In this semester, cubism as well as sculptural work with clay was planned for the harmonized S5 art lessons. Because of the school closure improvisation was required. The art teacher Sibylle Schardey therefore led a project on cubism by distance learning.

Cubism is one of the most important art styles of the 20th century. It was decisively developed by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Juan Gris. The foundation stone was laid by Paul Cézanne with his idea of representing the visible world in basic geometric forms. The Cubists developed this art theory further by working in a geometric and at the same time polyperspective manner, breaking down forms and collaging new materials onto canvases.

The students were provided with simple corrugated cardboard boxes for their work. The technique of plug-in connections made it possible to work without glue. Some had a little paint or interesting paper scraps at home. The first more comprehensive task was a collage after their own self-portrait. This was followed by a flower vase with plug connectors and finally, as a semester project, a musical instrument in the style of cubism. The students were wonderfully creative and created great sculptures. The works will be exhibited in the coming school year at the European School Munich.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits discrimination based in particular on sex and sexual orientation. Nevertheless, the European Commission Agency for Fundamental Rights continues to report discrimination and hostility against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer, asexual persons and persons with other sexual identities (LGBTIQA+). To ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the fundamental rights they are entitled to under EU and national law, the European Commission has published a list of measures to promote equality for LGBTIQA+ people in 2015.   

Discrimination does not always arise from bad faith, often ignorance is the basis. That is why education and awareness-raising are an important part of the measures. At the European School Munich, the initiative to talk about LGBTIQA+ came from interested students of the Secondary School itself. At their suggestion, a workshop on the topic was therefore offered for the first time to S5 classes in the 2018/19 school year. In the last week of June, the workshop took place for the second time, due to the current situation via video conferencing in teams. A total of about 130 students take part. 

Expertise on the subject was provided by the Munich Awareness Project, an education initiative sponsored by the Social Department of the City of Munich. This initiative offers Munich schools the opportunity to visit classes of people who have been trained in pedagogical and didactic aspects of the topic. In a confidential circle, the young people were able to ask all the questions that interested them in an open discussion. Thanks to their many years of experience at many other schools, the guests were able to answer competently and in an age-appropriate manner.  

Overall, the participating pupils drew a positive conclusion from the meeting. In order to further promote an open, positive, respectful and tolerant school climate, which is a top priority for the European School Munich, the workshops will continue to be offered in the future. 

If you are interested and have questions on the topic, please contact the School Psychologist.

European Commission: LGBTI Equalitiy Aufklärungsprojekt München: Fragen und Antworten