Bohlsbach’s Lorenz-Oken School Receives Outstanding Practice Certification as a „Certified Full-Day School“ in Baden-Württemberg
Bohlsbach – On July 10, 2023, the Lorenz-Oken School in Bohlsbach was honored with the title „Certified Full-Day School with Outstanding Practice“ by State Secretary Volker Schebesta. With this recognition, the school becomes the first full-day school in Baden-Württemberg, Germany to receive this certification. State Secretary Volker Schebesta presented the certificate to Stefanie Zentner, the principal of the Lorenz-Oken School. He expressed his admiration for the dedication of the school’s staff, stating, „It is remarkable how committed everyone at the Lorenz-Oken School is – they all work together to create a wonderful community. Students are actively involved in decision-making processes and are given great support and encouragement. Therefore, all employees, parents, and every single student at the Lorenz-Oken School can be proud to be part of this school community. The Lorenz-Oken School can rightfully and officially be referred to as ‚excellent‘.“
The Lorenz-Oken School in Bohlsbach has been operating as a full-day school since the 2011/2012 school year and received the „Certified Full-Day School with Outstanding Practice“ certification following an evaluation by the Institute for Educational Analyses Baden-Württemberg (IBBW). State Secretary Volker Schebesta delivered a speech during the ceremony in the Bohlsbach gymnasium, emphasizing the school’s pedagogical approach. He said, „What sets the Lorenz-Oken School apart is that children’s ideas and concerns are taken seriously. They feel that their actions can have an impact and that it is worthwhile to advocate for themselves and others. In my opinion, these are the ideal conditions for students to become responsible citizens and make a positive contribution to our democracy. Therefore, I am confident that the students of the Lorenz-Oken School will be well-prepared for their future endeavors.“
Exemplary Concept: Democracy Education and Individual Support
One characteristic that stands out at the Lorenz-Oken School is the support and promotion of each individual child. Materials such as the LOK book (which documents learning content and personal weekly goals) and the learning development booklet are important tools in this process. Additionally, teamwork at the Lorenz-Oken School is exemplary. The school has developed a format in which the school management, teaching staff, and, if necessary, members of the social pedagogical team meet every two weeks before the start of classes to discuss important topics and exchange ideas.
To promote democratic participation within the school context, students are actively involved in shaping school life. For example, class representatives from grades 1 to 4 gather once a month in the student council to discuss the concerns and wishes of their fellow students. The results of these discussions are then incorporated into the monthly student conference, in which all 120 students of the Lorenz-Oken School are allowed to participate. Within each class, there is also a class council where students can exchange ideas and address their concerns.
„Certified Full-Day School with Outstanding Practice“ Certification
The „Certified Full-Day School with Outstanding Practice“ certification recognizes and evaluates full-day schools based on transparent criteria. Employees of the Institute for Educational Analyses Baden-Württemberg (IBBW) examined the four quality characteristics of „competence development,“ „cooperative professionalism,“ „professional management by the school leadership,“ and „continuous quality development.“ These factors were identified by Professor Dr. Anne Sliwka as key factors for effective full-day education. These criteria are outlined in the Quality Framework for Full-Day Schools in Baden-Württemberg (PDF), which provides guidance for quality development in full-day schools.
The recognition of the Lorenz-Oken School’s outstanding practice serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment shown by the school’s staff and students. The school’s emphasis on democracy education and individual support has created a nurturing environment where students can thrive and develop into responsible citizens. With this certification, the Lorenz-Oken School has established itself as a role model for full-day schools in Baden-Württemberg.
