Rigidness, structure, and strictness are the focus as celebrities share their school experiences
The two-part documentary "School Stories," directed by Petra Dormann in 2022, is currently being rerun on ARTE. This captivating production delves into the personal school experiences and views of celebrities and notable figures from education, culture, and politics.
The documentary invites viewers to join these individuals as they reflect on their own schooling and critically discuss the broader education system. It presents diverse perspectives on the impact of schooling, schooling conditions, and educational challenges as perceived by people from various influential fields.
Among the celebrities featured in the documentary are Ulrich Wickert, Gregor Gysi, Margot Käßmann, actors Jella Haase and Susanne Bormann, and former footballer Steffi Jones. French celebrities, including Jella Haase and Barbara Pravi, express passionate rants about their school experiences.
Notable figures from the world of education, such as Jack Lang, a former French culture minister, advocate for a "school of happiness" and a school without grades. Theologian Margot Käßmann and French astronaut Claudie Haigneré also contribute their insights.
The documentary delves into various aspects of school life, including the hierarchy of teachers and students, the lack of humor, and the stoic principle of performance. It also explores the French Grandes Écoles' demand for strictness, order, and discipline in elite education.
The documentary also touches on the two-tiered Abitur system in France, which bears a resemblance to the exclusion that happens after the fourth grade in some regions. Additionally, it discusses the East-West difference in customs, as delineated by Klaus Staeck, publisher and satirist.
The documentary maintains the utopia of a dream school that is looked forward to, while also acknowledging the challenges and absurdities that come with the educational journey.
This article was created in cooperation with teleschau. Unfortunately, due to privacy settings, additional related content could not be loaded. Nevertheless, the core concept of the documentary revolves around gathering firsthand accounts and reflective insights from important public and cultural figures concerning their school life and education in general.
