After surveying the present-day state of the tasks being solved and planned, a proposal is presented for determining target and content structures a) with regard to socially important spheres of knowledge, interests and activities — and simultaneously b) with regard to individual components of the pupils’ personality. With the teaching material in chemistry and chemistry teaching serving as examples, target requirements are then specified: a) for vocational education — chemical, polytechnical and working, world outlook and politico-moral training — and this is being done b) with regard to the knowledge, skills and abilities, attitudes and behaviour of the pupils.