The first participatory seminar this year focused on the theme "Politics begins in the classroom!" From February 17th to 21st, 2025, students from the Willi-Graf-Gymnasium, the Friedenauer Gemeinschaftsschule , and the Paulsen Gymnasium a week at the wannseeFORUM. The seminar is especially designed for students who are involved in their school – for example, in student government or extracurricular activities – and who want to actively shape their school's future.
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Monday began for everyone with a joint plenary session. We started with introductions and an overview of the seminar. In the school groups, participants first discussed the extent of student participation in school life, current projects and plans, and which topics and problems still need to be addressed. The three groups then presented their findings to each other. The session also delved into the topic of "Politics in the Classroom," specifically how the upcoming federal elections affect and influence students, and how student participation can also impact (regional) politics.
Afterwards, both school groups independently divided themselves into five workshops: Analog Photography, Rap, Film, Creative Writing, and Theatre. In these groups, the students worked together with the respective guest lecturers throughout the week to develop an artistic presentation on the theme of "Politics in the Classroom.".
Analog photography
The Analog Photography group first learned the techniques and operation of analog cameras. The group then split into smaller subgroups, each creating its own series of photographs. These series addressed topics such as prejudice, stereotypes, political maneuvering and lack of transparency, and other global issues that concerned the young people. The photographs were developed in the darkroom and displayed in an exhibition. (The results can be found on Flickr.)
Rap workshop
The rap workshop wrote their own song lyrics, filmed a music video, and rehearsed their rap for a live performance. In one song, the workshop's lyrics addressed solidarity in society and the dangers of right-wing extremism.
Film workshop
During the film workshop, participants worked on a film throughout the week, producing it independently. They took on roles both in front of and behind the camera, and their work explores how to address abuse of power and racism by teachers in schools, and how students affected by discrimination can empower each other.
Theatre workshop
The theatre workshop created a play in which they depicted experiences and situations from their school days and at the same time also expressively made their own demands on the school, such as for teachers who meet certain criteria and a more respectful interaction between teachers and students.
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing group explored politics in schools through numerous short writing exercises, culminating in a text that they then performed together as a staged reading. Their primary focus was on the emotions, thoughts, and ultimately actions that individual statements can evoke in a group of diverse individuals, and the importance of addressing such issues in schools. (The results can be found here.)
After the impressive presentations from all the workshops and a review of the week, it was time to say goodbye. We thank all the students, teachers, and guest lecturers who made this wonderful and valuable week possible and look forward to seeing you all again!
