On 9 April, the school day was entirely dedicated to democracy. During the project day, all year groups explored key social issues.
The topics were clearly tailored to each year group. In Years 5 and 6, the focus was on racism and diversity. Year 7 pupils worked on hate speech and online hate campaigns. Three classes were supported by pupils from Years 11 and 12, who acted as democracy trainers. In Years 8 to 10, the focus was on issues including sexism, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and right-wing extremism online. The upper school was also actively involved. Year 11 visited the Haus der Geschichte in Bonn and explored historical and political developments. Year 12 worked on a project-based study of current manifestations of right-wing extremism.
The project day deliberately focused on participation. Pupils discussed, reflected and developed their own positions. In Class 5a, postcards against hate and incitement were created. The results convey clear messages of respect and peaceful coexistence.
The photos provide an insight into the day’s work. Among other things, they show democracy trainers from Year 12 engaging with a Year 7 class, as well as the results from Class 5a. The project day highlighted how important it is to reinforce democratic values at an early stage and to create spaces for dialogue and the expression of views.
Text: Judith Reinefeld, Photos: Anne Edeler and Michael Wilmes
