Exchange for a Change of Perspective

For us, learning from each other means that from time to time, we need to have a change of perspective.  For this to happen, we need an outside influence.  On the 9th June, our Erzieher team visited the Trilingual International Primary School of Magdeburg.  The school was founded in 2005 and was the first trilingual school in Germany. The goal of our visit was simple; to learn as much as possible from our colleagues. We had a highly interesting and engaging day in German, English and French, involving in-depth discussions around the concept of trilingual education and its optimal implementation.

After accepting an invitation to visit Platanus, nine colleagues from France, Canada, Germany and the Ivory Coast made their way to Berlin at the end of June.  They spent the day at our school to view how our Ganztag (Whole-Day) program is implemented. They were particularly impressed by the 40 odd extra-curricular clubs/activities that are offered to the students, as well as the high level of English and the team-teaching method that is employed. They were also interested in the age of the primary students.  In Saxony-Anhalt primary school goes until grade four, whereas in Berlin, it goes to grade six.  At our school, the students have the opportunity to continue to grade 10.

It was a fantastic learning experience for all involved.  It really stood out for us that with all the differences in the education systems, the number of languages and cultures, it is imperative that we continue to teach our children that diversity and internationality is something special and important to us all.