Together with a German school called Carl von Ossietzky Gymnasium in Berlin, Pankow, we have launched a student exchange for our Year 9 students studying German, as well as for students in Germany who want to learn more English and about Swedish culture.
The goal of the exchange is to develop strong language skills and mutual cultural understanding, as well as to learn about climate impact and sustainability. We plan for both the ISGR group and the student group from Berlin to travel by train to and from each city, in line with the theme of the exchange. In addition, we will work with workshops focused on climate change and how we can act in climate-smart and sustainable ways, both in Gothenburg and Berlin.
The curriculum emphasizes that an international perspective is important in order to view one’s own reality in a global context. According to the Swedish National Agency for Education, the aim of modern language studies includes: “Language is humanity’s primary tool for thinking, communicating, and learning. Knowledge of multiple languages can provide new perspectives on the world, increased opportunities for interaction, and a greater understanding of different ways of life. Proficiency in several languages also enhances the individual’s ability to participate in various social and cultural contexts and in international study and working environments.” Furthermore, students should be given the opportunity to “develop an understanding of different living conditions, as well as cultural and social circumstances in areas and contexts where the language is used.”