Abitur 2025 in Anklam: Triumph over Corona and a new beginning!

Abitur 2025 in Anklam: Triumph over Corona and a new beginning!

On July 16, 2025, the ceremonial farewell of the Abitur class took place at the Otto-Lilienthal-Gymnasium in Anklam. Accompanied by an impressive performance by the school choir and talented instrumentalists, the ceremony treated those present to musical sounds. In his speech, Director Mathias Ruta reflected on the challenges that the students overcame in their school careers, especially the adversity that the corona pandemic brought with it. Many started during their time as seventh graders in 2019, but then found everyday school life heavily influenced by lockdowns and distance learning.

The teachers and tutors were always on hand to help the students catch up on learning deficits. It paid off: the average certificate of all graduates was a solid 2.0, with a grade of 1 before the decimal point 20 times. Of the 44 graduates, there was a remarkable gender ratio that favored girls.

Challenges and successes

Despite the tough times in which many students in their senior year were disadvantaged by the pandemic-related restrictions, the graduates got involved in competitions and volunteer work beyond the classroom. Particularly noteworthy are Tyrone Zeidler and Vivien Lieske, who shone with a dream grade of 1.0. The best of the year received special recognition in the form of the Lilienthal scholarship and a prize from the city of Anklam.

Vice Mayor Beatrix Wittmann-Stifft sent her best wishes to the graduates and encouraged them to take the skills and knowledge they have acquired out into the world and, ideally, to return to their homeland. Some graduates who have ambitions for the future are planning to study teaching. These plans could be particularly important at a time of teacher shortages, seen as a serious problem by 77% of respondents. Finally, the issue of equal opportunities for all students is crucial, especially at a time when education is under pressure.

In the same breath, the discussions about the fairness of the Abitur examinations under Corona conditions become entangled. Many young people feel disadvantaged compared to previous years, although statistics show that the 2020 and 2021 Abitur classes achieved a better grade point average due to lower learning loads and flexible examination modalities. This was 2.18 in 2021 - compared to a value of 2.35 ten years ago, which is triggering new debates about “grade inflation” and “academization madness”. It is important to find a new, fairer way of evaluating performance that is adapted to the new realities.

A look into the future

The school system in Germany faces a number of challenges, such as the need for digitalization, inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities. The integration of children with a migrant background and the equipment in schools are also issues that need to be addressed. A school year full of uncertainties shows that there is an urgent need for action to sustainably ensure the quality of education in our country.

The graduates of the Otto-Lilienthal-Gymnasium are not only released into the world with their grades, but also have the potential to actively shape the future of our society. The challenges remain, but with commitment and vision, many things seem to be possible.

In summary, he reports Uckermark courier that the graduates have had a remarkable journey. Those too South Germans highlights how the Corona conditions influenced the Abitur. The Federal Agency for Civic Education sums up the current challenges of the German school system.