At this time last year, the first year group of the upper sixth form at the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule celebrated their Abitur. This year, graduates are once again stepping onto the stage in the school hall to receive their Abitur certificates. The celebration is every bit as special as last year’s premiere.
A total of 20 young women and men will receive their certificates on Friday, 4 July. 19 of them are leaving school with the general higher education entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife), and one with the specialised higher education entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife). Several pupils have reason to celebrate: a prize, a commendation, a recognition or, very special of all, a 1 before the decimal point.
Best Certificate with a 1.1
This year’s best certificate, with an overall average of 1.1, goes to pupil Paula Bieg. She also receives subject prizes in English, Spanish and Geography, as well as the Scheffel Prize for outstanding achievement in German. Close behind her is Daniel Kohl, with an average of 1.2 and subject prizes in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Geography. The Social Prize for special commitment, awarded by the Förderverein (support association), goes to Eva Schätzle.
Ease the Pain
Abicetamol – Ease the Pain – is the motto of this year’s graduates. Pain, and above all how to fight it, is the common thread running through Paula Bieg’s speech. Painkillers of various kinds, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, but also coffee, are indeed useful – especially when preparing for the Abitur – explains the winner of the Scheffel Prize; yet what they truly need, and will need, is more of a healing remedy than a painkiller. This applies to preparing for the Abitur, to the exams themselves, and also in view of the many challenges in the world.
In the end, it was community, trust and compassion for one another that had best eased the pain during the two years of the Abitur. Accordingly, her thanks go to parents, teachers, and fellow pupils who supported her during this time. Perhaps the community they have gained can also soften, if not remove, the uncertainties and imponderables of the next step into life?
With a Pinch of Self-Irony and Glitter
„From now on, it’s up to you to find your way“, says Lisa Jährling, the geography teacher who had accompanied the class for three years, adding: „Go on, please, with a smile on your lips, courage in your heart, a pinch of self-irony and – you know it – a touch of glitter.“ What such a touch looks like in life, whether as tinsel on the Christmas tree or as mother-of-pearl on a summer dress, she leaves open. One thing is certain, though: life does not get worse because of it.
„2 x 3 makes 4 widdewiddewitt and 3 makes 9!! I make the world widdewidde as I like it …“ This unusual beginning comes from the speech of head of department Achim Stark, who, after a brief welcome, starts singing Pippi Longstocking’s words and then dryly mentions that he does not want to remind anyone of the maths Abitur they have just survived. Rather, it is the values of the red-haired girl – tolerance, honesty and authenticity – that he wants to give them for their journey. He recalls shared excursions and the study trip to Poland, and wishes the young adults the courage to try new things, to take unfamiliar paths, the courage to love, and the courage to be different from what others expect of them.
Question Things Critically and Take Responsibility
Headteacher Andrea Fürle thanks everyone involved, and in particular for the good cooperation with the colleagues seconded from the Erasmus-Widmann-Gymnasium.
To the young adults, she explains her understanding of the Abitur: „It does not require perfect pupils, but people who have learned to question things critically, to ask follow-up questions when something is unclear, and who take on responsibility for social tasks and help shape them.“ She wishes them that the Abitur has supported them a little further in becoming self-determined and responsible people who are now ready to step out of the school doors and into the world.
