Students are allowed to sleep: New flexitime model inspires in Rinteln!

Students are allowed to sleep: New flexitime model inspires in Rinteln!

In recent years, it has become increasingly recognized that young people develop a different sleep rhythm during puberty due to biological changes. The body releases the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for sleep, later, which often leads to later sleep times. In order to take this natural need into account, the vocational school in Rinteln, Lower Saxony, has implemented an innovative model project. A flexitime model has been running there since autumn, which enables the students to decide for themselves when their teaching day begins - either at the first or second hour. This gives young people the freedom to design and use their morning time individually, be it for sleeping or for project work.

The implementation of the project not only leads to an improvement in the well -being of the students, but also promotes their independence. You have to learn to organize your time sensibly, which is received positively by teachers and school management. Many students report that they feel more relaxed and concentrated, especially after a long evening with work or sport. Teachers also use the flexibility to better reconcile their own family obligations with everyday work.

interest of educational institutions in the area

The model in Rinteln has hit waves in the region. In the district of Harburg, the concept has already been dealt with. Thomas Degen, head of the vocational school in Winsen, emphasizes that the exchange with BBS Rinteln is important. A delegation should travel to Rinteln in October to gain experience and develop a similar model for BBS Winsen, which is to be implemented from the school year 2025/2026.

Kira Buchmann, the head of BBS Buchholz, also expressed a positive statement about the Rintelner model. She found that her school is also working on innovative concepts that promote individualized and self -organized learning. For this purpose, learning rooms were redesigned and the school works with learning coaches to help the students with questions about the exam preparation or to deal with learning blocks.

Claudia Voß, headmistress of BBS 2 in Stade, is also interested in new ideas and took part in a further training on the subject of "learning new". Your team examines various models of self -organized learning, but is still in an early stage of development. She emphasizes the need to include both teachers and students in the change process because not all young people want to work autonomously.

reactions of the Ministry of Culture

The responsible authority, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Culture, has identified both advantages and disadvantages of the Rintelner model. Press spokeswoman Britta Lüers explains that the student's wish to start lessons later is understandable. However, the legal framework and logistical questions, such as the coordination with school carriers and the integration of parent representatives, are of central importance. Lessons in Lower Saxony are currently between 7.30 a.m. and 8.20 a.m. A later start would also postpone the end of the school day, which could result in organizational challenges, especially with regard to the bus management and additional obligations of the students after school.

The positive reactions to the model project extend to the district councilor in the Harburg district, which in principle welcomes such innovative approaches. Carsten Grau, the chairman, emphasizes the importance of flexibility and personal responsibility for the students, but notes that there are planning challenges in relation to supervision and organization for younger years.

More details about this project and the current developments can be found in a comprehensive report .