R.E.A.C.H.
Grundschule Am
Priesterweg Potsdam
Teachers from
Finland, France and Scotland
represented their schools at the
coordinating meeting in Potsdam.
Grundschule Am
Priesterweg is
situated on the outskirts of
Potsdam in Drewitz, an area with
social problems due to high
unemployment and problems arising
from rising immigration. Staff
worked hard to overcome the
difficulties and to provide the
children with a safe and pleasant
school environment.The outside
play areas included an adventure
playground, football pitch,
running track and garden. One of
the more surprising discoveries
was an area where the school
rabbits were housed. This
initiative encouraged the
children to take responsibility
for the care of their pets. Some
subjects, French, cooking, choir,
dancing and rabbits, were not
included directly in the school
curriculum but were offered as
optional extras in the after-school
clubs. The children were open,
friendly and many were keen to
speak English to their guests.
During our visit,
the school was presented with a
special international award as an
“Environmental School”.
This award recognised the many
“green” initiatives
organised in and around the
school. One of the highlights was
to accompany the Headteacher and
members of staff to a meeting
with Ms Andrea Winklein, MdB, at
the Bundeshaus. They had
organised the meeting to
highlight the social difficulties
faced by the staff, difficulties
compounded by the fact that
twelve different languages were
spoken at the school.
During Year 2 of
the project, REACH, the children
will share the traditions,
legends and special achievements
of their respective countries and
send the information to their
partner classes. The
collaborative project, a Calendar,
designed by groups of children
from each country will be
produced using pictures from the
different legends. As part of the
visit, there was much discussion
related to shared educational
issues and how these were
addressed in the various
countries. There was also humour
and good fun.
Patrick, Mary and
Florence enjoyed every aspect of
the visit and the hospitality
offered. Our thanks go to our
hosts, to Ute and Manuela in
particular and the Headteacher
Elvira for the excellent
arrangements made on our behalf. |
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