Second chance for system breakers: This is how the Am Park” school changes lives!

Second chance for system breakers: This is how the Am Park” school changes lives!

In the small but innovative school “Am Park” in Behrenhoff, not far from Greifswald, students like Jannik Koch are given a second chance. The 16-year-old not only has his professional qualifications under his belt, but is also looking forward to his upcoming training as a carpenter in Stralsund. A remarkable change when you talk to Jannik, as he describes his earlier days as a bully and troublemaker - one reason why he changed schools when he entered the third grade. But here in Behrenhoff it is flourishing.

The “Am Park” school specializes in the emotional and social needs of its students. Headmaster Fred Lüpcke emphasizes the philosophy of the institution: “Relationship before education”. This guiding principle is very important in the daily work of more than 40 teachers and educational specialists, who currently look after 111 students in 14 classes. Classes with a maximum of ten students enable a very personal learning atmosphere, which is further enriched by the use of the school's own curriculum and non-subject-related lessons.

Unique teaching methods to promote

A central aspect of the school's philosophy is building relationships that help students develop their abilities. Jannik particularly emphasizes the time and attention that the teachers give him and other students. In addition, the school cooperates with the Peenetalschule in Gützkow to give students the opportunity to obtain either the vocational qualification or the secondary school leaving certificate. These unconventional teaching methods are also supported by the “Association of Friends of the School at the Park e.V.” which has been providing financial resources to improve student support since 1985.

In recent years, the support association has made various important purchases through numerous donations and contributions. From a piano and drums to mats for gymnastics lessons and therapy bikes, the list is long. The community is active and committed - membership in the support association costs just 6 euros per year, and additional donations are strongly welcomed. The chairman of the association is Mr. Jäger, while Ms. Menzel works as the contact person directly at the school.

A school concept with a success story

The “Am Park” school is also known as one of the four schools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that focus on the emotional and social development of its students. The years since its founding in 2010 and the award with the German School Prize document the success of this special educational approach. Close cooperation with parents is seen as crucial for school success, and fortunately the majority of parents remain cooperative about this.

For Jannik and many other students, the “Am Park” school impressively shows that it is never too late to realize your own goals. The combination of individual support, unconventional teaching methods and a strong sense of community allows students to grow not only academically but also personally.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the school and the support association can find valuable information directly on the websites of the [Ostsee-Zeitung](https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/vorpommern-greifswald/greifswald/bei-greifswald-in-dieser-schule-bekommen-system Sprenger-eine-zorte-chance-RSNI7G5ZMFA6TGRLOV4X6UT6DM.html) and the Association of Friends of the School at the Park.