The student council seminar from September 23rd to 29th, 2017 with the four schools Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Gymnasium, X-ray School, Goethe-Gymnasium and Ellen Key School The aim was to equip students with the necessary skills to make a difference in their schools. They had the opportunity to exchange ideas and suggestions, discuss obstacles at their own schools, and consult on upcoming projects.
The seminar didn't begin with the usual artistic work, but with a role-playing exercise: a student council meeting. Students played themselves, the teachers, the parents, and the meeting chair. Beforehand, they discussed the situation at their schools and considered possible proposals to bring to the student council meeting. The proposals were discussed, some were reformulated, and finally, a vote was taken on whether the proposals should be forwarded to the school conference.
The artistic work began on Monday, inspired by the topics and debates of the GSV meeting. Participants could choose between black and white photography, comics, digital photo stories, rap, and theater. For four days, the participants worked intensively in their groups to present their concerns for everyday school life and prepared for the final presentation. At 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, friends, family, and teachers from the participating schools were welcomed by the moderator at the wannseeFORUM for the public presentation.
The theatre group first performed a play they had written themselves. They portrayed a self-help group within a school that wants to deny its students the right to have their own opinions.
This was followed by a reading and presentation of the Comics titled "Veggie HIGH"„, in which the fruit and vegetables representing the school's students have a minor fertilizer-drug problem, and the student council eventually intervenes.
After this presentation, the guests were led to the exhibition of the black and white photography group. This group had divided into small groups and explored very different aspects of everyday life and student life. For example, there were... Gender stereotypes, emotions and diversity of people and their perspectives.
The Digital photo story She showed a short film in which her own drawings were superimposed onto digital photos. Afterwards, in her presentation "The Big Break," she addressed the issue that middle school students are often not allowed to leave the school grounds during breaks.
The presentation concluded with the Performance by the rap group, entitled „Behind Your Back“, which dealt with gossip and rumors at school.
Afterwards, guests were invited for coffee and cake. In the evening, there was a large closing buffet and a party to celebrate the successful presentation and the time spent together.
On Friday morning, everyone met again for a final plenary session to review the results of the trip, say their goodbyes, and make arrangements for future activities. We wish all participants every success in implementing their ideas in their schools.