Education Advisory Board Presents Recommendations

Education is a top priority in Hoyerswerda! On March 23, 2017, the Education Advisory Board—of which Prof. Dr. phil. Andrea G. Eckhardt is a member—presented its recommendations for the design of the new secondary school in Hoyerswerda. At the heart of the recommendations is the pedagogical quality of teaching and learning, which applies the educational principle of “space as the third educator.” This principle is taught very early on in the study of childhood education. It states that the design of stimulating spaces and the availability of materials are important prerequisites for supporting children’s development. However, as children get older, aspects such as the design of spaces become less important. The new concept for Hoyerswerda High School now proposes applying this principle to the secondary school as well. The concept calls for classrooms to be designed to be flexible and stimulating, so that various didactic teaching principles can be employed: classroom instruction, project groups, or extracurricular clubs, as well as individualized support. In addition, “productive learning” programs and school social work are integral parts of the concept.

The city of Hoyerswerda has been investing in the development of an educational landscape for over 10 years and has established an Education Coordination Office under the mayor for this purpose. In November 2015, Stefan Skora, the mayor of Hoyerswerda, appointed the Scientific Education Advisory Board, which is composed of representatives from the national education sector and advises the mayor on conceptual issues.

Further information can be found in the *Sächsische Zeitung* and the *Lausitzer Rundschau*, as well as on MDR and Elsterwelle.