A school for all

This year we are celebrating a special anniversary: primary school is 150 years old! In 1874, the foundation stone for the primary schools as we know it today was laid by enshrining compulsory education in the Federal Constitution. Initially, however, conditions at public schools were anything but favourable. For example, up to 100 children attended one class and teachers had to work part-time to earn a living.

But one thing was already a given back then: Primary school is orientated towards the needs of society. The claim «Education for all» lays the foundation for social cohesion in our country, and this with nationwide quality. For 150 years, the public primary school has therefore been working on behalf of society and realising the high quality standards.

The task of the primary school

A high level of education is the foundation of our society in many respects: it is necessary for a functioning democracy and social cohesion. After all, a strong democracy is built on a strong primary school. Especially in an increasingly pluralistic and globalised society, primary schools are gaining in importance as a place for socialisation and the teaching of common values. The economic success and prosperity of our country are based on them.

Most importantly, primary school empowers every individual and gives children and young people prospects for an independent and self-determined life. It ensures that young people grow into society and can take on responsibility themselves.

A look at the history books shows that compulsory schooling only became established when parents recognised that education made sense and was a necessity. From the very beginning, it was clear that schools could not educate children alone. Children and young people learn and live at home, at school and in their free time. The educational mission has therefore always been a joint task and remains so to this day. The values that are practised at school are ideally shared or at least respected in the children's family environment. In addition to the school with its legally supported educational mandate, parents are primarily responsible for the education of their children.

Relationship between home and school

Parents and schools have the same goal, they are committed to the well-being of the children. A well-functioning co-operation is crucial for their learning success and well-being. This connection has been proven by many studies. For children and young people, the experience of parents and teachers looking after them together, supporting and challenging them, is very important. As schools change, the way in which they work together is also constantly changing.

It seems important to me that mutual expectations, responsibilities and roles are clarified. It is clear that legal guardians and the school look at the child from different perspectives. The basis of a successful and trust-building collaboration is characterised by mutual interest, understanding, appreciation, respect, openness and honesty. It is also crucial that parents are informed about the form of cooperation and responsibilities. This includes a wide range of information, dialogue and meeting opportunities as well as different forms of participation.

As a teacher, I have found that open doors can be very effective.

Communication is the be-all and end-all

Actively organised cooperation forms the basis for finding targeted solutions. Transparent information therefore forms the basis of trust for the coordination of educational measures between school and home. Without this, challenging situations cannot be dealt with successfully.

As a teacher, I have also found that open doors can be very effective. With this attitude, I signal my willingness to talk to parents and misunderstandings can be quickly clarified in a low-threshold exchange. Cooperation at the transition points between the different school levels is particularly important. For me as an educator, it is clear that the child concerned must be involved and sit at the table when common approaches and attitudes are discussed. This is because communication in the triangle between parents, teacher and pupil is crucial for success.

Particularly with the increasing cultural diversity of our society and the increased social pressure of expectations regarding the educational success of children, contact between teachers and parents has become more intensive. This is why disputes with parents are one of the most stressful factors in everyday school life. If such conflict situations arise, professional support and independent counsellors in the role of mediators are helpful.

In order to further strengthen shared values and knowledge, I believe that parental education and counselling should be expanded. In particular, dealing with digital media and the great permeability of our education system are topics that need to be brought closer to parents.

School must remain dynamic

Even 150 years after the introduction of compulsory schooling, the debate about our primary school remains dynamic, as it must constantly react anew to changing social realities. We need to discuss the framework in which schools are organised today in order to meet the changing needs of society and families. With the increasing need for day structures, schools are increasingly taking on childcare and educational tasks.

But we also need to discuss what we can do to improve educational equality in our schools so that young people can better realise their individual potential. After all, it is a sad reality that our country continues to perform poorly in terms of educational opportunities.

I am a staunch advocate of our primary school. We must do everything we can to ensure that it remains strong. For 150 years, the aim has been to guarantee children and young people the best possible education. If we continue to do this together in the future, this is the best way to support young people on their path through life and education.