In early October, two Beit-PRADO sessions in Aubagne gave Year 7 students from Joseph Lakanal secondary school the opportunity to explore their town, learn about its history and meet the people who live there.
As they walked through the streets, the students set out to uncover traces of the past: commemorative plaques, fountains and other features they might pass every day without stopping to notice. These traces opened the door to stories of migration, the French Resistance and discrimination. Working in small groups, the students carried out their own research, interviewed local residents and discussed what these stories can teach us about racism, prejudice and everyone’s place in society. They then created collaborative projects to share their discoveries and reflections.
The students’ feedback has been very positive! They particularly enjoyed getting out of the classroom, discovering places they didn’t know, asking questions to local residents and working together. The discussions about racism and discrimination also made a strong impression on them. One student, for example, highlighted the importance of “not being racist and understanding why”.
Teachers were impressed by the students’ level of engagement, including those who don’t usually speak up in class. They also valued the interviews and creative projects, which helped build on and extend the discussions that had begun in the streets of Aubagne.
These two sessions gave students the opportunity to learn more about their town’s history, connect with the people who live there and explore together issues they also encounter in their everyday lives.
