Students of Classes 6 and 7 at MHS had a wonderful opportunity to participate in a storytelling session with Ms. Annika Hartmann from Freiburg, Germany.
Ms. Hartmann is a freelance actress and theatre pedagogue based in Freiburg. She has been associated for many years with Theater L.U.S.T., a well-known theatre collective recognised for its improvisational and literary productions for diverse audiences, including educational institutions. In addition, she is a state-certified educator with specialised training in Montessori pedagogy and currently works as a learning facilitator at the Freie Schule Dreisamtal, a recognised reform-pedagogical school near Freiburg.
Combining her artistic experience with strong pedagogical expertise, Ms. Hartmann delivered an engaging and age-appropriate reading session that motivated and supported students learning German. The 70-minute session consisted of reading excerpts from the book, followed by screening corresponding scenes from the film adaptation.
The partnership between Modern High School and Gesamtschule Ückendorf has strengthened over the years and continues to foster valuable cultural and academic exchange. The 10th Exchange Programme (Austausch Program) began on the 30th of December, when the German partners were received at the airport. The programmes started the next day with introductions in class, allowing students to interact and learn together. A formal meeting and welcome ceremony was held at MHSI, attended by Mrs. Kar (Director, MHS), Mrs. Damayanti Mukherjee (Principal, MHSG), and Mrs. Nandini Ghatak (Principal, MHSI) and the German Faculty members of both the schools, where all participants were introduced and the guests received welcome gifts. The group then explored the MHSI campus, followed by a visit to MHSG, where the German partners enjoyed the gardens and Sports Day rehearsals. Lunch in the garden provided an informal setting for bonding, after which the students played basketball and enjoyed ice cream. The highlight of the day was a tie-dye workshop conducted by Ms. Sunanda Saraogi, where participants learned different techniques and created their own designs. The day ended with group photographs proudly displaying the finished tie-dye pieces. Overall, it was a meaningful and enjoyable day that deepened the partnership and created lasting memories for everyone involved.
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Day 2
Day 2 began with their first class of the day, which was made even more engaging by the presence of their German partners. This was followed by a lively bus ride filled with laughter, singing, and even a little dancing. The breathtaking view of the Howrah Bridge made the journey especially memorable.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the 275-year-old Kolkata Botanical Gardens. The group admired the delicate Orchid House and the impressive giant pads of the Victoria amazonica before finally reaching the star attraction: the Great Banyan Tree.
Sprawling like an entire forest, the tree left everyone in awe. As they ventured deeper, however, some were mildly—if a bit dramatically—heartbroken to learn that the tree’s original main trunk had succumbed to a fungal infection and had been removed in 1925. Still, the legendary “Walking Tree” continues to grow and inspire.
The day concluded with local snacks at the garden cafeteria, after which they returned to school on a quieter bus, gently lulled into contentment by a day rich with discovery.
Day 3
We welcomed the Christmas month with great excitement as our school hosted special guests from Germany—10 enthusiastic students and 4 wonderful teachers. With festive cheer in the air and curiosity all around, the Austausch programme began as a joyful meeting of cultures, friendships, and shared experiences. From the very first day, laughter, learning, and meaningful connections set the tone for an unforgettable exchange.
The programme began with a refreshing yoga session that helped us relax, energise ourselves, and connect with one another right from the start. It was a calm yet joyful way to ease into the days ahead and build a sense of togetherness among participants.
Working closely with our Austausch partners during the cooking activity was a highlight of the programme. Each pair creatively used a secret ingredient unique to Kolkata, and sharing the meals we prepared created a warm, homely atmosphere that strengthened friendships and encouraged teamwork. Our visit to the planetarium was equally fascinating, as we explored the wonders of the universe through interactive skywatch sessions.
Sustainability lay at the heart of the Austausch programme. Through engaging icebreakers, workshops, and German-language lessons, we learned what it truly means to live a nachhaltig lifestyle. Hands-on activities such as composting, waste segregation, and upcycling helped us turn ideas into action and reflect on how small, mindful choices can make a big difference.
