Subject-Related Curricula for Integrated Studies
Integrated Studies at the Johann-Hinrich-Fehrs-School
Integrated Studies at the Johann-Hinrich-Fehrs-School supports children in consciously perceiving, understanding, and responsibly shaping their environment. It directly connects to the students’ lives and promotes curiosity, a spirit of inquiry, as well as independent and collaborative learning.
The instruction is based on the subject requirements of the state of Schleswig-Holstein and is implemented in an action-oriented, project-related, and differentiated manner. Central questions, independent discovery, and active participation are the focus.
Central Content and Focuses
In integrated studies, various topics from nature, the environment, and society are addressed, including:
• Nature and Plants
• Getting to know early bloomers (e.g., crocus, tulip, daffodil, snowdrop)
• Structure and parts of a plant
• Observing, comparing, and distinguishing plants
• Caring for plants and taking responsibility
• Environment and Sustainability
• Creation of waste in everyday life
• Types of waste and waste separation
• Waste prevention and conscious use of resources
• Environmental awareness in school and everyday life
• Relevance to everyday life
• Learning through concrete examples from one’s own environment
• Transfer of what has been learned to everyday classroom and school life
Learning Through Research, Design, and Presentation
Integrated studies are designed to be exploratory, creative, and product-oriented. The children:
• produce their own products (e.g., leporellos, posters)
• draw factual pictures and label them
• work alone, in pairs, or in groups
• present their results and give appreciative feedback
In the process, technical terms are introduced and specifically used in complete sentences to promote linguistic expression.
Competencies in Integrated Studies
In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the following are specifically promoted:
• accurate observation and comparison
• fine motor skills (e.g., drawing, crafting)
• sense of responsibility
• teamwork and collaboration
• presentation and reflection skills
Differentiation and Media Literacy
The instruction takes into account different learning prerequisites through:
• simplified tasks
• reduced content
• pre-defined word or picture aids
Digital media are used to provide support, e.g., by searching for pictures, watching educational films, or using learning apps.
Goal of Integrated Studies
The goal of integrated studies is for students to understand their environment, recognize connections, and learn to act responsibly – curiously, critically, and actively.
