Weikersheim / Creglingen. Weikersheim Grammar School extends the field of "automation technology" and thanks the companies Würth IT GmbH, bdtronic and Wirthwein AG for their generous support.
Weikersheim Grammar School has a long-standing partnership with the "hidden champion" Wirthwein - family business, world market leader and manufacturer of plastic components from Creglingen, for example in the form of an annual applicant training course. Wirthwein AG has always been very interested in inspiring students in the region for the variety of technical professions. Because according to Marcus Wirthwein, many young people can only imagine little about the various fields of activity and multi-faceted career opportunities. When the new Festo automation technology was presented to him, he was therefore very pleased that the enthusiasm for technology of the upcoming generation is now also increasingly being fostered at general secondary schools.
The "NwT" lessons (natural sciences and technology) can be chosen in Weikersheim from grade 8 on and give the students first insights into technical fields of activity in a project-oriented way. In addition to microcontroller programming, 3D printing, gear construction and woodworking, the young people also come into contact with automation technology. For this teaching unit, the teaching staff uses the modular principle of the well-known brand manufacturer Festo, as this is also used by many companies in the region, such as Wirthwein.
The new extension set, which was sponsored by Wirthwein, to the existing Festo system opens up completely new possibilities for teacher Peter Weidt, such as the use of modern sensors. In addition, it is now possible to work in smaller groups of students - in accordance with the hygiene regulations imposed.
"It is not only in the field of automation technology that we have been able to offer our students at Weikersheim Grammar School attractive learning experiences in recent years," says pedagogue Peter Weidt. He continues: "And yet we don't want to rest on our achievements. We also want to approach new challenges, such as the upcoming expansion of the subject "NwT" to the upper school with great commitment.
"We are convinced that the continuation and intensification of existing partnerships is an essential building block in the mission statement of our school," says principal Christiane Ballas-Mahler. "Hand in hand with local companies, further financial hurdles will certainly be overcome in the future," the parents' representatives agree with the teachers' committee.
