The project "IGO goes Europe – Developing a European School" was intended to mark a milestone in the development and growth process of our school. This requires continuous professional development of our teaching staff in all current methodological, cultural, linguistic, and pedagogical areas. Our colleagues with a variety of experience in various fields come from different types of schools and therefore are of great benefit to our school. Teachers can enhance their knowledge in their school subject and practical usage, including language proficiency, didactics, and methodology, by learning from and exchanging ideas with each other colleagues. Furthermore, one of our school's main goals is to prepare students for the global job market and the diversity of society. To achieve this, professional development of the teaching staff within the European context is not only helpful but necessary.
The Integrative Comprehensive School Oberpleis was founded in the academic year 2013/14 and was in the process of development at the time of the project application. Our school sees itself as a school of diversity, where all students are welcome in order to empower children and adolescents in their abilities. This includes providing them with a high-quality education and upbringing, regardless of their social background and abilities. In addition to achieve the best possible individual educational outcomes, the school's goal is to teach and practice tolerance, interact responsibly with one another, and find joy in learning. Implementing the UN Convention on Inclusion is both an obligation and a goal of our comprehensive school, which means that students with special educational needs are admitted and welcome. English is a compulsory subject for all students from grade 5 to 10. French and Spanish can be chosen as the second foreign language starting from grade 6. By 2020 annual trips to London and Paris were successfully established in the school program, along with bilingual instruction starting from grade 5. Additionally, students participated annually in the Big Challenge competition. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to prepare for TELC exams. This laid the foundation for the desire to further expand the project of European orientation and openness, leading to start the project of "IGO goes Europe – Developing a European School".