Go!

GO! organises official education in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. It is financed by the Flemish government but functions independently of the Flemish Minister of Education. GO! is one of the three main educational networks in Flanders. GO! schools are spread all over Flanders and the Brussels capital region. GO! has day care centres, nurseries, primary and secondary schools amongst which many schools specialising in technical and professional education and several schools of creative and performing arts. GO! also has 12 large centres for adult education. For those 773 institutions in total GO! develops curricula and organises teacher training, which means that we are currently working for 27,000 members of staff serving 225,000 pupils and 120,000 adults. GO! is led by a Council whose representatives are chosen by all members of staff of our educational network and our parents. This Council’s main mission is to guarantee that all pupils and adult learners, whatever their background or socio-economic status might be, can discover and develop their unique talents and study whatever they want in Flanders and the Brussels capital region. This freedom of choice of education and equal chances for everyone is all important to us. 

Equally important to us is helping learners grow into outspoken, outgoing, open-minded, empathic and critical citizens. In today’s rather complex society with its many diverse beliefs, opinions, religions and ways of life it is more than ever crucial that we teach our children how to live together and show them that every person is worthwhile and nobody is superior. We firmly believe in this equal value principle and embrace diversity. Therefore our baseline is "Learning together how to live together”. The Council is supported by administrative and pedagogical services (including an in-service training department and GO!'s pedagogical advisory service which is coordinator of this project) that are located in Brussels. The organising power however belongs to the 26 groups of schools who manage all GO! institutions of education in a given region. The Royal Atheneum of Antwerp stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Antwerp. 

Our institution, deeply rooted in the Pedagogical Project of GO! Education, is committed to fostering talent development and providing a rich educational experience for our students. With more then 50 nationalities our school reflects the diversity of the current European society. What sets our school apart is our emphasis on active global citizenship, shared European common values and reciprocity in human relationships. We cultivate an environment of mutual respect, celebrating diversity and fostering understanding among cultures and personalities. This ethos of respect and appreciation permeates our school culture, shaping interactions and educational experiences. 

Furthermore, our school actively engages with the broader community, forging partnerships with governments, businesses, and organizations to enrich students' learning experiences. From international internships to local outreach programs, we strive to install in our students a sense of responsibility as global citizens. In essence, the Royal Atheneum of Antwerp is not just a place of learning but a hub for personal growth, community engagement, and global citizenship. Our mission is to nurture individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. As a member of the EU RAN - Radicalisation Awareness Network expert pool, our school developed different communication tools and practices to prevent polarisation and radicalisation. Through workshops and training sessions these tools are implemented in the Belgian educational context.

Website: www.g-o.be

Contact info: Mr. Jens Vermeersch, jens.vermeersch@g-o.be