Schools in the Nature Park Almenland

Projects, station work and open forms of learning lead to independence and creativity. Foreign languages, use of modern teaching aids and information technologies, health education, preparation for the world of work or secondary schools, lifelong learning are special concerns for us.
 
"Experiencing the Soul of the Landscape" was the name of the annual project of the NMS Passail under the direction of Josef Tomsitz and Elisabeth Zünterl. Together with the storyteller Frederik Frans Mellak, two classes tried to sense the "soul of the landscape" in the course of the four seasons in this eight-subject project and to implement the experiences artistically. The main focus was on consciously perceiving and learning to appreciate nature. The results included a successful photo exhibition and the school being awarded the title "PILGRIM School".

Arzberg is located away from major thoroughfares and offers complete relaxation because of this quiet and peaceful location. For hiking enthusiasts, Arzberg is a valued starting point for relaxing hikes through the mountain world of its surroundings. Hikes through the natural wonder of the Raabklamm gorge are particularly attractive. The old silver mines have been turned into a much-visited exhibition mine. Other attractions are the local history museum and the Stubegg ruins, where the famous castle plays take place in summer.

School Mission Statement
Our guiding principles at the Nature Park School Pernegg an der Mur:
We want to challenge and promote the aptitudes and talents of all pupils in the best possible way in an environment appropriate for children.
We want to be a school of diversity: Keeping the tried and tested and being open to the new.
We are interested in an active and fruitful cooperation with parents.
Good manners with the children and among the children are a matter of concern to us.
Festivals and celebrations should strengthen our community and deepen the feeling of togetherness.

We attach importance to

• the development of social skills through considerate, respectful, tolerant and non-violent interaction with each other.
• Acquiring competence-oriented knowledge through independent, self-reliant learning and team-oriented behaviour.
• active contact with all school partners.
• old and new teaching possibilities.
• the promotion of the artistic, creative and sporting talents of our pupils.
• the awakening and promotion of a positive environmental awareness among the pupils, as well as on a sustainable use of nature's resources.

Focal points:

• Language promotion
• Climate school
• Healthy nutrition
• English

SQA Development Plan:

• Theme 1: Language promotion with regard to written language.
• Theme 2: Development into a "climate school".

"We dream of schools where our children's talents are discovered and can flourish."

At the Volkschule Neudorf, the pedagogical concept was revised and a contemporary approach to learning was found for the pupils.
Teaching that gives space to the children's differences and in which they can grow and learn independently and on their own responsibility, together in a mixed-age learning group.

Characteristics, and especially important for the teachers are the following points:

Reformed educational concept according to the principles of Maria Montessori.

• Immanent performance assessment, catalogue of learning objectives, learning objective checks,
• Rhythmic weekly planning
  Reading breakfast, projects, theatre, stories, motivation
• Learning offices
  Book presentations, games, songs, appointments, activities, problem solving, target-oriented learning, practice opportunities,
• Daily movement break outdoors
  Movement break, 20 minutes outdoors
• BE CREATIVE
  Gymnastics, crafts, painting, explorer lab, English but 1st grade, forest learning space,
• Friday of the month
  Occupation with themes of the year

The school also places great emphasis on independent learning, the promotion of social skills, teaching that is relevant to life and the times, order, health, discipline, constant and good contact with parents, individualisation and respect.