Sustainability in the classroom: Contwig-Stambach on the way to the ESD school!

Sustainability in the classroom: Contwig-Stambach on the way to the ESD school!

Stambach, Deutschland - The Contwig-Stambach primary school has applied for certification as a “School of Education for Sustainable Development (BNE)”. Sustainability plays a central role in the classroom and in the actions of the students and teachers. On the BNE day, the students' sustainability projects were presented in an impressive exhibition in the gym, which visibly impressed both parents and auditors from the State Pedagogical Institute. Headmaster Peter Schmidt emphasized the importance of the BNE network, which has existed in Rhineland-Palatinate since 1996 and now comprises 80 to 90 schools, which are supported by further training measures, study days and project funding.

In the event of a successful application, the lessons for the 225 students in Stambach would change significantly. The school is committed to sustainability goals and has already implemented changes in the classroom through the future initiative. Cooperations with the fire brigade, the house of Sarepta and the forest youth contwig enrich the educational offers.

practical implementation and commitment of the community

A special highlight is the regular introduction of a incubator with chickens by Klaus Danner, which thus establishes a practical connection to nature and sustainability. The topics of chickens, toads and the forest are particularly popular with the first graders. The high commitment of the parents, especially in projects such as school construction, underlines the connection of the community with the school. It is worth noting that the Contwig-Stambach primary school is the only remaining elementary school building in the community after the location of Contwig was closed due to mold and structural defects.

BNE in Rhineland-Palatinate: A comprehensive concept

Education for sustainable development (BNE) is understood as an overall concept for schools and school communities in Rhineland-Palatinate. School lines are asked to anchor ESN in the school program. ESD activities can include waste and energy management, healthy foods in schools and the establishment of a sustainability-oriented student company. Cooperation with municipal administrations, regional businesses and developmental non -governmental organizations expand the learning opportunities for students.

The Rhineland-Palatinate Pedagogical State Institute offers support from the advisory group Education for Sustainable Development (BFBNE), which provides practical help. Schools that apply for certification can reach one of three stages of the award. Regular re-certifications are required to demonstrate the quality of the implementation and, if necessary, to obtain a higher level.

A current report shows, however, that comprehensive investments are required in the German school system to make schools future -proof. Greenpeace, together with the Alliance Future Education, published a study that shows that around 16.3 billion euros have to be invested in education by 2035 in order to prepare the schools for global challenges and to strengthen democracy. Most of these investments are said to flow into the training and further education of the teachers. The challenges associated with the implementation of BNE in schools are further reinforced by the lack of time, personnel and financial resources.

Overall, it can be seen that schools like the Contwig-Stambach primary school are on the right track to actively promote sustainable development, which benefits not only learning but also to the entire community. The developments of the ESD network in Rhineland-Palatinate are a step in the right direction, even if there are many challenges.