Lower Austria summer school opens for 10,500 students

ORF reported that Lower Austria’s two-week summer school began on Monday with about 10,500 students enrolled, significantly more than last year. For the first time, participation is compulsory for students in German support classes.

Until September 4, the children and teenagers will review and consolidate learning content and prepare specifically for the new school year. About 7,000 students took part last year, while the number of locations has risen from 162 to 208.

The students are supported by 600 teachers and 280 university students. At primary and lower secondary level, the programme focuses mainly on German, mathematics and English.

At upper secondary level, the programme includes German, mathematics, STEM subjects, English, other languages and the subjects specific to each school location.

About 1,900 students from German support classes are required to attend this year. The Lower Austrian authorities said the programme is intended to help them acquire German, the language of instruction.

Lower Austria’s education councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister said the summer school would contribute to greater educational equality. Education director Karl Fritthum said its aim was to consolidate knowledge from previous school years and prepare students for the next school level or a change of school.