What is school for?
This simple question proves complex after some consideration of the issues involved. Nevertheless, basing this information on the objectives outlined in the pertinent legal passages we can say this for
Austria:The young people should be educated on the basis of ethical, religious and social values, among them tolerance, democratic attitudes, openness for other beliefs and ways of thinking, freedom and peace. They should be enabled to take part in the cultural and economic life of Austria, Europe, and the world.
The first four years of primary education are to provide
the same elementary education for every pupil. The children shall have a balanced education in the social, emotional, intellectual and physical areas of their personalities.Based on individual talents and capabilities of the children, primary school has got various tasks.
Primary school has got various tasks to fulfil
| develop the joy of learning and promote interests and talents | |
| strengthen and develop the confidence of the pupils in their own capabilities | |
| increase their social competence | |
| broaden linguistic skills | |
| development of basic knowledge, skills, insight and attitudes which enable the pupil to learn the three R's ... | |
| development of an adequate attitude towards learning and work (perseverance, exactness; a willingness to help others ... | |
| starting out with game-oriented forms of learning to conscious, independent and target-oriented learning |
Primary school is also important as a social environment
School is seen as a field of experience and action for pupils, teachers and parents. School life is more than classwork. Alongside the learning of facts there is always social learning in diverse forms and situations.
Primary school must give every child space and protection so that they can develop a feeling of self-assurance and trust in their own capabilities. This will foster learning as well as social behaviour. A basic prerequisite is wertschätzendes behaviour on the part of the teacher.
Conflicts must be food for reflection early on; thereby the pupil will get to know means and ways of dealing with conflicts.
A special social task arises when primary school can enable intercultural learning
because children with German and non-German mother tongue are educated together.Intercultural learning

When looking at the other cultures we are to focus on aspects like way of life, language, traditions, folksongs, texts. Intercultural learning is more than getting to know another cultural background; it is shared learning and recognising and experiencing cultural values. Furthermore, interest in cultural difference is to be created so as not only to experience cultural unity as valuable, but also cultural diversity.
In this way it shall make a contribution to better mutual understanding and increased mutual acceptance. It should help to discover common ground and to reduce prejudice.
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