the first year of secondary school, you'll explore robotics and digital games through the Talent House. In robotics, you'll learn to program a robot, for example, to make it spin. In the second year, you'll expand on this and even create your own game. 

Upper structure

Collaboration with ROC Mondriaan

To promote the transition to vocational education (MBO), we collaborate with ROC Mondriaan. We organize basic/intermediate activities with Mondriaan for the 3rd^and 4th^year classes. On Wednesday afternoons, students work on a project tailored to their profile. The program has been developed by teachers from the Johan de Witt Scholengroep and Mondriaan. At Mondriaan Tinwerf, the 3rd year classes experience activities^such as a drone flight through the urban mind.

Vocational subjects

Within the vocational subjects, we regularly organize projects. For example, we participate in SKILLS Talents every year. This is a practical school exam with collaborative assignments and skills within the chosen profile. Students compete against each other and, in pairs, demonstrate their skills to the jury. The school finals are followed by provincial and national finals.

Better educational and career choices

During the lightning internship, students get to know a company in person, or the company comes to the school. This gives them a better understanding of the various sectors and professions available. Students also have a career coach with whom they can work one-on-one to find the right further education program for them.

The Johan de Witt School Group has 3 types of classes

Regular classes

Are you a true pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) student? Did you receive a specific recommendation that perfectly suits you? Then you can join us in a class at your level. You'll be in a class with other students of the same level.

Sometimes it's not entirely clear which program is the best fit for you. The Johan de Witt school group wants to give these students more time to discover this. This can be done in the opportunity class or the heterogeneous first-year class. In these classes, you'll have the opportunity to further develop your skills or catch up on any learning delays. Afterward, you can move on to the most suitable program. We follow the advice of your primary school in this regard. 

Opportunity classes

Have you received a double recommendation? Then you'll be best placed in a high-opportunity class. You'll receive instruction at the higher level, but you'll receive a report for both programs. At the end of the first year, we'll determine which level is most suitable based on the student's results and development. We offer the following high-opportunity classes:

• pre-university education (havo/vwo)
• pre-vocational secondary education (mavo/havo)
• Vmbo-kader/mavo
• Vmbo basic/vmbo intermediate level
• Vmbo-p/vmbo-basic

Heterogeneous classes

Are you still developing and need more time? Then the heterogeneous first year might be right for you. The heterogeneous class combines three educational levels. Over three years, you'll discover which level you're eligible for. We offer the following heterogeneous classes:

• pre-vocational secondary education (mavo/havo/vwo)
• Vmbo-kader/mavo/havo
• Vmbo basic/vmbo intermediate/mavo
• Practical education/pre-vocational secondary education basic/pre-vocational secondary education framework

Are you looking for a good mix of learning from books and applying your knowledge in practice? Then the pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO-P) program at the Johan de Witt Scholengroep is perfect for you. In this program, you'll learn a variety of practical skills. These will be useful if you continue your studies at a vocational college (MBO) or enter the workforce after graduating. Consider, for example, skills in technology, hospitality, sales & retail, and service & healthcare.

Custom made

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep has beautiful, modern practical classrooms: a large kitchen for learning to cook, for example, and a sales room where you'll learn what it's like to work in a shop.
We'll work with you to create an Individual Development Plan and discuss it with your parents. This plan outlines your goals and specifies the type of work you'd like to do. This plan determines your learning path and is reviewed two to three times a year. We also use RTTI and OMZA. For practical subjects, we use vmbo readers.

During the first three years, you'll be introduced to all the practical subjects, ultimately enabling you to choose one that's right for you. You'll specialize in these subjects to prepare yourself for the jobs of the future—in other words, jobs where you can easily find work!

In addition to practical subjects at school, you'll practice simulation in years 1 and 2. Starting in year 3, you'll do an internship. This is useful, as it allows you to practice situations you might encounter in vocational education and later in your professional life.

In our classes, we focus on the knowledge and skills you'll need during your internship, further education, or as an employee. The first internships are in groups, after which you'll work individually at various companies. We'll guide you step by step through these internships. This is done by our internship agency: trend watchers who arrange the best internships to help you gain experience in the jobs of the future!

