This was our 2023

2023 has been a positive year for Deutsche Schule Medellín. It was marked by the consolidation of numerous processes, the completion of construction projects, and progress in educational innovation. We are overcoming the gap left by the pandemic in learning and educational methodologies, and gradually returning to the rhythm of in-person work. This has benefited the teaching of German as a second language and the study of subjects such as mathematics, history, biology, art, and sports in this language.

After three years, we have demonstrated the importance of the International Baccalaureate (IB) for all our students, who have already taken the exams. Doubts have been left behind as they have successfully embraced the challenge, recognizing the importance and benefits that this diploma provides. Furthermore, our graduates express their satisfaction with being well-prepared when starting their university education, whether in Colombia, Germany, or other parts of the world.

This year, many of our students have chosen to pursue careers abroad, and undoubtedly, our comprehensive education has brought them closer to those opportunities. Some of the graduates of 2022 have decided to pursue a degree in Germany, the United States, Canada, and England. We maintain our commitment to shaping global citizens.

We also continue with our excellence scholarship program to recognize the most outstanding students, which is a source of pride and satisfaction. We have also awarded scholarships totaling $748 million to families within our community.

Likewise, we are aware that the quality of the education we provide to our students is possible if our teachers are adequately prepared for it. That's why we celebrate the third anniversary of the Center for Training and Pedagogical Development, which benefits not only teachers but also administrative, support, and logistics staff. Additionally, we have implemented a peer visitation system, allowing teachers to share best practices and provide feedback to their colleagues, aiming to make the most of every hour in the classroom.

We have similarly facilitated opportunities for our staff to familiarize themselves with new teaching methodologies.

We continue to address the professional development of our administrative, support, and logistics staff, who have the support of the Training Center to keep their professional knowledge up to date. We also offer German and Spanish classes for all employees. In that sense, we have worked throughout the year on the technological update project; by 2024, we will modernize 265 computer systems, focusing on always having the best tools. This work was led by the Administrative and Financial Directorate, the ICT Committee, and the Technology Department to ensure technological equipment that meets both pedagogical and administrative needs. On the other hand, with an investment of $2.2 billion, we have undertaken the construction of new multipurpose sports courts with the best specifications.

We have created new positions and departments, such as the Hiring Department, to alleviate the administrative burden on our teachers and section heads, allowing them to focus on their primary task: providing the best education to our students.

Finally, we have institutionalized spaces for care and well-being, with a focus on achieving balance between work, study, and personal life. We continue to work on projecting the School towards external audiences, with the idea of maintaining a sustainable institution over time.