Transformation of the labour market, climate crisis and growing inequalities resulting from it as well as remaining blind to the benefits of diversity are only some of the challenges that we will be facing. We know that the world is changing. It seems, however, that not many of these changes actually come to the attention of schools.
In this part of the exhibition we give voice to young people and look at schools from their perspective. We want to reflect on whether or not schools prepare the young generation for the challenges they will be facing in the nearest future.
Table of contents
I am (not) learning because I do (not) feel well at school.
It is common knowledge that effective education occurs in places which care about students’ well-being regardless of their identity. Schools are still assessed solely on the basis of exam results. To respond to this problem the LGBTQ+-friendly Schools Ranking was created. It relies on a questionnaire completed by students who either are still part of the education system or have recently graduated from a secondary school.
In 2022 the first place was taken by a Poznań school – Bilingual Secondary School No. 38 located in the district of Jeżyce.
Fix the school statutes!
Life in particular schools depends to the greatest extent on their statutes. They are the most important documents defining the way schools work. It is high time to re-evaluate them and see if they are really congruous with the Polish law. That school statutes infringe students’ rights is not unheard of. This usually happens when it comes to students’ appearance and clothes, social activity and the freedom of religion. For example, it is against the law to interfere with students’ appearance. School statutes are not more important than the Constitution.
Poznań is currently working on establishing the city’s Ombudsman for Students. His or her role will be to defend students’ rights. Similar actions are taking place in Gdańsk and Warsaw, whereas in Białystok such an office has already been established several years ago.
Diversity is a fact
Polish education system needs to become aware of the power and potential of diversity. The idea that students graduating from schools should be like-minded citizens is not only unattractive but against the very nature of schools. Diversity in classrooms is a fact and it is not likely to change. This is really our last chance to introduce proper anti-discrimination education in public schools.
The effect of such education should be equal treatment for everyone regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, social or economic status, disability, faith, sexual orientation or appearance. It should teach how to identify situations and mechanisms leading to exclusion and how to react against them.
Anti-discrimination classes are extracurricular activities. In Poznań they are subsidised by the city which holds competitions for schools.
