Academic term
In most countries, the academic year begins in late summer or early autumn and ends during the following spring or summer. In Northern Hemisphere countries, this means that the academic year lasts from August, September, or October to May, June, or July. In Southern Hemisphere countries, the academic year aligns with the calendar year, lasting from February or March to November or December. The summer may or may not be part of the term system.
Realschule
In most states of Germany, students start the "Realschule" at the age of ten or eleven and typically finish school at the age of 16–17. In some states, "Realschulen" have recently been replaced by "Oberschulen" or "Sekundarschulen".
In 2006 1.32 million German students attended a "Realschule".