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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