Against the background of an increasing heterogeneity of our student body, the creation of equal opportunities is a crucial concern of our institution. This means that we wanted to use further training to promote a feeling of togetherness within the school community, which is characterised by tolerance, openness, acceptance, curiosity, mutual respect, cooperation and a feeling of support. In addition, the promotion of media competence was a major concern for us. Besides their learning-promoting character, digital media allow private and professional networking beyond national borders. Taking into account current geopolitical developments and the increasing instrumentalisation of media for manipulative purposes, it is becoming more and more important to enable pupils to deal reflectively and critically with the multitude of media accessible to them. As a "STEM SCHOOL NRW", we also felt the need to make lessons in the STEM subjects more varied and motivating, and to generate enthusiasm among our pupils in extra-curricular projects. The Erasmus+ project was designed to professionalise our educational staff in precisely these areas.
The term "exchange" plays a central role in our school programme. An important goal was therefore to further strengthen our European school profile by expanding or creating new contacts with exchange partners. The guiding idea was the term "exchange", because through exchanges with European partners we help our pupils gain knowledge about Europe, develop an attitude towards Europe and gain a variety of experiences in Europe overall. To become part of the wider European community and to be prepared to learn, live and work in an international context, pupils need help in developing basic skills and social competences (e.g. language competence, problem-solving skills, cultural understanding). Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is the key competence here. Our colleagues saw themselves as ambassadors who authentically live and communicate the idea of Europe both in the classroom and outside the school's premises.