Schools in Lower Saxony: Flexitime models for more student autonomy!

Schools in Lower Saxony: Flexitime models for more student autonomy!

Something is happening in the school system in Lower Saxony: Some schools are now offering students the opportunity to determine the start of their lessons themselves. Innovative educational approaches are in demand, and the Zevener Zeitung reports on the introduction of flextime models at vocational schools in cities such as Rinteln and Göttingen.

The aim of these flexible models is to give students more responsibility and to adapt the start of school to their biorhythm. Older students in particular benefit from this, as they often live with pressure that is increased by early lesson times. The new “Cool-flex” teaching concept, which was launched in summer 2023, gives students up to five hours per week to complete their tasks and receive support from teachers. This flexibility allows students to work during first period, free periods, or afternoons, generating numerous reports of alert, motivated, and focused students.

Variety of offers

The traffic situation is particularly challenging in Göttingen, forcing many students to get up early. But the Göttingen Vocational High School counters this with the “Cool-flex” model for the upper school, which allows students to choose from various subjects within a pool of 40 cool hours. The Free School in Gifhorn and the IGS Oyten in the Verden district are also taking part in this movement by presenting flexitime models or suitable childcare offers.

Sleep doctor Elisabeth Yoshida-Stiksrud emphasizes how important it is for older students to start school later. Scientific studies recommend specific start times for different school levels - from 8 a.m. for elementary school to late 10 a.m. for high school. Adjusting school time can work wonders, especially for teenagers who need at least eight hours of sleep.

No requirements from the Ministry of Culture

The Ministry of Culture in Lower Saxony largely leaves it up to schools to decide on their school start times - but lessons may not start before 7:30 a.m. at the earliest. This level of flexibility opens up new perspectives for students and teachers and could help make learning more effective and enjoyable.

In addition to the developments at schools in Lower Saxony, there are also exciting sporting events that attract attention. So Dricus Du Plessis from South Africa is in the starting blocks for his next fight in the UFC. The athlete, who entered the UFC in 2020 and won the middleweight title against Sean Strickland, will face undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. This match will be streamed live under the title UFC 319 and promises a lot of action.

Du Plessis is coming off exciting fights, including a win against Israel Adesanya and a rematch against Strickland. His upcoming fight will be broadcast on ESPN+, with early prelims beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Fans can look forward to an exciting main card starting at 10 p.m. ET.

Whether at school or in the ring - the anticipation is great, and it remains exciting to see how the current developments in Lower Saxony and in the world of sport will continue to unfold.