34 
Girls’ Schools. 
In Prussia a special scientific examination was introduced 
in 1900, on passing which the female teachers acquire the position of 
senior mistress (Oberlehrerin). The candidates must posses the quali- 
fication for the Higher Girls’ Schools, and must have been practically 
employed in such a school for at least five years. For their scientific 
preparation special extension courses extending over 5 to 6 semesters 
are held in several Universities. 
[n most recent times Gymnasium and Realgymnasium courses 
have been established in several towns, enabling the pupils to obtain 
the leaving-certificate that qualifies for the University. However, in 
Prussia and in other Federal States, women provided with the 
certificate a e not directlv immatriculated as yet, but merely admitted 
to hear lectures. 
As special branches of girls’ education are still to be mentioned 
the general extension courses and the teaching of domestic economy. 
By the former is meant, not the technical (industrial or commercial) 
extended instruction, but the strengthening and completion of the 
education acquired by girls in the elementary school. In several of 
the Federal States this instruction is obligatory, or can be made so 
by the communities for two more years. Every week afew evening 
or Sunday hours are devoted to it. In Prussia there is no obligatory 
extended teaching for girls, but schools for the purpose have been 
established by several towns and by societies of general utility. Do- 
mestic economy is taught in connection with the extension courses, 
but is also given separately in the institutions of the municipalities 
or of the societies. The subjects are cookery, washing, ironing, hy- 
gienics, knowledge of alimentary substances, etc.