Cultural exploration was another memorable aspect of the programme. A tram ride across Kolkata allowed us to observe historical landmarks and experience the city’s unique heritage. The exchange concluded at the Goethe-Institut with exciting collaborative activities such as poster-making, scavenger hunts, and designing a sustainable school campus.
Overall, the Austausch programme was an enriching and eye-opening experience that helped us grow as individuals while deepening our appreciation for cultural exchange, teamwork, and environmental responsibility..
On 13th November 2025, 20 German learners from classes 5 and 6 took part in the project “Vom Aufbrechen und Ankommen – Setting Out and Arrival: Stories of Indian Professionals in Germany” at the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Kolkata.
This innovative initiative presented short episodes that depict everyday situations, cultural challenges, and moments of joy experienced by Indian professionals as they arrive and settle in Germany. Created collaboratively by artists from India and Germany, these reels were designed for social media, pre-departure programs, and welcome centers under the EU-AMIF program. The project aims to raise awareness about migration-related experiences in both countries.
The workshops offered students a unique, hands-on creative experience. They explored storytelling and animation techniques while engaging with an international, cross-cultural project. As part of the workshop, students created their own stop-motion videos—a filmmaking technique in which physical objects are moved in small increments and photographed frame by frame to produce the illusion of movement.
It was an enriching and inspiring experience that encouraged creativity, intercultural understanding, and teamwork.
On October 23, 2025, the Goethe-Institut Kolkata hosted a joyful “Zeugnisfeier” to honour the successful candidates of the Fit in Deutsch and B1J exams.
The event celebrated the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of the students — whether they passed with flying colours or gave it their best effort. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their dedication and inspire them to continue their German language journey with enthusiasm and confidence.
The celebration concluded with an engaging tour of the Goethe-Institut library, where students explored its rich collection of German books, resources, and learning materials — a perfect way to motivate them for the next steps in their learning journey.
On 17 September 2025, the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Kolkata conducted the fifth session of its “DeutschDialogTreff” this year.
In this second round, advanced learners of German were invited to participate in an informal setting to practice their speaking skills. The session focused on the theme “Gefühle” (Feelings), encouraging participants to share experiences, engage in lively discussions and explore the nuances of expressing emotions in German.
One of our Class 11 students, Sunayani Mitra, proudly took part in the event. It was a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen their language abilities while connecting with peers in an interactive and motivating atmosphere.
A group of enthusiastic Class 8 students recently had the unique opportunity to participate in an interactive online session organized by the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan. The guest speaker was Rrivu Banerjee, an alumnus of Don Bosco School, Park Circus, and a former PASCH student who is now living and working in Germany.
Currently a researcher in the field of education at Philipps-Universität Marburg, Rrivu shared his inspiring journey—from learning German during his school years to pursuing higher studies and establishing a career in Germany. His story gave students a first-hand insight into life abroad, the value of learning German, and the doors it can open.
The informal and engaging session allowed students to ask questions, hear personal anecdotes, and gain a better understanding of the academic and cultural environment in Germany.
It was a truly enriching experience that made the students feel motivated and more connected to the global PASCH community.
Samaira Sirohia (8D), one of the enthusiastic participants of the Mitdenken event, beautifully penned down her reflections after the session. She had attended the event on the 12th Aug.
Moreover a creative summary of the event has been put together by her, offering a glimpse into how deeply the children were engaged on that day.
Mitdenken mit Marx – Samaira Sirohia 8D
Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher, historian, sociologist, and journalist born in Trier, Germany. He wrote Capital, which inspired our day’s activities. We began with introductions and the concept of fairness, which Marx valued. Fairness means making judgments without discrimination or bias. We were grouped with students from other schools, which was out of our comfort zone but ensured that we bonded with other students.
