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Berlin School Launches First-of-Its-Kind ‘Retten und Schützen’ Elective

Firefighter-led lessons deliver practical emergency skills in a graded pilot for civic preparedness.

Overview

  • The two-year elective at Alfred-Nobel-Schule in Britz is open to 9th and 10th graders and is described as a nationwide first.
  • Instruction is delivered by active firefighters alongside teachers, combining hands-on demonstrations with classroom study and formal grading.
  • Students train in first aid, firefighting technology and civil protection during weekly 90-minute practical sessions.
  • The curriculum was developed by the Berlin Fire Department in partnership with the education administration after the 2023 Kiezgespräche outreach to youths.
  • Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch and Interior Senator Iris Spranger endorsed the launch, while fire chief Karsten Homrighausen highlighted goals of strengthening civic courage and encouraging future recruits.