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Main menu planning photo album planting students' works
 
Transformation of the schoolyard presented on the internet
 
Aim of the project: Since autumn 1999 the schoolyard of the Augustinus-Gymnasium in Weiden has been rebuilt and one aim of the project was to document the process of planning and rebuilding which has been going on for years. The second aim was to demonstrate the connection between the transformation of the schoolyard and the lessons in different subjects dealing with "flowers, plants, garden".
Unfortunately it was not possible - due to the early closing date - to present the end of the alterations projected for July 2000. Likewise not all projects having been conceived in relation to the transformation could be finished in time in order to be included in the presentation on the internet. Our priority, however, is by no means the publicity value of the presentation but the conveying of ideas, contents and their useful application from the educational point of view..
Challenges: The basic concept shows the complex dimension of the project. It was a great challenge to acquire the necessary basic knowledge in all topics concerned and to incorporate it into the project. Many helpers from various fields made their contributions. Distributing the tasks among competent colleagues and friends and coordinating the returns was as demanding a task as procuring a variety of specialist literature for the necessary background. The pressure of time caused a serious problem as texts and pictures fineshed within a short term had to be integrated into the concept. Other contributions having been planned had to be dropped for lack of time without this fact leaving a noticeable gap in the overall schedule. The translation of all the texts into the English language proved to be a great strain as the staff of the English department was under special pressure during the relevant weeks because of a lot of written tests and the A-level examinations which had to be marked. The complexity of the concept and the host of material required an ingenious guidance for the user on the internet.
Process of social learning:
  • The members of the optional subject "Planning the transformation of the schoolyard" in 1996/97 had to learn not only to bring in their own ideas but also to accept the results of the survey carried out among the pupils of the school and first and foremost to include the objective restrictions imposed on them by the small size of the schoolyard.
  • For the construction and the shaping of the oven a close cooperation between the pupils concerned was a precondition for the success of the manual and the creative task.
  • The pupils participating in the optional subject "Nature and Technology" were allowed to help with planting the dry biotope. In this way they are bound to learn how to help shaping their environment and are sure to see the growing of "their" plants in a different light.
  • Some pupils dropped the optional subject "Computer Science", because they were not interested in the subject matter. In a way which can be compared to earlier projects it turned out that the creation of the design, which in itself has got nothing to do with computer science, has become the most important aspect. It is obvious that the sheer play instinct cannot be satisfied that way. Pupils however, who were interested in the subject matter and enthusiastic about the basics of programming and designing when they started working, were happy about an zealous for what they were doing up to the end
Besides the internal teams for the overall planning, for the presentation on the internet, for planting, for building and designing the oven, there were external helpers, too. A pupil's mother, Mrs Schaller, made a valuable contribution to planning and drawing the plans. Being a landscape architect by profession, she contributed all the special knowledge that was necessary. With pleasure did she continue to give advice during the rebuilding proper, which was realized by a local building contractor in cooperation with the city gardeners. Within the bounds of possibility, all the parties involved contributed ideas and made suggestions concerning the realization of details.
The whole project of transforming the schoolyard got mixed reactions from both pupils and teachers. These reactions varied from great and general enthusiasm to indifference or disapproval of special areas. All in all, however, the general tenor was clearly positive. Since the rebuilding started, people who are connected with our school have mainly reacted positively to the changes in our schoolyard, which have been overdue for a long time.
On the one hand, we are particularly proud that the transformation of the schoolyard has been such a success and to date has been put into practice without any major problems. On the other hand, we can certainly be very proud of the presentation on the internet, which offers a comprehensive documentation both in visual and written form; the latter can hardly be considered a matter of course.
Here are some personal opinions: "It is a joy to watch a comprehensive project being realized - even if it takes years. Thus, the work you do together with your pupils, makes much more sense." (M.Dirscherl, head of the project)
"Now it is much more fun to go out in the open during the break." - " It's a pity that the Grassy Woodstock - hill couldn't be realized." - "Hey, that looks good, doesn't it ?" (comments made by pupils)
Summary: The project informs about planning and realizing the transformation of the schoolyard of the Augustinus-Gymnasium Weiden. In doing so, it covers a long period of time and presents a lot of visual material. Moreover, the philosophy the rebuilding is based on is highlighted. Thirdly, current and future projects done in class and concerning "flowers, plants and garden" are presented; they will be updated and added to our presentation on the internet in the future. The contribution the optional subject "computer science" made was indispensable; they made a user-friendly draft of a presentation on the internet which has a strong visual appeal.
The official inauguration of the transformed schoolyard is scheduled to take place on July 24, 2000. During a school summer festival the innovations will be presented to the public.