School report and changing schools
School report
At the PbG marks are not given before the end of the fourth grade – and even then only if requested by the parents. Instead, each child’s accomplishments are recorded in very detailed learning development reports, which can describe the child’s progress far better than a number. In addition, the children keep learning diaries or compile portfolios from the results of their work. At the end of the school year the students can use these portfolios to apply symbolically for acceptance into the next grade.
If required, and for the orientation of the parents, these learning development reports can be translated into marks from 1-15, the equivalent of the marks normally given in public schools.
Comparison with and transfer to other schools
The PbG adheres to the Hessian educational guidelines. This means that just like any other student attending a regular public school, the children have to prove in examinations and tests that they have successfully learned the required course material.
The PbG’s own curriculum goes beyond the State guidelines and offers the children a richer learning experience. Moreover, the all-day school concept enables the students to work on the various subjects more in depth, consolidate what has been learned faster and more permanently. Because we adhere to the Hessian educational guidelines, a student can transfer to a different elementary or secondary school at any time. As far as the social implications of such a transfer are concerned, the social skills the PbG teaches enable the students to integrate themselves into new groups with ease. For the better orientation of parents, children and the school the student transfers to, the achievements described in the reports are expressed in ordinary school marks.
For learning the basics – reading, writing and arithmetic – the children leave these mixed-age groups for a certain time each day to learn in groups of the same grade, taking into account the individual capabilities of slower and faster learners.
Moreover, the PbG offers the possibility of integrated classes. This means that in a class of 18 students a maximum of 3 children with minor learning disabilities can be integrated. Scientific research has shown that integrated lessons create favorable conditions for joint learning and give children a definite boost in developing and strengthening their social skills.