Klagenfurt school joins six-year primary school pilot

A primary school in Klagenfurt will take part in Austria’s pilot programme for six-year primary schooling from the next school year, ORF reported. Schools can register their interest until October 16.

The practice primary school in Klagenfurt-Waidmannsdorf, which is affiliated with the University College of Teacher Education Carinthia, has submitted a detailed plan. Principal Ingrid Strießnig said the college’s practice schools were well suited to trials because they combine teacher training, research and classroom teaching.

The pilot is due to begin with the school’s next first-grade class. Pupils will stay in the same class group for six years and will be taught by both primary-school teachers and teachers from other schools. From the third grade, secondary-school teachers will take over some subjects to help pupils adjust gradually to having different teachers.

The aim is to prepare pupils to move into the third grade of a middle school or an academic secondary school after six years. Strießnig said the longer period could promote equal opportunities and give children more time to discover their abilities and interests. Six-year primary schooling is already standard in 14 of the 27 EU countries, according to the report.