The Kerschensteiner Berufskolleg is a (secondary) vocational school, located in Bielefeld in the heart of Ostwestfalen- Germany. Bielefeld is an economically well-situated town with about 350.000 inhabitants. The most famous enterprise is Dr. Oetker and in the near of Bielefeld enterprises like Bertelsmann or Miele do have their headquarters. Bielefeld`s landmark is called “Sparrenburg”- high above the town on the Sparrenberg hill sits imposing Sparrenburg castle. Its mighty fortifications are located right next to one of the most beautiful ridge walks in Germany, the 156 km Hermannsweg.
Our school is based on the moral principles of our founder Friedrich von Bodelschwingh who was always endeavoured to help and support social disadvantaged people in order to enable them to lead a self-determined life.
Von-Bodelschwinghs` principles a part of our school philosophy because our 660 students are an intercultural community where students with or without handicaps work and learn together. This is our understanding of experienced inclusion and integration.
Our overall slogan “Gemeinschaft verwirklichen- To make community happen” is the power for our daily work as teacher (27). The development of the students` social and moral responsibility is the most important competence in order to become and self-determined and full member of the German society. Especially for those who has got emotional, learning or physical restrictions.
The school`s intercultural spirit is enriched by 2 international classes which are attended by refugees from all-over the world. Therefore, international and intercultural diversity is part of our everyday work with the goal of overcoming mental borders and prejudices.
The main focus of our school is to prepare students for real life which means to get a job after school and to become a self-determined individual who know about the importance of social equality and humanity.
What are we looking for?
We are searching for an English-speaking vocational school, especially from Great Britain, Ireland or Scandinavia that also is mainly involved in the topics social inclusion and integration and is interested in developing new strategies and projects that help to fulfil our education mission. Moreover, we are interested in the buildup of a student exchange programme between our schools.
For further information please have a look at our homepage: www.kerschensteiner-bk.de.
We are looking forward to find a school that shares our ideas mentioned before and teachers who love promoting students for their later life.