Mandatory summer schools draw record demand in Austria

More children in Austria are unable to speak German well enough to follow lessons, and participation in summer school has been mandatory for them since this year, ORF reports. Schools have attracted more interest than ever, particularly in urban centres such as Linz, although teachers say two weeks are not enough for most pupils.

One of Linz’s largest summer schools is being led by primary school teacher Moritz Rötzer. This summer, 81 children are attending classes there, significantly more than in previous years.

The programme aims to give pupils a head start and build their motivation for the coming school year. “The children are not here because they are bad,” Rötzer said. “We are trying to work with them to create a head start and motivation, so the beginning of the new school year is not as difficult for them.”

German is the main focus during the two weeks before the start of school, particularly reading and text comprehension. Rötzer said this was especially important because many of the children did not speak German as their first language.

Teachers question whether two weeks can provide a lasting advantage. Keeping pupils motivated is also challenging because many struggle with learning difficulties. Lessons therefore include breaks, entertaining topics and occasional puzzles.

Rötzer said the summer school also benefits teachers, especially students and prospective teachers who can gain their first experience of working life. He added that he could take useful ideas into his own teaching, including a better understanding of the learning difficulties pupils face.