Debate about Emden's secondary school: IGS supporters under pressure!

Debate about Emden's secondary school: IGS supporters under pressure!

There is currently a heated discussion about school policy in Emden. One topic that is agitating people is the possible establishment of a secondary school, while the IGS (integrated comprehensive school) is considered the preferred form of school. How NWZonline reports, the Emden council factions of the SPD, CDU and FDP support the introduction of a secondary school in order to counteract a further expansion of the IGS. This raises questions, especially in view of the experience already gained in Aurich, where an existing secondary school was retained.

In Aurich, the decision not to set up a new high school led to the comprehensive schools being perceived negatively and being seen as “leftover schools”. The need is reflected in the high number of new registrations at the IGS, especially from students who cannot meet the requirements of high school or secondary school. These children often struggle with psychological stress that is described as “school failure.” The argument for the secondary school itself is viewed by some as weak, which is why the debate about school types is becoming more heated.

Changes in school policy

There was a turning point in this dispute when the SPD overturned its plans for a secondary school at the Herrentorschule. This could certainly have an impact on future school policy in the region and possibly shift the focus more towards the IGS. An idea that not only has a strong influence on the political landscape, but also on the affected students and their families.

It is clear that the school landscape in northern Germany is facing major challenges, as the debate in Emden clearly shows. But the discussion about the best educational solutions also goes beyond the city limits and is accompanied by experiences like those in Aurich. There you can see the consequences of the decision to keep a secondary school active in the overloading of the IGS.

School policy in context

Another aspect that should not be ignored when considering school policy is the changing perception of school types as a whole. While the IGS is seen as a good option for many students, the decision for secondary schools is not always without controversy. There are voices that advocate for a fairer distribution of educational opportunities and for solutions that provide students with the best possible support.

In this mixed landscape of opinions and views, it becomes clear that school policy in northern Germany will need to be monitored continuously and carefully in the coming years. Above all, the experiences from Aurich and the strategic decisions in Emden could be groundbreaking for how the school landscape develops and where educational policy needs to start.