Building the Path

As the year draws to a close, it is a time for reflection, reviewing our accomplishments, and laying the foundation for the challenges of the upcoming year. At Deutsche Schule Medellín, we take a pause in our journey, reflect on our learning, and establish a roadmap for the continuous development of a School that stands the test of time.

Looking ahead to the Bund-Länder-Inspektion certification, BLI, we are working to strengthen certain aspects of our learning methodologies. "In recent years, we have implemented improvements suggested by the Central Office for Schools Abroad (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen, ZfA), so we are confident that we will be prepared for BLI 3.0", expresses Anke Käding, Head Teacher at DSM. Nevertheless, one of the challenges for 2024 will continue to be enhancing the learning processes.

“We are always trying to improve our academic programs, exploring what we can do to provide the best education for future generations", adds the Head Teacher.

One of the challenges, precisely, is to continue working on the recommendations from BLI 2.0 and prepare for the next inspection. To achieve this, we will build on the work done in 2023 with the Future Workshops, continuing to integrate various processes in the Schulentwicklungsplan (School Development Plan).

“In all efforts of pedagogical development, the focus must always be on having the student at the center”, says Mrs. Käding.

Therefore, to ensure an excellent classroom experience, every effort in Logistics or Administration is approached from this perspective. "We will continue working together, reviewing trends in education and implementing the best academic practices, supported by training and technological advancements", affirms the Head Teacher.

The continuous training of teachers is also a goal for 2024, assures Carlos Cabrera, Head of Human Resources Management at DSM. That's why one of the strategies is to provide differentiation in training, "always considering the needs of the teachers and their students".

Another objective is to continue fostering intercultural work, "leveraging the richness we have, making it increasingly evident that we are a culturally diverse team, something that allows us to learn from each other". On the other hand, talent retention will continue to be a challenge: "The scarcity of people for the educational sector is something that has been increasing since the end of the pandemic. In Germany, it is much more evident than in Colombia, which impacts the willingness of few German teachers to come to our country. We have implemented various strategies to attract Colombian individuals with a good command of German and teachers who have German as their native language to support the education of our students", explains Carlos Cabrera. Additionally, we will continue implementing well-being programs for personal development, training, and professional development.

Even though the pandemic is over and the School has recovered academically, the economic reality of the country remains a challenge. However, the administrative results in 2023 have been positive, indicating a path to recovery in 2024. According to Carola Windmüller, Administrative and Financial Director of DSM, the challenges for the coming year are related to the sustainability of the School. “We seek continuous improvement", she explains, "directing our processes with the goal of keeping the school on track and strengthening it as an organization". That's why one of the actions in 2024 is to continue establishing and standardizing processes in administrative and logistical matters. In areas like campus maintenance, we will strive for excellence. Additionally, priority will be given to the adaptation and construction of some projects aimed at the well-being of the entire educational community. "Finally, from the Administrative and Financial Directorate, we are always attentive to the academic needs, offering high quality educational programs", concludes Carola Windmüller.