Teaching and Organisation

Our Stages

Our three levels

? Primary Stage — Grades 1 to 4

The Primary Stage (GS) covers school years 1 to 4. Students are taught in small classes by class teams that stay together as continuously as possible. We always try to form an entry class. During the first school year, it is important to us that students settle in at their new place of learning and learn the basic rules and routines of the school day. Respectful interaction within the class, but also throughout the entire school community, is very close to our hearts, which is why we place great value on social learning right from the start. We are supported in this by our school social worker Angela Schloesser and other staff. Our school dogs also make a valuable contribution to mindful interaction with one another and are regularly involved in smaller and larger learning projects.

The subjects taught in the Primary Stage include: German, Mathematics, General Studies, Physical Education, Religion/Ethics, Art, Music and English. Comprehensive and individual support is at the centre of every student’s experience right from the start. To this end, individual support plans are drawn up twice a year, which are coordinated and discussed with everyone involved in the student’s support. Students are always actively involved in the process.

Lessons in the Primary Stage are characterised by a clear structure and rhythm in order to give students security in their school day. For example, the day’s plan is discussed in the morning circle.

In addition to differentiation and consideration of each student’s individual learning level, we are in constant exchange with our students. This allows them to learn from each other and contribute through group work.

Cooperation between the classes of the Primary Stage takes place again and again.

At the end of each half-year, students from the second school year onwards receive a report with verbal assessments. From the Middle Stage onwards, the verbal assessment is supplemented by grades.

? Middle Stage — Grades 5 to 7

The Middle Stage (MS) of Schule am Budenberg generally comprises grades 5 – 6. In the Middle Stage, a class is often formed after the summer holidays with students coming from mainstream schools. Students also transfer from mainstream schools into existing classes. Lessons in the Middle Stage are characterised by a broader range of subjects than in the Primary Stage. The range of subjects offered is based on those taught in the mainstream school system. The subject of General Studies is divided into the subjects NAWI (natural sciences: Biology) and GEWI (social sciences: Geography, History and Social Studies). In addition, the subject of Vocational Studies (Cooking/Crafts) is added, which is generally taught in small groups in theory and practice based on the established competence plan. From the Middle Stage onwards, English is also taught. From the Middle Stage onwards, Mathematics is taught in some classes in the form of a “maths band”. Here, students with a similar learning level are grouped together so that they can be optimally supported.

One focus of the Middle Stage is gradually introducing students to independent and cooperative ways of working and practising the presentation of work results. In addition, students are also to be strengthened in their personality in the social-emotional area and increasingly learn strategies to resolve conflicts independently and without violence. This also includes the establishment of a class council as a component of democratic education. The election of class representatives and participation in the student council (SV) also belong to this area.

? Career Orientation Stage — Grades 8 to 10

The Career Orientation Stage (BO Stage) covers grades 8 to 10. It prepares students for working life and their future careers. Schule am Budenberg has been awarded the OloV quality seal for exemplary career orientation several times. Every year, our school holds the Internship Museum, where students present their internship experiences and give younger year groups insights into various career fields.

Career Orientation in Detail