On the desks, there are no tablets but rather boards, batteries, cables, and paper clips. Nonetheless, computer science is on the timetable for Year 5 students. "The pupils are building Morse code devices, learning in a playful way a simple form of communication. Step by step, they understand that IT doesn't only start on a screen," explains computer science teacher Yves Schütz. "The teaching modules with child-friendly, hands-on tasks are particularly popular. They help to spark interest among children and teenagers." The practical concept behind these modules has been further developed over many years and is now used in numerous schools.

Yves Schütz is the STEM coordinator at Rochus-Realschule plus with a vocational school in Bingen. Since the pilot phase in 2016, he has been committed to the IT2School project. "We were one of six pilot schools in Rhineland-Palatinate and helped test and develop the teaching materials," Schütz explains. Since 2018, the school has been using the modules consistently and across different subjects starting in the fifth year. Many teachers have undergone free training from the Wissensfabrik (Knowledge Factory). The materials are scientifically-based and can be directly applied in lessons.

How do STEM projects reach schools?

"When a school partners with one of our member companies, it can use our project materials free of charge," explains Axel Jentzsch from Wissensfabrik. "Schools can apply with us, and we then match them with a suitable education partner – be it a local company or other educational organisations such as the chambers of commerce and industry (IHKs)." These education partners fund the development of the projects, supply materials, and train teachers. IT2School is used in over 1,000 schools nationwide. Partnerships exist with state ministries in Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony. In Rhineland-Palatinate, every third secondary school now utilises the project. "We have many more schools interested in our projects than we have education partners to support them. We need more commitment from companies," emphasises Jentzsch.

The Rochus-Realschule plus has had a reliable education partner in Boehringer Ingelheim for many years. "We support them with the IT2School materials because digital education is particularly crucial for the future of young people. Together with Wissensfabrik, we foster curiosity, STEM skills, and equal opportunities," explains Monika Schmitt-Herrmann from Boehringer Ingelheim. The Rochus Realschule is one of many schools with which they maintain partnerships. "This collaboration opens many paths for professional orientation. We actively participate in school fairs, applicant training, and TableTalk formats on-site, offering students early insights into professional prospects and future topics," says Schmitt-Herrmann.

Shaping the Future with IT2School

(only available in German)

(only available in German)