Obermenzinger Gymnasium

Our school counsellor provides individual, confidential counseling by our school psychologist, free of charge. Counseling is voluntary, strictly confidential, independent and solution oriented, and available to students, parents, teachers, and the school administration. Topics include development and orientation, including questions about school careers, special talents, inclusion, and collaboration with external agencies such as psychotherapists, mobile special education services, counseling centers, youth welfare offices and clinics. School challenges covered include learning and performance difficulties, reading and writing difficulties (LRS), speech fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and school absenteeism, with support for disadvantage compensation and emergency protection. In social interaction and health, there are social skills training, prevention programs, resilience promotion, and individual coaching for students, as well as crisis intervention, bullying and cyberbullying prevention, and support for school related anxiety or depression. A team of psychologists and counsellors supports the whole school community.

The school supports inclusion and addresses learning and performance difficulties, coordinating with external services such as psychotherapists, mobile special education services, counseling centers, Jugendamt, and clinics. It provides targeted support for reading and writing difficulties (LRS), speech fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other special educational needs. Disadvantage compensation and emergency protection are available to help students meet their learning needs. The school employs a school psychologist and offers counselling to help develop individualized plans and solutions. External services and interdisciplinary collaboration are part of the support network to ensure inclusive education.

The school runs a German English bilingual track with one bilingual class in each grade; at least three subjects are taught in English, and English is taught at a notably higher level. A second pedagogue supports the bilingual classes, and the aim is the Bavarian Abitur rather than the International Baccalaureate. Since 2013 the program has connected with universities and uses a teaching method designed to build bilingual proficiency. For English speaking children, there are courses in German as a Foreign Language or German as a Second Language if required, with support from a professional teacher and Goethe Institute collaboration. CEFR levels guide admission and progression, with Goethe Institute certificates issued for language achievements and regular quality evaluation.

The school maintains a team of psychologists and counsellors to support student mental health. School counselling includes social skills training, prevention programs, resilience promotion, and individual coaching for students, as well as support for school related anxiety and depression. There is crisis intervention and collaboration with external agencies when needed. Teachers receive support through collegial case consultation and coaching, as well as professional development on mental health topics.

Counselling is confidential, voluntary, independent and available to students, parents, teachers, and the school leadership. The school coordinates with external agencies such as psychotherapists, mobile special education services, counseling centers, Jugendamt and clinics to safeguard students. There are anti bullying measures including bullying, cyberbullying and extremism prevention. A range of crisis resources is provided, including crisis lines and online supports such as Krisendienst Psychiatrie and Telefonseelsorge. The school fosters a culture of democracy and tolerance as part of safeguarding.