{"id":1011,"date":"2016-05-27T14:55:04","date_gmt":"2016-05-27T12:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.max-rill-gym.de\/schulprofil\/lernkultur\/"},"modified":"2023-11-20T14:41:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T13:41:59","slug":"learning-culture","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.max-rill-gym.de\/en\/schulprofil\/learning-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Learning culture \u2013 more than teaching and lessons!<\/h2>\n

Well-founded knowledge transfer and personality formation are, in the sense of a holistic development involving the heart, the head and the hands, more than just teaching and lessons. We comply with the state curriculum but we also establish our own points of emphasis. Of central importance in our view is a social, aesthetically creative, political and inter-cultural educational formation. We want to foster the individual talents and abilities of our pupils and to educate them to become independent and responsible personalities.<\/p>\n

In this respect, it is a matter close to our heart that our pupils acquire social competence in their interaction with children and young people with special needs and with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.<\/p>\n

Social competence also means acquiring leadership qualities \u2013 seeing how one can successfully deal with people and motivate them to work together. The main points of focus that constitute our profile serve these goals and are complemented by further special aspects of the curriculum relating to the different subjects. The acquirement of knowledge also comes about within the framework of a well-structured full day in which phases of teaching, learning, project work, and examinations all complement each other in meaningful fashion.<\/p>\n

Education for the future is disciplined, synthetic and creative thinking complemented by respectful, ethical conduct.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Read more on this subject in \u201cWhat is good education?\u201d in\u00a0Excerpt from the Abitur Speech 2015 \/ PDF in the download section)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Lernkultur\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion shape=”square” active_section=”999″ no_fill=”true” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Educational and teaching specialisms” tab_id=”1464691351149-76e2e456-3295″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Specialism in social sciences<\/h3>\n

The Max-Rill-Gymnasium is a model grammar school specializing in social sciences \u2013 we lead the way and set an example to others in Bavaria. Our long-standing social studies teachers helped develop the curriculum for this category of school, and wrote and edited a textbook approved for grammar schools in Bavaria (\u201cIm Fokus\u201d, published by Sch\u00f6ningh). Thus excellent teaching in this field is guaranteed.<\/p>\n

The topics addressed in our special subjects from Class 8 onwards and the 100-hour social work internship in Classes 9 and 10 encourage pupils to develop a willingness to accept political responsibility and help to hone their budding social skills.
\nPupils in Classes 11 and 12 have the opportunity to delve into social studies and social science issues in greater depth. Topics in the upper school include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The social structure of the Federal Republic of Germany<\/li>\n
  • Social change and the associated challenges for the state and society<\/li>\n
  • Main features of present-day political systems:the democratic constitutional state and political orders that jeopardize freedom<\/li>\n
  • Peace and security as the mission of international politics (UNO, NATO)<\/li>\n
  • Opportunities and problems of globalization for national politics.\u00a0Our international pupils in particular learn important information relating to their understanding of German society and the Western European world outlook that will prove invaluable for their integration and further education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    (More information is available in \u201cSocial-practical education\u201d \/ PDF\u00a0in the download section<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Social learning and responsibility<\/h3>\n

    Our specialist teaching in social studies, economics and law is echoed in the daily social learning activities at the school \u2013 both during lessons, and in the course of social activities, as well as sporting, theatrical and musical pursuits. Our commitment to the desired diversity of the student body, coupled with our willingness to admit children with special needs specifically demonstrates that we not only teach social learning, but practise it as a matter of course.<\/p>\n

    Some examples:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Social learning in class<\/h4>\n

      Pupils from Class 5 to Class 12 hold a joint weekly gathering at Friday lunchtime to mark the end of their school week, led\/presented by their team of class teachers. Here, social learning takes place in the community. The contents may include discussions, games, learning organization, or even maintenance of the grounds.<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Social activities<\/h4>\n

      At mealtimes, everyone takes a turn at setting and clearing the tables, serving and tidying up afterwards. Our grounds \u2013 which are extensive \u2013 are also regularly cleared and tidied, and our classrooms have to be cleaned too. All boarding school pupils are responsible for the state of their own bedrooms and living areas.<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Charitable collections<\/h4>\n

      At events such as the Advent Market and our Open Day we collect donations that are passed on to designated partners: the special needs educational day centre and the volunteer fire service in Reichersbeuern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The team of class teachers bids farewell to its pupils at the end of the school year with a letter summarizing the main events, which serves as a memento.<\/p>\n