Our first activity was matching German words with pictures — das Proletariat (working class), die Gerechtigkeit (justice), die Gleichheit (equality), die Ungleichheit (inequality), die Bourgeoisie (owners), and die Arbeit (work). We had discussions on each of the words with examples.
Next was the class system game. Chits were picked and they determined whether we were workers, supervisors, or owners. Workers or Proletariat made bookmarks in 20 minutes. Supervisors checked quality and ensured deadlines were met. The Bourgeosies who were the heads of it all and overlooked the entire process. We were made to sign contracts agreeing to fulfil our duties as mentioned and producing high quality work efficiently. Owners sold them for ₹100 each. Workers got ₹20, supervisors ₹100, and owners kept the rest. It did not matter who did how much work, who produced more goods as everyone was given the same amount. We could buy badges, caps, notebooks, stickers. Owners bought the most goods. This showed unfairness, luck, and the need for unions and strikes.
The paper-shredding activity taught die Entfremdung (alienation). Some had scissors, others rulers, which was also the unjust we had to face .We cut strips in silence as instructed. We didn’t know the purpose, leaving us alienated. The work felt monotonous, isolating, and disconnected from results.
We wrote dream jobs and discussed their role in capitalist society. Then we rated professions and found hand-based jobs like cleaners or waiters got fewer stars. Every profession has its own importance, its own value in society and in every field. Just because they don’t make use of mind and instead hand, we treat them without respect and pay them less?
We answered reflection questions on how to create a fairer society and reduce inequality. Worksheets after each activity helped us think deeply. During breaks, we had hot chocolate, muffins, noodles, and played memory games and scrabble with other schools.
Thank you to MHS and Goethe Institut for giving me this opportunity! I look forward to more such events!
On 12th and 13th August, following two dynamic sessions by Goethe Institute at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair—a year in which Germany was the theme country—some German students of Class VIII (12th Aug) and Class VI (13th Aug) participated in Mitdenken mit Marx (“Think Along”), a day-long and thought-provoking gathering once again at Max Müller Bhavan.
This interactive event invited young learners to step into the world of Karl Marx and reflect on a compelling question: What would Marx say today?
Through a rich mix of discussions, role-plays, and creative expression, participants engaged with the fundamentals of Marxist thought in an open, lively space. The focus was on curiosity rather than certainty, with no right or wrong answers—only respectful dialogue, reflection, and the courage to question.
Ultimately, Mitdenken emerged as a space for free thought, constructive challenge, and collaborative exploration, where critical perspectives were encouraged and nurtured.
In our recent DeutschInd Club session, students had the delightful opportunity to explore Elfchen—a charming and imaginative form of five-line poetry in German. Guided by our resource person, Aditya Mohan Ray from Modern High School International, the young learners were introduced to the unique structure of the Elfchen, which consists of just eleven words arranged across five lines.
The session was both engaging and inspiring, as students dove into the world of creative writing while sharpening their German language skills. It was a beautiful blend of language learning and artistic expression, allowing students to think deeply, play with words, and express themselves in new and poetic ways.
The result? A collection of wonderfully imaginative and heartfelt Elfchen poems that showcased the budding poetic flair and linguistic creativity of our participants. This experience not only enriched their vocabulary but also sparked a genuine love for the art of poetry.
Media-Smart and Future-Ready: MHSG Students at Digivoice 2025, Pune.
Two students from MHSG were selected to represent the school at the Digivoice Youth Congress, held from June 23rd to 27th, 2025, at the Goethe-Institut, Pune. The congress, tailored for young individuals aged 14–17, focused on empowering youth through media literacy.
Participants engaged in a vibrant and enriching program that included interactive workshops, thought-provoking discussions, collaborative group activities, and spirited competitions. The event emphasized the importance of critical thinking, digital citizenship, and responsible media consumption in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Beyond skill development, the congress also fostered intercultural exchange and collaboration, offering a unique platform for students from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together. The experience not only broadened participants’ perspectives but also encouraged them to become more informed, reflective, and responsible members of the digital world.
