BasicsFrom autumn, Bavaria's schools will be offering constitutional education | Politics
Starting in September, Bavarian students will be taught the Basic Law and democracy. A “constitutional quarter hour” will be introduced in all schools.
“We have found that there is an incredible amount of hate, not only on the Internet,” explains Prime Minister Markus Söder (57, CSU). The radical scene is trying to influence young people through social media. “The constitutional quarter hour is intended to be a counter impulse.”
With Minister of Culture Anna Stolz (41, Free Voters) he has prepared a sample quarter of an hour in Munich Wittelsbacher-Gymnasium is considered.
Politics teacher Veronika Wiesmaier opens the short lesson with hate messages from the internet. The targets: players of the German national football team. The attacks are insulting: “Sons of bitches.” Racist: “All the players are black.” Threatening: “I wish you all die.”
This book is intended to help Bavaria's students understand better: Söder and Scholz with two versions of the Basic Law
Topic of the hour: Article 5, Basic Law. Freedom of speech. The students discuss where freedom of speech ends: “When I violate the rights of others.”
For the new school year, all Bavarian schools include such a “constitutional quarter hour” per week in the lessons. “It is compulsory,” says Minister Stolz.
► In September, the “constitutional quarter hours” begin in grades 2 and 4 of primary schools. Grades 6, 8 and 10 start in secondary schools. Stolz: “The lessons will be expanded until all grades receive them.”
► The quarter hour takes place as part of the normal lessons. No additional school time is planned.
► A “constitutional quarter hour” should take place in all subjects – including mathematics, physics and sports. “In sports, there are referees. The lessons can then move on to judicial independence,” says Stolz.
► There are no grades.
“Students should understand: What does the constitution have to do with my life?” explains Stolz. Söder: “Those who don't like our freedom are not lazy. They are mega-active.” In order to counteract this, understanding should be created for “what is contained in this constitution.”