The workshop series “Mit allen Sinnen durch Deutschland”(With All Senses Through Germany) was conducted at Goethe-Institut Kolkata on 8th May. 10 Students from class 5 and class 6 got the opportunity to explore Germany in an interactive and playful way. Through interactive games, creative tasks, and hands-on activities, learners experienced German culture beyond the classroom and discovered Landeskunde (cultural studies)in a lively and meaningful manner.
The series combined language, culture, movement, music, and collaborative learning to create an immersive experience that appealed to all the senses. Participants explored aspects of everyday life, traditions, festivals, food, and cultural diversity in Germany while developing curiosity, creativity, and communication skills.
By making learning experiential and enjoyable, the workshop series encouraged students to connect with German language and culture in a dynamic and memorable way.
On the 30th of April, 2026, 10 students of Modern High School for Girls had the pleasure of attending the Interactive Empathy Session at Goethe Institut Kolkata.
The workshop was conducted by digital artists Julia and Andrey Vrady. It delved deep into the intricacies of human emotions, the expression of self through facial display, and the development of technology to efficiently articulate between human emotions.
The workshop dealt primarily with how valuable human emotion is as a resource in a world where so much is inauthentic. The conversation ranged from the colours that one would associate with certain emotions— like how green is associated with disgust or red with anger, to what causes teenagers and young adults to feel negative emotions such as anger or stress.
The experience was truly enriching for the students as they got an opportunity to freely express their views and learn from their peers about technology that is currently being used all around them, and explore the german language outside the standard curriculum.
On 14th April 2026, the German students of classes 10 and 11 participated in the first session of the “DeutschDialogTreff” organised at Goethe Institut/Max Müller Bhavan, Kolkata.
The session focused on discussing matters concerning the theme “Stress” through simple German dialogues and words.
From discussing words and phrases about things like Prüfungsergebnisse (exam results) and Krankheiten (illnesses) that make one stressful, to creating funny, short dialogues and skits with assigned group members about coping up with Stress through methods like “Musik hören” (hearing music) and “Zeit mit Freunden verbringen” (spending time with friends), it was a fun-filled and enriching opportunity for the participants to enhance and practise their spoken German skills outside the school environment.
On 11 March 2026, Modern High School for Girls had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Rapp, Director of the Regional Office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in New Delhi. Having assumed his post in November and serving as an officer for the PASCH initiative, Mr. Rapp visited the school to introduce students to Germany as an exciting destination for higher education.
During the session, he spoke about the wide range of opportunities available at German universities, particularly for students considering future studies such as Master’s and PhD programmes. He also highlighted the academic strengths of German institutions, the availability of English-taught programmes, and the various pathways open to international students.
The interactive session was attended by interested students from Grades 8, 9 and 11. Students engaged enthusiastically, asking thoughtful and relevant questions about studying and living in Germany. The lively exchange made the session both informative and inspiring, offering valuable insights into future academic possibilities in Germany.
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.
