BGV wants a new learning line for gymnasium
The Interest Group Gymnasial Training (BGV) of the AOb has a new chairman. Annemieke van der Plaat succeeds Math Osseforth. "We are thriving, even if you look at the student numbers."
Image: Rob Niemantsverdriet
Who is Annemieke van der Plaat?
“For years I worked as a teacher of classical languages and later also as a subject didactician at the University of Leiden. Now I work as an independent subject didactician. My company is called Metismatters, with which I focus on all kinds of themes around the classical languages and the issues surrounding the gifted. Not only does my work in the classroom make me happy, but I have also always been interested in the organization and development of education. "
And now therefore chairman of the BGV?
“Yes, because I think it is very important to stand up for the classical languages and the secondary education. Especially now that shrinkage is imminent, it is important to keep this training going as well as possible in the 39 independent gymnasiums and the approximately 330 school communities with a gymnasial department. That works out nicely: foreign countries are jealous of our secondary education. We are thriving, even if you look at the student numbers. ”
Tell us about the merits of your predecessor, Math Osseforth?
Under his chairmanship, the BGV published the investigation report Jenga Tower from (2011) and the Golden Standard has been elaborated (2014). With the help of this standard, gymnasiums and school communities can better clarify what distinguishes them from other types of education. Previously, he contributed to the exploration committee on classical languages, which published the final report 'The secret of the blue brother' in 2010. He also established the Lokon, the National Consultation for Classical Education, of which the BGV has the chairmanship. ”
The blue brother?
“You literally translate the words 'caeruleus brother' into 'blue brother'. But who is that then, what is it about? The blue brother is Neptune, the brother of Zeus. Thanks to this example, the 2010 report is known as' the blue brother. ”
What can we expect from the new chairman?
“In the classic Netherlands we are now busy with curriculum.nu. This is the national project started last spring to arrive at a revision of the attainment targets and attainment targets for primary and secondary education. Thanks to the efforts of our trade association, the VCN, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science has involved the classicists in this through his own 'shadow-tracking team'. That follow-up team has formulated 'seven major assignments' for gymnasial education, each assignment consists of an A4. ”
Too ambitious or too abstract?
“Some will say 'ambitious'. The other only sees 'woolly phrases', which you can use in all directions. Yet all this is necessary to achieve well-thought-out learning lines in gymnasia. In the coming period we will translate the products of our monitoring team into practical actions in the classroom. Of course, lecturers want to know how to flesh out things in their daily work. ”
How are you going to do that?
“For example, we are organizing a conference on curriculum.nu in Utrecht on 28 November. Given the enormous involvement of our supporters, we have rented space for roughly 150 teachers. Results from the past do not guarantee the future, but I foresee a full house, because our supporters are always eager to think and talk. I see curriculum.nu as an opportunity to realize the intended gymnasium learning line. ”
