Organisation

PLATANUS SCHULE BERLIN is a full-time, independently operated German/English educational institution that opened in the 2010/11 school year. It includes a kindergarten, preschool, primary school and secondary school.

The kindergarten and preschool opened with three groups on 2 August 2010. In the 2011/12 School Year we have three kindergarten groups and one preschool group.

The primary school (Years 1 to 6)  opened with one Year 1 class, with further Year 1 classes starting in each consecutive year. The primary school will prepare children for secondary school. A maximum of 22 students will learn together in one class, so that from Year 6 there will be approximately 130 students in the entire primary school.

The secondary school (Years 7 to 12) opened with two Year 7 classes, new Year 7 classes starting in each consecutive year. Completion of Year 10 will qualify students for the MSA intermediate examination (equivalent to GCSE); and successful completion of Year 12 will qualify students for the Abitur (equivalent to A Levels or High School Diploma). A maximum of 24 students will learn together in one class so that from Year 6 there will be approximately 290 students in the entire secondary school.

We offer supervision of students from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The school closes only on regular annual holidays, between Christmas and New Year, as well as on five to fifteen additional days during the school holidays. Our school holidays adhere to the Berlin school calendar.

Class begins at 8.30 a.m. for all students. Teachers are present from 8 a.m. to ensure students a smooth start to the school day. Classes end between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., depending on the year group and day of the week. Regular classes are followed by the afternoon programme, which offers support and supervision as well as courses, workshops and clubs suitable for all ages.

PLATANUS SCHULE BERLIN is managed and directed by the (non-profit) Platanus Bildungs gGmbH.

The school has established democratic structures that will include and involve students, parents, teachers and educators in important decision-making processes for the school.

A Parent-Teacher Association is currently being established.