Entry diploma and/or Practical diploma

We're closely monitoring your development. If you've reached the appropriate level, you can start the internal entry-level training program (which grants you access to MBO level 2) in year 5. Otherwise, you'll earn your practical diploma after five years. By then, you'll be confident, know your strengths, and be prepared for what's expected of you during your further education and in the business world. 

Heterogeneous class vmbo-p/vmbo-basic

Your level might be on the borderline between pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO-P) and pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO-B). The Johan de Witt Scholengroep offers a solution: the heterogeneous pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO-P/VMBO-B) bridge class. In this bridge class, lessons are taught at the pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO-B) level, and you'll take Dutch, English, and mathematics.

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep is accredited for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) .    

There are IB World Schools all over the world. These schools aim to educate students to become inquisitive, well-informed, and caring young people, so that together they can create a better and more peaceful world. Naturally, we want this too, which is why we started a MYP class in the 2022/2023 school year.

The MYP at the Johan de Witt Scholengroep is for students with a pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO), senior general secondary education (MAVO), senior general secondary education (HAVO), or pre-university education (VWO) recommendation and is aimed at students aged 12 to 16. During the MYP, we encourage students to adopt an inquisitive attitude and be socially engaged. This way, our students are developed into creative, critical, and reflective thinkers and doers.

The MYP is more than acquiring knowledge. The emphasis lies primarily on developing skills and qualities that turn students into broadly oriented global citizens. We use the so-called 'IB student profile' as a tool in this process  

Want to know more? Check out our IB-MYP page.

From the ISK program and practical training, it's possible to progress to the entry-level program within the Johan de Witt Scholengroep. The entry-level program is a collaboration with ROC Mondriaan and is offered at the Capadosestraat and Hooftskade locations. With an entry-level program, you'll earn a level 1 vocational education (MBO) diploma within one year. 

Direction

Upon arrival you choose a direction that suits your interests and talents.

• Automotive technology
• Hospitality
• Services and care
• Sales and retail
• Building, living and maintenance
• Metal, electrical and installation

The program consists of two components: theory and an internship. In the theory component, you'll work on Dutch and math. You'll also complete your exam portfolio with assignments for citizenship. 

Internship

A large part of your entry-level training program will involve an internship. We'll work with you to ensure you find the right place and discuss your learning goals beforehand. After completing your internship, we want to ensure you possess the necessary employee competencies. This means you'll need to demonstrate you're a good employee and, for example, excellent teamwork skills.

And after that?

This program prepares you for the job market. You could, for example, become a healthcare assistant or an installation technician. If you choose to pursue a level 2 vocational education program after completing your diploma, you'll already have a solid foundation. 

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep's International Transition Class (ISK) is specifically for students who have not been in the Netherlands for very long and speak little or no Dutch. We offer this program at our Vermeerstraat and Windjammersingel locations.

Students not only learn Dutch but also become acquainted with Dutch society and are prepared for mainstream education. This "first reception for non-Dutch speaking students" program is aimed at a very diverse group of students, in terms of background, prior education, and learning ability. 

Appropriate learning path

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep conducts a thorough intake process and (provisionally) places students in pre-university education (vwo/havo), senior general secondary education (mavo), pre-vocational secondary education (vmbo-kader), pre-vocational secondary education (vmbo-basis), arts education (alfa), or entry-level education (entrance). They begin an intensive Dutch curriculum, including citizenship and arts education. These subjects are supplemented with subjects such as arithmetic/mathematics, physical education, and English. Relatively little knowledge of Dutch is required for these subjects.

Study guide and progress interviews

Students work with study guides focused on their subsequent education (pre-university education/senior general secondary education, senior general secondary education/pre-vocational secondary education (MAVO)/pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) framework, and pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) basic education) and have three progress meetings. These meetings discuss the expected level at the end of their ISK program.

Flow

After a maximum of one year, it's time for the transition. We'll assess beforehand whether the preliminary recommendation can be converted into a follow-up program (VO-ISK) within one of our regular secondary school programs. This is possible if students have achieved a sufficient level of language and math skills. 

VO-ISK

VO-ISK is available at the pre-university secondary education (havo/vwo), senior general secondary education (mavo), pre-vocational secondary education (vmbo-kader), pre-vocational basic education (vmbo-basis), and pre-vocational practical education (vmbo-praktikophold) levels. We work with small groups within this program, ensuring students receive optimal guidance during lessons.