During the school year 2013/14 the SPZ 10 introduced lessons exclusively for girls, scheduled and organized as follows:

The girls of all classes attend the girls-only lesson in their classroom setting in a five-week period each semester. Altogether the girls-only lesson is offered approximately 10 times a year per class. The boys stay with their class teacher during the girls-only classes. The following subjects are discussed: self-esteem, wishes and dreams of the girls regarding their futures, current fashion, sexuality, life-circumstances of females in contemporary Vienna, women’s rights and free time activities, among other things. Many topics have to be treated in very sensitive way, because most of the girls are from families who have migrated to Austria. Any questions related to sexuality are put forward by the girls. They either deal with a current problem or with articles from youth magazines the girls have read and wish to discuss.

Implementation:

The girls’ self-esteem and their ability to reflect on their own behavior are strengthened through role-plays. Many pupils have problems developing a positive picture of themselves. The girls’ wishes and dreams are frequently not understood or are ignored or not accepted at home. Girls’ and women’s living conditions in Vienna are analyzed during a cultural week before Easter. During that week, the girls are guided in the development of a questionnaire. Question cards (e.g. Do good mothers stay home with their children?) stimulate interesting discussions during workshops which eventually create the questions in the questionnaire (for example: choosing a job, maternity leave, childcare). The questionnaires form the basis for random interviews in the local pedestrian zone. Each girl asks a question and takes notes. The return rate is expected to be 20 completed questionnaires. Results are published in the school magazine.

Benefit:

The girls-only lesson is of essential value for girls, especially for those with special educational needs. In it the girls find a safe environment do discuss and work on topics of a very personal nature in an undisturbed and secure way.

Evaluation:

The first year of implementation has brought about positive results from the girls and their teachers and has shown it to be an indispensable part of a holistic approach to inclusive education.