The AES Model in Tyrol
The model is based on cooperation with established schools in Innsbruck. The Saggen and Altwilten primary schools and the Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck (AGI) have run AES classes at primary level since the 2023/24 school year and at secondary level since 2024/25. Teaching follows the European curricula, which are compatible with the Austrian ones, and is organised into three language sections: German, English and Italian. From the first to the fourth year, the German and English sections are taught at Saggen primary school and the Italian section at Altwilten primary school. All three sections are represented at the AGI from the fifth to the twelfth year. Pupils graduate with the European Baccalaureate, which is recognised as a university entrance qualification in all EU Member States.
In autumn 2027, the municipal Daniel Sailer kindergarten will join the programme, making a continuous educational pathway within the AES system possible from kindergarten to the school-leaving examination.
Broad Recognition for the Project
Speaking on behalf of Head of Office Richard Seeber, Christina Schnéegans paid tribute to the long-standing commitment of everyone involved. She said the AES makes an important contribution to conveying European values and brings the European idea to life in everyday school life. She thanked all partners for the successful cooperation that made this milestone for Tyrol as a place of education possible.
Helmuth Aigner expressed his delight at the recognition. He highlighted that around 900 children and young people in Tyrol will in future be able to learn according to the European curriculum, from kindergarten to the school-leaving examination. Andreas Beckmann, Secretary-General of the European Schools, shared this enthusiasm and underlined the close cooperation behind the project. He noted that its success was only possible with the support of the Province of Tyrol, the federal government, the education directorates and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO). While the school is based in Tyrol, it can also be seen as an impetus for neighbouring regions to establish their own AES. On behalf of the AES directors, Gitta Lotz thanked the hosts for their Tyrolean hospitality and emphasised the added value of the AES for Tyrol and for shared European learning and thinking.