School Cases of Infection in Berlin are being tolerated
In the heart of Germany, the Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW), a significant education union, has voiced concerns over the political management of the ongoing corona crisis in Berlin's schools. Tom Erdmann, the Berlin state chairman of GEW, has been vocal about his criticisms, emphasising the need for a balance between safety measures and maintaining normal school operations during the pandemic.
Erdmann has called for halving school classes after the Christmas holidays as a proactive measure to address the anticipated surge in infection numbers. He believes that this action would help mitigate the spread of the virus within educational institutions. However, the specific policies and proposals on school class sizes and COVID-19 measures in Berlin schools remain a topic under discussion, with no explicit details about Berlin's official governmental policies or GEW's latest demands on this matter readily available.
The condition of many schools in Berlin, according to Erdmann, is far from satisfactory. He has highlighted the poor state of ventilation systems, with windows secured with just four screws at each corner, as a significant concern. Erdmann's aim is to prevent a creeping lockdown of schools and ensure that students continue to receive education in a safe environment.
International and bilingual schools in Berlin and the surrounding region, such as the BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School and the Berlin Cosmopolitan School, have emphasised small class sizes as part of their educational offering, with typical class sizes ranging from 10 to 15 students in secondary and IB programs. This recognition of the pedagogical benefits of smaller classes could align with health and safety considerations, although no city-wide mandates have been detailed.
Erdmann has also criticised the tolerance of infections at schools during the corona crisis. His comments come as a call for action to improve school conditions and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. For up-to-date policy details or GEW's latest statements, consulting the Berlin Senate Department for Education's official website or direct GEW communications would be necessary.
- Erdmann, in his call for action, has suggested reducing school class sizes after the Christmas holidays as a proactive measure to protect mental health and promote learning.
- In contrast to Berlin's schools, international and bilingual schools like BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School and Berlin Cosmopolitan School have already adopted small class sizes as part of their fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and education-and-self-development programs, potentially contributing to a safer environment.
- Despite his concerns over the political management of the corona crisis, Erdmann has emphasized the importance of personal growth and learning, underscoring the need for safe school conditions to prevent a lockdown.
- As the Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft continues to voice its concerns and propose solutions, it is crucial for those seeking updates or seeking to engage with the union to consult the Berlin Senate Department for Education's official website or reach out to GEW directly for the most accurate and recent information.
