The “old” school font with its loops and flourishes will soon have had its day. According to a decree, the so-called “Schulschrift 1969” must be phased out in schools from 2023/24 – it can still be used, but is no longer taught in classrooms. Instead, they rely solely on the “1995 school font”, until now teachers could choose one of two variants. After all, this was almost always the 95 font.
Generations of Austrians learned to write and calculate with the “Schulschrift 1969”. In its basic characteristics, it dates back to a time when people wrote with pen and ink. Minor changes were made only twice, in 1946 and again in 1969. Characteristic are the loops on the double and triple or the extra loops in the “g” and “q”.
New school fonts should be easier to use
Nearly 30 years ago, the “1995 School Font” was used – this has less embellishments and was smoother for the students. For the time being, however, the teachers could choose for themselves which variant they want to teach. That is no longer the case: in the sense of simplifying the administrative structures in the school sector, decrees are constantly tested for their topicality and feasibility, according to education minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP). “In the course of this, decisions that are no longer necessary will be withdrawn, the regulations unraveled and adapted to the circumstances.”
From the classroom to the history books
This was also the case with the Österreichische Schulschrift in 1969. “If we compare a classroom from 1969 with a classroom from today, they have little in common. At the time, the students were mainly in the classroom with textbooks, notebooks and inkwells, nowadays they do that with tablets and laptops.” When the school changes, the rules have to change too. “I think it is important that the administrative structures are constantly examined and outdated regulations are mucked up. Like many other Austrians, I still have fond memories of the Österreichische Schulschrift 1969. However, it is definitely time to immortalize it somewhere else: in the history books.”
Individual forms of the font are allowed
In any case, the school handwriting was not a binding specification for the pupils. However, it served as a “guideline alphabet” for the first lessons in the first and second grades of primary school. According to the syllabus, by the end of second grade, children should be able to write letters, numbers, and symbols “in a form that approximates the respective template.” It is considered “essential” that the shapes of the letters and numbers be unambiguous and clear and easy to write. According to the decree, if these criteria are met, individual writing forms of the children are also allowed.
In addition to school handwriting, block letters or so-called “mixed antiqua” with Latin block letters can also be used in primary school. The general aim is that “in the following school years, students acquire their personal, legible and fluent handwriting”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
