Gluck Codex (English Version)

Introduction

Whenever a new community is established, it is not only necessary to agree on a code of conduct, but also to reflect upon the corresponding values, in order to raise awareness of the meaning behind these rules.

That is why the pupils, parents and teachers at the Willibald-Gluck-Gymnasium were a ll able to agree on some basic moral values for our school community. This was not a matter of compiling a list of rules or bans, but to try to apply these values in our relationship with one another. It is about constantly striving to relate the following principles to everyday life in our sch ool. We aim to incorporate these values into our school community and to come to the realisation that if th ese values are practised, our community can thrive.

1. Solidarity

We – the pupils, parents, teachers and everybody who works at the Willibald-Gluck-Gymnasium – consider ourselves to be part of a school community, whose members try to be considerate, understanding and try to help one another.

Our aim is to create a community where we can trust one another, so that our school continues to be an environment in which people can learn. We regard each other as partners who work together in an open and unprejudiced way, supporting each other at the same time.

The individual groups within our school community consider these values to be especially important:

• We, the pupils, act in a friendly manner in class and try to create a sense of community within the class, in which nobody should feel excluded. We are pro-active in dealing with bullying.
• At home, we, the parents, try to instil a sense of community in our children and we encourage them to actively take part in school life.
• We, the teachers, work together in a friendly manner and regard ourselves as a team.

2. Respect

We understand that everybody is different. We respect one another regardless of performance, commitment or looks. Every member of our school community will be valued, supported and challenged in his or her individual way.

• We treasure kindness, politeness, consideration and always try to be honest with one another.
• We are helpful to new members of our school community and accept them without prejudice.
• We try to maintain order and cleanliness. We are responsible for and treat school property and that of others as we would treat our own. These guidelines are basic principles for a community so for this reason we endeavour to stick to them.

3. Fairness

In order to get along with one another we need to be fair and treat everyone as individuals.

The individual groups within our school community consider these values to be especially important:

• We, the pupils, wish that nobody should ever feel excluded, thus trying to integrate everybody into our class. We will inform our parents about what is going on at school and try to be honest with them. We communicate with our teachers politely and with respect, regardless of their personality or position within the school community. Criticism should be voiced straight away. We think that representing teachers negatively in public, for example, on the Internet, is unjust.
• We, the parents, seek an honest and unprejudiced relationship with other parents and the teachers. We accept our children as they are, regardless of their abilities and traits.
• We, the teachers, treat all pupils and parents equally. Equality and honesty are equally important when evaluating pupils’ performances, as well as for educational standards. We use these standards purposefully and with the upmost consideration, explaining them to the pupils so that they are easy to understand.
• When asked, we give the parents information such as why a certain mark was given, the materials or texts a test is based upon, and information about the circumstances which led to certain educational measures. We communicate with our colleagues in an open and friendly manner, regardless of their position within the school. We are loyal to one another.

4. Tolerance and non-violence

Cooperation within our school allows room for diversity. We consider diversity as something positive for the school community. Therefore we show moral courage when others are insulted, discriminated against, excluded or even hurt, as we want to be good role models.

• Violence in word, action or deed is something which is not tolerated.
• We try to resolve conflicts by talking openly and soberly with both parties.
• We see the development of a debating culture as something important for our community. We consider discussion, due to differences in opinion, to be an expression of a tolerant and lively community.

5. Ability to accept criticism

The school community cannot be improved upon without criticism or feedback being given. This affects the school administration process, as well as classes, cooperation within a class or even support from home. We aim to criticise others objectively, politely and constructively. We accept criticism openly and take what is said on board.

• We, the pupils and parents, will, in the first instance, contact the teachers in case of problems at school. We will discuss the problems openly, objectively, fairly, and politely in order to improve the situation for everyone involved.
• We, the teachers, take the problems of the parents and their children seriously.
• We all endeavour to find a solution for each individual problem. In difficult or complicated situations we can also aim to find a solution or come to an agreement with the help of the school psychologist, mediators, the parents’ advisory committee and so on.

6. Commitment and sense of responsibility

We speak very highly of a good general education and preparation for University entrance. We are committed to this and support our school community. Education thrives through motivation. This is what we stand for and we ask for a positive attitude in all aspects of work: performance/achievements, inquisitiveness, and knowledge.

We want to create a good learning environment. We support this by showing interest in school life and by participating in the organisation and the running of events outside of the classroom.

In order to achieve these goals, we need to be understanding, responsible and also:

• We need to thoroughly prepare for lessons at home, bring the required materials and we need to show an interest in our further development.
• We endeavour to make an important contribution, in order to create a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom. This can be achieved by being punctual, polite and by being interested in the lessons.
• We, the pupils, endeavour to work actively, as this is the only way to achieve success.
• We, the teachers, want to make our lessons interesting and exciting, thus wanting to motivate our pupils. We are open towards new developments and techniques in teaching methods.
• We all aim to critically reflect on our own behaviour.

The preceding code of conduct for the Willibald-Gluck-Gymnasium in Neumarkt Oberpfalz was signed by the pupils, parents and representatives from the teaching staff, as well as by the Headmaster.