From October 8th to 14th, 2018, the X-ray School, the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Gymnasium, the Ellen Key School and that Goethe-Gymnasium at the wannseeFORUM for a seminar for student representatives.
The overarching theme of the seminar was "Communication." We kicked off the week on Monday with an introduction to Schulz von Thun's four-sides model of communication. Seminar representatives were also elected, and the schools and the work of the student councils were presented. Finally, everyone split into five artistic workshops. In addition to discussions about the situation at the various schools and the work of the student councils, the students worked on their projects in the workshops, which they presented at the end of the week.
In the Digital Photo Story project, the group depicted a student's day in two different versions. The first version shows numerous misunderstandings and communication breakdowns, including gossip in the schoolyard. In the second version, these issues were resolved, and the day is relived with successful communication.
The video group's film was modeled after the movie "The Breakfast Club." A group of students meet in a classroom during detention and discuss their individual reasons for being there. Here, too, the focus was primarily on misunderstandings and communication that went well or less well.
The theatre group's play depicted a bus trip in which a class with diverse personalities goes on a school trip. Themes such as exclusion and cell phone use were addressed, as well as the responsibilities of class representatives and hierarchies between teachers and students.
The comic group created a comic Regarding the topic of misunderstandings and the student council: The student council submits a proposal concerning the school toilets, but this is misinterpreted. A series of unexpected events ensues as a result of this communication breakdown.
The participants in the black and white photography group each created their own series of analog images on the theme of communication. Inspired by the visual possibilities of this medium, they explored the diverse aspects of nonverbal communication and facial expressions. One series, for example, was translated into sign language. Other series focused on the possibilities and difficulties of interpreting body posture and body language.
On Saturday, a student council meeting was simulated. Based on the topics discussed throughout the week, the students developed proposals which they then submitted to the meeting at the fictional Fegor-Rogef School. Students also took on the roles of parent and teacher representatives, as well as the student body president. Everyone had the opportunity to discuss and vote on the proposals.
Throughout the week, the students also had the opportunity to contribute their ideas, organize, and moderate the morning plenary sessions and the joint evening programs. A particular highlight was the karaoke night, which provided a lot of fun and led to the formation of new friendships.
The closing buffet and party provided a successful end to the week together.
Finally, on Sunday we brought the seminar to a close with a slideshow and a joint evaluation of the week.
We wish all participants every success in their future student representation work and look forward to seeing them again next year.
The seminar was funded by the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family.