      (More information is available in \u201cLetter to our class\u201d \/ PDF\u00a0in the download section<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Theatre<\/h3>\n

      Theatre plays a crucial role in enabling young people to discover themselves and their talents. It requires a high level of discipline and commitment \u2013 success depends on cooperation between those involved. It is here that young people get an authentic taste of what it feels like to work with others towards a common goal.<\/p>\n

      The theatre at the Max-Rill-Gymnasium has been nominated for the S\u00fcddeutsche Zeitung\u2019s Tassilo culture prize on a number of occasions, demonstrating the exceptionally high quality of our amateur dramatics productions. We work systematically to develop our pupils\u2019 capabilities:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Improvisation exercises as are held as part of the German reading course: staged readings, monologues from a character\u2019s perspective, etc.<\/li>\n
      • Reading competitions teach pupils how to present texts well<\/li>\n
      • Theatre guilds in the lower and middle schools<\/li>\n
      • Elective \u201cTheatre and film\u201d course in the upper school<\/li>\n
      • Training in martial arts, dance, choreography, improvisation, lighting and stage technology and dramaturgical work in putting on stage plays<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        The focus is on staging unusual, and generally contemporary productions. We also aim to work with particularly talented students to stage appropriate plays featuring an exclusively youthful ensemble at a professional level, and hold performances outside the school environment, e.g. in the Black Box at Munich\u2019s Gasteig, the Kulturhaus Oberbr\u00e4u in Holzkirchen and the like.<\/p>\n

        (More information is available in \u201cTheatre conflict and self-discovery\u201d \/ PDF\u00a0in the download section<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Music and art<\/h3>\n

        Music and art give a lot of pleasure, promote creativity and are among the best means of individual development. Form and function would be without expression and emotion were it not for aesthetics. Music and art offer us an entirely individual means of perceiving ourselves and the world around us. We offer pupils the following opportunities to further their aesthetic education:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Choir lessons in all classes as part of music teaching and the music guild<\/li>\n
        • Individual singing lessons<\/li>\n
        • Instrumental training from qualified specialists (piano and other instruments in the local music school)<\/li>\n
        • Participation in the school band (rock and pop music)<\/li>\n
        • Elective course \u201cVocal ensemble\u201d in the upper school<\/li>\n
        • Music and Art courses in the upper school<\/li>\n
        • Project seminars on media production and set construction in the upper school<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Sport<\/h3>\n

          Sport encourages people to challenge themselves as well as others \u2013 in individual and team sports alike. Overcoming fatigue to carry on running and fighting, disciplined training, and concentrating when it matters \u2013 stamina, team spirit, a winning mentality \u2013 are also required in order to learn successfully. Regular sport is just as conducive to learning as music. We therefore offer a wide range of sporting activities and challenges:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Our annual three-day hiking tour in the Alps, with classes tacking different routes according to age group in the Karwendel mountains, the \u201cSteinernes Meer\u201d, the Rofan or Kaiser mountains<\/li>\n
          • A number of guilds offering ball sports, water sports, outdoor activities and other types of sport (see Guilds link)<\/li>\n
          • Friendly contests against local schools and clubs<\/li>\n
          • On our own premises: in the hall, on the hard court, in the gym, at local swimming pools, in the Alps<\/li>\n
          • Pupils can also join one of the numerous local sports clubs to play e.g. ice hockey, golf or tennis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            (More information is available in \u201cSport concept\u201d \/ PDF\u00a0in the download section<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Intercultural learning<\/h3>\n

            The increasingly international nature of our student body means that we are faced with intercultural learning on a daily basis. This happens<\/p>\n

              \n
            • In lessons<\/li>\n
            • In projects such as the Open Day and Day of Democracy<\/li>\n
            • During weekends spent with host families<\/li>\n
            • During student exchanges<\/li>\n
            • During study trips<\/li>\n
            • As well as in the course of our daily interaction with one another.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              (Please read the \u201cInternational\u201d section for more information on these topics)<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Special learning opportunities” tab_id=”1464691351213-b951c832-ff86″][vc_column_text]Our specialism in social sciences and focus on social and intercultural learning, and on theatre with music and sport serves as the framework for many other special learning opportunities in the various subjects:<\/p>\n

