Haupt- und Realschule Heiligenkreuz am
Waasen - Wir sind die Nummer 1!
Presently 356 pupils,
ages 10-15, attend our school, which is located about 20 Km southeast of
Graz. Since the 1991/92 school year, we are one of 19 Realschulen in Styria.
The main goal of the 6 year Realschule, which is joined with the
Hauptschule, is to provide our pupils with a basic general education while
preparing them for the working world. An essential aspect of this is contact
to the economy and collaboration with businesses.
After graduation, the pupil should be in a position to determine his/her
career goals and follow through with desired career plans.
Educational emphasis is placed on three areas:
The subject matter of
all three emphases should be relayed using interactive and pupil orientated
teaching methods, for example: Project work (multidisciplinary lessons,
development of self-initiative, reduction of teacher dominance, learning by
doing). Through pupil centered learning and teaching methods, the young
person should develop competence to handle changing situations and evolve so
called “key qualifications,” like communication skills, ability to work in a
team, flexibility, willingness to cooperate, conflict management and problem
solving skills, etc. Such skills are educational and job requirements these
days, and through such methods the pupils subtly develop these skills.
-
Modern Communication Techniques:
Starting in the first class, all pupils are required to take one hour of
computer literacy. In the fourth class, this computer training gains
importance because in nearly every realm of business, computer skills are
vital. The goal is that the pupils be in a position to evaluate, in accordance
to their age, the economic and social relevance of application software,
information and communication systems in business, everyday life, the
environment, and technology. In addition to basic theory, the practical
implementation of this knowledge is particularly significant.
A high speed internet connection enables us to be online 24 hours a day. The
school is represented in detail on our own website. Our pupils have web mail
addresses, which provide them with world wide e-mail access.
For pupils in the 5th and 6th class, who take Applied Computer and
Communication Technology, it is possible to acquire the “European Computer
Driving License” (ECDL), which is recognized throughout Europe. The test for
the certificate is given by a group of experts from the
“Berufsförderungsinstitut” (Vocational Training Institute).
-
Career Orientation and
Vocational Information:
Starting in the first class, as an underlying
principal in the lessons (emphasized as of the 3rd class), and then from the
4th -6th class it is a taught subject, which should prepare the pupil for the
working and business world.
The subject areas: commerce, technology, social sciences and information
technologies are divided into three equal courses amounting to 5 hrs a week.
Pupils in the 4th class have a schedule, in addition to their fixated schedule,
which cycles them through these three subject areas. They come to realize
which subject area is for them more interesting. In the 5th and 6th class the
pupil must choose 12 hours of electives. (refer to folder)
Of great importance is the cooperation with businesses. In the 4th class,
pupils spend three school days at a firm; in the 5th and 6th classes, they
spend two weeks in the working world. Additionally an internship is required
during the holidays between the 5th and 6th school year. Furthermore there are
various excursions to businesses and “Schnuppertrainings” (gives the pupil a
chance to observe a job) at apprentice workshops in the
“Wirtschaftsförderungsinstitut” (Institute for Adult Education) scheduled.
-
Language Training
Starting in the third class, in addition to English, French or alternatively
Italian is taught as a second living foreign language.
Through foreign language projects, communication skills are improved,
vocabulary is broadened, oral and written skills are improved, and listening
comprehension skills are enhanced. With support from a native speaker, pupils
come into closer contact with the language of the host country; this is then a
third living foreign language (Greek, Irish, Italian and French).
Projects conducted at our
school
Even before the
implementation of the „Realschule“ we worked on projects. In 1989 our
school took part in the project „Das Land hat Zukunft“ (the state/country
has a future), and was state champion and later federal champion. The
project „Glaubenszeichen“(signs of belief) should also be mentioned; the
pupils dealt intensively with the theme visual signs of faith (wayside
shrines, chapels,…..) in Heiligenkreuz and the surrounding area.
With
generous financial support from the European Union, it was possible for us
as of 1996 to take part in the EU’s „Lingua E“ educational programs.
Thereby the pupils in the 5th class Realschule worked with pupils from
another European country on a shared project. During an exchange (each
school 14 days), not only the themes are meaningful; equally meaningful are
understanding in a foreign language, contact to other cultures and
traditions, and the acceptance of these.
It is
important to us that our youth have contacts and friends from other
countries. And in this we have, in our small sphere, succeeded; long after
the project, teachers, parents, and pupils still keep in touch and even
visit each other.
The following projects are to be mentioned:
|
Year |
Theme –
Countries |
Brief
Description |
|
1996 |
„STEIRE“ –
Ireland (Dublin) |
Comparison of job opportunities – careers for school graduates |
|
1998 |
„BOIE“ – Italy
(Lombardei) |
A
comparative study of the resources in Lombardy and Styria with regards
to home nursing and outpatient services |
|
1999 |
„Idee“ – Italy
(Milan) |
Industrial development in Brianza, the region around Milan, and in Graz
and its surroundings |
|
2000 |
„DAC“ – Cyprus
(Nikosia) |
Dance in the societies of Cyprus and Styria |
|
2000 |
„eRreSe“ – Italy
(Rome) |
Bilateral relationships between Rome and Styria |
|
2001 |
„Students
Lifestyles“ – Italy (Palermo) |
Youth lifestyles previously and presently in Sicily and Styria
|
|
2002 |
„Between Roots and Wings“– Italy (Bronte) |
Our
youth between tradition and modernity – a comparison study of Sicily and
Styria |
Further Projects: Projektübersicht
|
Year |
Theme -
Countries |
Brief
Description |
|
1997 |
„In
the land of the midnight sun“
Pupil exchange with Sweeden |
Getting to know a very fascinating country |
|
1997 |
Pilot project: Collaboration between the economy and the school -
Friuli Venezia Giulia / Italy
(6th class) |
Two
week internship in various firms in Friaul |
|
2000 |
„Hitradio R 3“
(3rd class) |
Production of a radio program; various fairy tales were worked on in 5
languages – (German, English, French, Italian, and Greek)
ALPE ADRIA AWARD (University of Pordenone / Italy) |
|
2001
2002
2003 |
„Education – a shared duty“ – Slovakia, Holland, Spain (2nd
/3rd and 4th class) |
A
project which lasts several years; the cooperation between schools and
homes in particular countries is investigated |
In 1998
the European Commission for the first time awarded an Austrian educational
institution, which was exceptionally innovative in the area of language
initiative, with an „Europasiegel“ (European Label). We are proud that we
are the only school in Austria which has been awarded the European Label
three times in a row: 1999 for „Internship in a Europe of Regions“, 2000 for
„IDee” (Industrial Development in Lombardy and Styria) and 2001 for „Hitradio
R 3” (radio moderated in five languages).
Our Goal
Because there is both a “Hauptschule” (secondary modern school), which is
organized into achievement groups, and a Realschule, which is a vocationally
oriented school, it should be possible for our pupils to receive an optimal
education compatible with their talents and dispositions.
The consideration of the pupils’ aptitudes and interests, the fostering of
independence, and the accompanying career information and orientation build
a solid secondary level education, which should put our pupils in a position
to be able to choose the correct career, meet necessary requirements, and
successfully continue their education.
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