Bernd lohneib has never made a secret of the fact that he is an advocate of the nine-year gymnasium. "For many – not all – students, the pressure of the G8 was too great." the principal of hochstadter gymnasium is therefore pleased that G9 is returning, albeit with new framework conditions.
The planning alone was completely different than when the G8 was introduced about 14 years ago. "It was all planned better, the same mistake was not made", according to lohneib. All committees and associations – from teachers to parents to schoolchildren – were brought on board. "And also really belonged", emphasizes norbert schell, principal at herzogenaurach high school. Of course, not all wishes were fulfilled – but there was a satisfactory solution.
No rehashed old system
For both principals, it is important that the reintroduction is not a rehashed "old G9 acts. "This would not make sense either. You have to react to developments, thinks schell. That's why new priorities are being set. For example, in the 9. A module on career orientation is planned for the third grade, the STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology) will be strengthened – computer science will be a compulsory subject in the future – and social studies will become the subject "political education" redesigned. Norbert schell: "in today's world, it is more important than ever to strengthen democratic consciousness."
Intensive lessons remain
Among other things, the intensification lessons, in which students can reinforce what they have already learned, have been taken over from the G8. Nevertheless, there should be more time for extracurricular activities in the future, as well as for interest groups such as sports, theater, orchestra or choir. Schell emphasizes here that these were always well attended in herzogenaurach, even during the G8.
Schell had also been able to live with the G8. Especially since the response to the flexi year (see box) at his school has been overwhelming.
Nevertheless, he thinks the return to G9 is a good thing. There are schools that can start studying at the age of 17. "From the intellect in any case. I always say: but some people starve because they can't find the cafeteria." wants to stay: one year more space, more consolidation, more maturity makes sense for most of the students. All the others could decide for the fast track.
"Middle school plus is well received"
As far as the decision for an additional year is concerned, bernd lohneib has had quite different experiences. The pilot project "mittelstufe plus, the program, which has been running in hochstadt for the past three years, has been very well received, she said. Again, this made it possible to take nine years to graduate from high school. "In any case, it has shown me that parents and schoolchildren would rather have G9", says the principal of hochstadt.
By the time the last G8 class has graduated, all systems are running in parallel: G8 – with and without mittelstufe plus – and the new G9. "This becomes more complicated with each passing year because you have to allow each student to do what he or she chooses to do. Even if you end up with only a handful of G8 high school graduates", explains lohneib.
Fast lane only political?
By the way, lohneib considers the planned fast lane to be one thing above all: "a political issue. To avoid having to admit the G8 mistake. And we have to pay the price." because how this faster way to the abitur is to be implemented remains very vague despite all the planning.
Of course, this new change will mean a lot of work for the schools. "But it's all feasible", says lohneib. Especially since it went much better than the introduction of G8.
Schell is also relaxed: "we are used to the political responsibility of deciding on something that we then have to implement, he says with a wink. But he also believes that it will be easier this time because people are "heavily involved" in the development process been.
The different options in the G8 and the new G 9
Flexi year: the flexi year made it possible in the G8 to take on additional demands by reducing the time spent on them. There were two options to choose from: 1. At the end of the school year, the student decides to repeat the passed grade 8, 9 or 10 in a modified form. 2. At the end of the school year, the student decides in advance to complete grade 8 or 9 in two years.
Middle school plus: it offers G8 students one year of additional learning time. Core subjects are particularly challenged, the subject matter is stretched from three to four years, and the content is covered more intensively. In addition, there are fewer subjects per school year, which means fewer hours per week and only one compulsory afternoon class.
The G9 plan: the current 5.-classes will already be transferred to the new G9 in the coming school year. The hours will be redistributed. The current 6. The 5th grade will be the last G8 class.
Fast track: for students who want it and who are suitable, there will in future be the option of completing grade 11. To skip a grade in order to get to the abitur within eight years anyway. If possible, the decision should be made at the end of the 8th quarter. The school year will drop so that the students in the 9. And 10. The students can be specifically prepared for the eighth or ninth grade with additional challenge modules. Nevertheless, it should still be possible to enroll in the 10th grade. Deciding to skip a grade – or not, even if you've already taken the required modules.