              Intensive teaching in german<\/h3>\n

              Additional practice lessons in german as a foreign language are incorporated into the standard timetable in all year groups. On the Saturdays of boarding school weekends, internal pupils have to attend two-hour practice lessons in core subjects.<\/p>\n

              Reading<\/h3>\n

              We provide extra support in the core subject of German with a weekly reading lesson in which texts are discussed, described and acted out, as well as read. The aim is to promote a deeper understanding of the text, as well as to encourage pupils to discover the enjoyment of reading longer texts in bigger books.<\/p>\n

              Modern Languages<\/h3>\n

              We set great store by regular learning in the modern languages of English and French. We seek to achieve this by according equal importance to major and minor tests (the latter comprising spot tests and oral marks), instead of using a 2:1 ratio as is common in state schools. We attach great importance to oral proficiency and our major tests include more oral elements than elsewhere.<\/p>\n

              Natural Sciences<\/h3>\n

              Experiments and excursions undoubtedly help to make the natural sciences so popular at our school. Courses in Chemistry, Physics and Biology are regular fixtures in our upper school.<\/p>\n

              Ethics<\/h3>\n

              Our school is non-denominational. Lessons in Ethics are held all the way from Classes 5 to 12.<\/p>\n

              Learning with modern media<\/h3>\n

              Our classroom infrastructure includes wireless network access and interactive projectors. Every student has got an iPad to work with in all lessons. There is an iPad-Curriculum from classes 5 to 8.<\/p>\n

              Learning period<\/h3>\n

              Pupils are given at least one learning period a day in which to prepare and do follow-up work for their lessons and performance assessments.<\/p>\n

              Remedial course \u201cReading and writing\u201d<\/h3>\n

              Pupils who have been diagnosed with dyslexia or other reading and spelling disabilities receive special coaching in our \u201cReading and writing\u201d course. The focuses not just on the exercises themselves, but also on coming to terms with a diagnosis that is often viewed as a stigma and a lack of willingness to face up to the challenge of learning to read and write properly.<\/p>\n

              Coaching in learning<\/h3>\n

              Pupils who have problems organizing their studies are supported by our learning coach when it comes to organizing their desks efficiently, drawing up learning timetables and developing effective learning strategies. The aim is to enable them to learn increasingly independently.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Study trips and excursions” tab_id=”1464691617372-173e023b-38b7″][vc_column_text]Excursions and study trips are of educational value and make for shared experiences.<\/p>\n

              Mountain tours<\/h3>\n

              All our classes set off for the mountains at the start of every school year. Here they undertake a tour that is anticipated with joy by some, and with dread by others. Everyone has to carry their own rucksack from one hut to the next \u2013 so its weight really matters. The boys help the girls. All the effort is forgotten by the evening \u2013 all that remains is the abiding memory of shared experiences in the natural world.<\/p>\n

              Ski trip<\/h3>\n

              Classes 5 and 6 take an annual ski trip to Italy or Austria.<\/p>\n

              Retreats<\/h3>\n

              Class 10 pupils are offered a three-day retreat either at the Benediktbeuern community centre or in K\u00f6nigsdorf, during which they explore a range of issues, including those of co-existence and ideology.<\/p>\n

              School trip to Berlin<\/h3>\n

              As part of its education in social studies, Class 10 takes a week-long trip to the German capital Berlin. The programme includes visits to the Reichstag, other sites of German history and the Holocaust Memorial. As a result of this visit, a number of pupils take the decision to study in the vibrant German capital.<\/p>\n

              Trips to visit our partner school in Russia<\/h3>\n

              We started a cooperation with the First European Gymnasium \u201cPeter the First\u201d in Moscow, Russia. Once a year a group of pupils travels to Moscow and resides in the private Russian boarding school in order to get to know about Russian daily life, history, culture, and customs.<\/p>\n

              Boarding school trip<\/h3>\n

              The entire boarding school takes a summer trip over a long weekend \u2013 this may be to the Europa-Park Rust, an activity centre in Austria or to the Bavarian Forest region. This enables our pupils to grow closer as a group.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Upper school – approaching the Abitur” tab_id=”1471520653583-ab682814-3d71″][vc_column_text]Starting in Class 10, we advise our pupils on the requirements for entering the Abitur classes. Pupils in Classes 11 and 12 are supported closely by class teachers and the upper school management team.
              \nStandardization of the Gymnasium curriculum for the last two year groups limits the choice of subjects. We offer intensive tuition in reasonably small groups as well as a range of special learning options:<\/p>\n