Day 2 Monday 19th February
We were met by Romy Holtzer who is in charge of primary education working from the European office of Stadtschul Vienna. She herself was once a primary teacher and, as part of her role, still teaches in her link school each week.
We introduced ourselves to Romy, this was enjoyable for all of us as we listened to each other and our various roles within schools. From this we feel Devon is very lucky to have such a multifarious group of HLTA's. Romy looked very surprised at all our skills and responsibilities.
Franz Schimeck came to meet us; Franz is the school inspector in charge of languages, also based in the European office of Education.
We listened to an overview of the education system in Austria. It was very informative the main facts we feel were important and showed differences between our two systems are shown below.
FACTS:
• Vienna has a very different education system from England
• no state pre school
• school starts age 6
• Primary is from 6-10
• At 10 decision as whether to go to secondary general or grammar
• Children have to complete 9 years compulsory education
• 40% are non German speaking
• 463 primary schools
• most schools are half day starting at 8am
• There are NO teaching assistants
• 23,000 primary and secondary teachers all on the same salary scheme
• 200,000 children (age 6 to 19)
• Teachers are appointed by the board of education
• They believe strongly in inclusion
Romy emphasised that education is the tool for the people. As in England the main problem seemed to be budgets.
Brigitte Morwald spoke to us, Brigitte has been on the board of education for 14 years and is an expert in SEN. Her main points were:
• Inclusion
• integration teaching NOT segregation
• classes are smaller (usually 22) with up to 5 SEN children and two teachers one teacher is a specialist in SEN
• if one child is autistic then only 2 other SEN children would be in that class as it is recognised that an autistic child will take much of the time
• Parents are very included in the inclusion system
• Statements go through very quickly in a matter of around two months
• Transport is provided and children are placed close to the home
There are a few SEN only schools and parents use these as they are full time and elevate the need for child care
We learnt that languages are a very important part of the education system. In 1989 it became compulsory for all students to learn English. English in all subjects plus actual learning of the language. Parents are very keen for their children to learn languages. Other languages are taught (Italian, French, Turkish, Croatian, Spanish) to include the diversity of languages spoken by the children in the multi cultural society.
During the afternoon several of us decided to explore the history and cultural of this beautiful and historic city. We enjoyed a ride on a horse and carriage and viewed architecture and explored inside a cathedral, as well as the parliament building and library. The weather was very kind to us today, cold but sunny. We are looking forward to tomorrow when we go to look at a Primary School
Christine Gibson and Julie Ogden St George's Nursery and Infant School, Northam
Allow