Students are excited about their new state-of-the-art digital learning environment.
Time has come: Over the past 15 months the former Ameropa building at the Bad Homburger SÜDCAMPUS was remodeled and the former office building is now barely recognizable: The offices were replaced by ten classrooms, two Science rooms, a Music and an Art room. Students and teachers, as well as the Head of School Janina Sparks and the Managing Partners Gerda Meinl-Kexel and Prof. Christoph Kexel are delighted to put into use the new library, a spacious cafeteria as well as a modern theater room with stage.
Move without disturbing school operations
The boxes were packed after the school bell sounded at 15:15 hrs on Friday. "It was important to me that regular school operations were not affected by the move," explains Janina Sparks, Head of School. Many hard-working helpers lent a hand to ensure a smooth transition. By the next bell on Monday morning, everything was ready to go. "It's great to see what has been created here in the last few months. The equipment is ultra-modern and technically up-to-date - exactly what young people need for learning. I am looking forward to seeing the Secondary School continue to grow and believe that the older students are thrilled to have their own learning space and a bit more distance from the younger ones," adds Janina Sparks with a smile. The two school buildings are just over 450 meters apart from each other.
Education one step ahead
When it comes to equipping classrooms, accadis continues to be "one step ahead". All classrooms feature large movable smartboards, allowing teachers to optimize their use in class. Prof. Christoph Kexel had a special idea for the wall design: "In classrooms, typically a lot of space is needed for hanging and pinning display materials or students’ work. Therefore - instead of numerous pin boards and whiteboards next to each other – one entire wall per classroom was converted into a pinboard." The Art, Music and Science rooms are also meeting the latest standards and offer plenty of space for creative, musical and experimental activities. In addition, there will be a dedicated STEM area and numerous learning corners are spread out all over the building. What many may not know: One wing of the building has not yet been developed. Additional classrooms will be created there to accommodate future growth in the Secióndary School.
As a result of the move, space has been freed up in the existing school building at Weidenring 52 – 54, which will be used for the growing Elementary School and Preschool. "We are noticing that the demand for bilingual education is increasing," says Prof. Christoph Kexel. "There was no longer enough space and, looking at the increasing number of students and the shift to two-form entry in the Secondary School, the expansion was exactly the right decision."
Building has a high-efficiency LED lighting system
The highly efficient "wtec smartengine" LED lighting system already installed in the existing school building was also built in the new one. The system is composed of 191 LED light fittings with sensors - so each fitting can be individually controlled. This setup and three other LED projects in the building at Am Weidenring 52 - 54, saves around 88 percent in electricity consumption.
Modern equipment and industrial design
The industrial style has become popular again in recent years, especially due to the combination of functionality and aesthetics. This is not a novelty at accadis, as renovated sections of the accadis Hochschule have already been designed in this style. "I deliberately chose this style for the new building as well," says Prof. Christoph Kexel who was - as building owner - deeply involved in the project. "It was important to me to show the students how the building works and how it is constructed. And the best way to do so is by seeing it," Prof. Kexel continues. "When you look up at the ceiling you can see the different power and network cables in all the rooms, as well as water and sewer pipes."
Grand opening celebration planned for early summer
A grand opening with many highlights is planned for early summer. Among other things, the Managing Partners are looking forward to a big celebration with the entire accadis family (students with their families, teachers, accadis Hochschule students, lecturers, employees), local interested parties as well as special guests and political representatives.
Anyone who would like to take a look sooner rather than later is welcome to attend our Open House on Saturday, 4 February 2023 from 11:00 to 14:00 hrs and to join a guided tour through the new Secondary School facilities at 12:00 and 13:00 hrs.