Gerda Meinl-Kexel and
Professor Dr. Christoph Kexel
How does
accadis ISB differ from other international schools, what makes everyday life
at the bilingual school in Ober-Eschbach so special? We spoke to the accadis ISB managing partners, Gerda Meinl-Kexel (ML) and Professor Dr. Christoph
Kexel (CK), about this – and about their everyday professional life.
Using only three words – what makes accadis ISB
so special?
ML:
Bilingual – international – personal.
CK: Welcoming
– quality – understanding of values.
How does accadis ISB differ from other
bilingual private schools?
ML: We “live”
languages particularly intensively as a central element of internationality. In
many bilingual schools, German is only a "by-product", and the focus
is solely placed on English. Doubtlessly, the English language is more
important for advancing in the world than German. Where possible, however, we
try to treat both languages taught at accadis ISB on equal footing. This is
what we train young people to become world citizens with and what truly defines
bilingualism for us.
CK: We
offer a family run learning environment. Consequently – and due to the size of
our school – we can look after our students individually. 44 nationalities characterize accadis ISB
school life.
What needs to be considered in daily interaction?
ML: We
treat each other with respect and tolerance.
CK: The
culture of students and parents strongly influences the achievement of learning
goals. The fact that we combine this with the German mentality makes us so unique.
What does a classic working day look like for
you?
ML: After
breakfast with my family, I'll be at my desk around 08:30. I talk to the Heads
of the individual departments and the Principals, work on strategies, sit at
the PC a lot, make telephone calls, work through my appointments and schedule
and make sure that processes are adhered to.
CK: As my
mother said, our working day starts around 8:00 am during the joint family
breakfast. We talk about the upcoming day and exchange ideas - be it organizational,
strategic or simply something that has attracted attention. In this manner, we
inform ourselves as well as possible; which is not always easy in a family
business.
What do you need to work effectively?
ML: I need
well-prepared documents and time to work in peace and quiet.
CK: For me,
my laptop and also time are important in order to deal with current topics and
make decisions. A working day full of appointments is just as effective, of
course, as we exchange ideas with our staff. Just as important, however, are
quiet moments when it comes to tackling new topics.
What is particularly important to you about
accadis ISB?
ML: Our
students should receive a high-quality international school education based on
current teaching and learning methods – always founded on a broader perspective.
CK: Of
course, the children we teach and the people who make the school what it is –
an inviting place to learn – are particularly important to us. I am proud that
we can accompany our students during this part of their lives and help them
reach their full potential. If – in addition to one or two additional languages
– we manage to equip them with a love of physical activity, of the various subjects
as well as a healthy understanding of values, then I feel reinforced in my
educational idealism.
What has been the biggest challenge for you at
accadis ISB so far?
ML: To introduce
the culture of trust into the school as a value.
CK: Three instants
come to mind: the new school building, the new sports hall and the first IB
year. This is associated with accreditation and our steep learning curve.
What is your vision for accadis ISB in ten
years?
ML: I have
two goals. Firstly, I would like to expand the number of bilingual kindergarten
programs in the region, because the foundation of every good education is laid
at an early age. During this phase you can achieve great things. Secondly, I
would like accadis to be perceived even more as a source for integrated
educational opportunities in Bad Homburg – from kindergarten to doctoral degree.
CK: I envision accadis ISB as nationally
acknowledged for its values and educational goals. The parents increasingly actively
share with us the perspective that an international education starts at
kindergarten age, continues through primary school and ends with the
International Baccalaureate Diploma. I am already looking forward to the upcoming
graduation ceremony with many great graduates, who will make accadis ISB known throughout
the world.