The seminar “Participation in School” from September 4th to 8th, 2023 invited class representatives, student representatives, members of the student newspaper, environmental or queer working groups, as well as anyone else who is interested in participating in school life, to engage with the topic of “responsibility” in artistic workshops.
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On the first day, everyone had the opportunity to get to know each other personally and present the strengths, challenges, projects, structures, and participatory tools of their respective schools. The Fritz Reuter High School, the Friedrich Ebert Gymnasium , and the Robert Jungk High School were able to identify and reflect on similarities and differences in their discussions.
Much student engagement still takes place through the student council, the legally enshrined body for student participation. However, it has become clear that some students also take on additional responsibilities for their school, for example in the Queer Working Group or the student budget.
The theme of "responsibility" was present throughout the week. Responsibility could be assumed as a seminar speaker, in organizing the self-designed evening program, moderating the morning plenary sessions, in conflict resolution, and in looking out for one another during breaks. Implementing one's own project ideas and needs requires initiative. Don't wait to be asked; start taking action and assuming responsibility.
In the dance theatre workshop, the experiences of girls and young women at school were discussed. The group brought experiences of discrimination to the stage, revealing the horrifically commonplace reality of young girls' lives. Sexism, transphobia, homophobia, and body shaming are still prevalent. Much of the audience identified with these images, and the piece prompted reflection.
The rap group explored the theme of taking responsibility for others – how to deal with classmates who use drugs, experience domestic violence, or have mental health problems? They developed a music video that tells a complete story and rapped their verses about it (the rap group's music video can be found on Vimeo).
Several photo series on the theme of responsibility were created in the photography workshop. For example, participants in the seminar were interviewed about their understanding of responsibility. In another series, responsibility was divided in a bucket, passed on, left behind, or became too heavy a burden (the photos from the photography workshop are on Flickr).
The comic group created Part 4 of the Amir series, which has been running for years in this school setting. In this episode, “Amir and the False Amir,” Amir is kidnapped by the evil Woldemar, who opposes the love between the two children and does everything he can to interfere (the comic can be found on Flickr).
In the creative writing workshop, participants first wrote very personal texts about their own understanding of responsibility and the areas in their lives where they take responsibility. Finally, they presented a story written collaboratively by everyone. This story, set in a dystopian future about our planet, assigned different roles and explored the responsibility each individual bears in climate protection, as well as the role of decision-makers and scientists.
More pictures from the seminar week are available on Flickr.
The results were presented and admired at a final presentation on Friday. After a thorough reflection on the week, and especially on what the students would take back to their schools, the short week came to an end.
We wish all participants every success in their continued commitment and hope that new motivation has been awakened to take on responsible tasks for themselves, the school and society.
See you next year!
The seminar was funded by the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family.
