2_1_DiscoverGermany_January15_Issue22:Scan Magazine 1
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools Germany
Child-centred education with German roots The Metropolitan School Frankfurt puts emphasis on student-centred education through an all-day programme with small classes, an inspiring atmosphere of learning and a vibrant, international school campus. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
Founded in 2007 by school director Peter Ferres with the vision to “do something, which benefits the people around me”, MSF now is a mid-size, fast growing school offering the Primary Years Programme for three- to eleven-year-olds, the Cambridge Secondary Programme from grade six to ten, which leads to IGCSE examinations and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in grades eleven and twelve leading to the IB Diploma.
Classes are taught by native English speaking teachers, who focus on an inquirybased and interactive pedagogy. Additionally, daily German lessons are taught. “We believe that learning within a culturally and linguistically rich environment which emphasises empathy, open-mindedness and respect for others, enables our students to ‘make a difference’ and create a better, more sustainable future,” Peter Ferres says.
MSF’s curriculum is international, while taking into account the local culture and national academic curriculum requirements in Germany. The comprehensive and balanced curriculum caters for the needs of the international student population and also allows internationally minded local families to join.
The individual is at the centre of the learning process at MSF.“We lay the foundation for the students’ self-confidence in their lifelong love of learning. We are committed to preparing well-rounded people for a life as responsible citizens and independent thinkers,” Mr. Lee Howard, Middle School Principal at MSF, adds.
There are 450 students from over 45 countries speaking 38 different languages; this shows a special focus on internationalism.
There are 8,400 square metres of modern school facilities with large classrooms; a big library, a full-size sports hall, an Early Years
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area and ‘quiet zones’ are only a few examples of the facilities available. Co-curricular activities, such as basketball, drama, computer games, yoga or private piano lessons, round off the programme. “Our strong sense of community provides a culturally rich environment that feels like a large family. Our small class sizes of an average of 18 students and a differentiated curriculum set us apart as a unique learning environment where all students are known and respected as individual learners regardless of nationality, ethnic background or religion,” Emma Smith, elected parent representative, says. www.m-school.de Main image: Photo: Metropolitan School Frankfurt GmbH. Right from top: Cafeteria. Photo: Salome Roessler/lensandlight. MSF students in the library. Food technology as subject in Middle School. Photos: Foto Wachendörfer