« Different Faces of Discrimination » fits in well with Jean Monet’s school project as it aims to enable our pupils to understand and communicate with different cultures, some unknown to them

Partners :
– Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Montessori (Italia)
– Bundesgymnasium, Bundesrealgymnasium, Wirtschaftkundliches Bundesgymnasium, Unesco Schule (Austria)
– Eleonoren-Gymnasium Worms (Germany)
– Lycée Jean Monnet (France)
– IES Condesa Eylo Alfonso (Spain)

Summary
Discrimination has always existed in any society and we as teachers are familiar with the counter productivity it causes within the school, a place where all should have an unhindered access to learning.
That’s why we plan to use various types of discrimination specific to the partner countries as a backdrop to our project ; integration of the Roma people in Romania, the role of the woman in Italian society, social discrimination in France, homophobia in Austria are some examples of the areas which need to be covered to enable our pupils to have a better understanding of what it is like to be different and to help them to accept their differences and those of others.

The project will propose activities during the two years which will lead to the creation of a play in English taking the form of sketches and integrating disciplines such as Social Sciences, English, History, Religious education, ICT, Drama, Citizenship, Music, Literature, Art, Library and Physical Education.

The main aim is to encourage pupils to perceive their differences as a wealth to be shared with others and not as a handicap or as a source of exclusion.
A dramatic approach to these problems (using role-play) should enable the pupils to express themselves in a creative way and tackle important issues unselfconsciously.
Not only will pupils be encouraged to analyze the progress and the limits of the partner countries when confronted with discrimination but also to reflect on their own country’s capacity to accept differences.
When on stage, the pupils will be able to experience what it feels like being someone else, opening their minds up and gaining confidence.

They will also be asked to think of themselves as European citizens and the implications a European identity would have on their future.