EU funds help: The school auditorium boasts a giant three-metre globe

By making the largest investment in its history, the Krásná Lípa school has obtained a new science classroom as well as new locker rooms, a lift and toilets. The new space also serves as an auditorium.

The school's great attraction is the "Science on a Sphere", a three-metre globe suspended from the ceiling, on which it is possible to project, for example, current images from NOAA satellites or other unique presentations of events currently happening on the Earth.
 
The sphere in the eight-metre-high classroom enables learning about various phenomena on Earth and in space thanks to a multi-source projection. The classroom is designed for one class of thirty pupils, but can be expanded if needed. The school is the only one in the Czech Republic that has this unique equipment.
 
ONLY THE FIFTH IN CZECHIA
"In this country, this is only the fifth installation of the technology of four projectors projecting images on a sphere. And thanks to the obtained license for current data, we can see in real time where hurricanes are currently threatening, or monitor air or ship traffic all over the world. The novelty is complemented by modern technologies such as a 3D printer, a set of tablets, and a large monitor," says headteacher Ivana Jäckelová.
 
"Pupils, teachers and the public, including senior citizens, have the opportunity to follow lessons and lectures about natural and space phenomena. These are presented to them in 3D, i.e. in a three-dimensional form on this virtual Earth in live broadcasts or simulated demonstrations," adds Jan Kolář, the mayor of Krasná Lípa.
 
According to the headteacher, this is so-called 3D edu, i.e. educational activities and projects focused on teaching modern technologies such as 3D printing, 3D design and virtual reality, designed for pupils and teachers. The aim is to develop children's digital skills, technical literacy and creativity and prepare them for the future needs of the job market.
 
According to the mayor of Krásná Lípa, the entire building addition cost CZK 30 million, of which the EU grant covered CZK 27 million. The school itself maintains the equipment thanks to a contribution from its educational authority.
 
GRADUAL RECONSTRUCTION
The project is part of a long-term reconstruction of this school, with the first stage focusing primarily on the building envelope, thermal insulation and energy savings. In the process, the school also acquired a new chemistry and physics classroom. The large building is barrier-free, including toilets, has a lift and a wheelchair ramp.
 
"The initial study outlining the school extension dates back to 2003. The town council updated it and the first intention was to build the missing auditorium or a similar meeting space. "However, as the requirements for education and a modern school changed, the plans were adjusted, and it all ended with the town council receiving a grant for this aforementioned extension and the construction of a modern vocational classroom with equipment," says Ivana Jäckelová.
 
The construction took place while the school was operating but, according to her, the school made it through the challenging period. "And gradually, other small things financed from the town's own funds were added. "Krásná Lípa paid approximately CZK 30 million for the first stage alone," Jan Kolář added.
 
The school, which is also attended by pupils from socially disadvantaged areas of the Krásná Lípa region, can now boast renovated facilities of the school canteen and after-school club.
 
The town has been very successful in obtaining EU grants for three decades thanks to a company that designs the grant applications. According to the headteacher, the gradual reconstruction of the school has been underway since 2006. "A new project began in September that will not interfere with the school's operations so much. It is another extension that will house two polytechnic classrooms for learning skills with workshop tools and gardening, and a climatic garden will be built within a year.”
 
The school has 18 classes, two in each grade, and a total of 320 children. It also employs 12 teaching assistants. Most of the children come from Krásná Lípa and nearby Rybniště or Doubice. "For eleven years, we have had classes with innovative education, which is a slightly different approach compared to other schools," adds a teacher, who has been working here for 23 years.
 
THANKS TO EU FUNDS, A SCHOOL HAS OBTAINED THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY. The school in Krásná Lípa, northern Bohemia, has acquired a unique sphere that is used for teaching. Similar equipment can be found only in a few places in the country. Its installation was significantly supported by EU funds. The aids of modern teaching methods include not only the projection device itself, but also 3D printers or tablets for pupils. The school, located in the Děčín region near the border with Germany, is gradually undergoing extensive modernization.
 
Photo: Deník daily/Tomáš Prchal