The first week at Savremena was now traditionally marked by engaging students in the "classroom without walls". This way, Savremena Gimnazija maintains its position as an inspirational environment that encourages creativity and academic development of its students even outside the classroom.
At the beginning of the school year, Year 10 students learnt why Savremena is truly different
After getting acquainted with their homeroom teachers, subject teachers and educational methods used at Savremena Gimnazija, Year 10 students had the opportunity to spend their first week here in a truly different way.
Cruising the Danube and the Sava allowed them to see Belgrade from a different perspective. Little-known details from the rich history of the Serbian capital helped them to expand their knowledge and raised numerous topics and questions for discussion.
Outdoor workshops continued in the Centre for Fishery and Applied Hydrobiology Little Danube, where students had the opportunity to visit a public aquarium with fish species indigenous to the Danube, a zoo with aquatic birds, small water botanical garden, pond turtle oasis, fishing hut – fishery museum, stilt house, corner dedicated to her majesty nature, a prehistoric fishing village, as well as to try their hand at fishing, sail down the Little Danube, and much more.
The aim of the Kalemegdan treasure hunt was to introduce students to the landmarks of Kalemegdan, to encourage them to demonstrate the knowledge acquired in primary school, but also to engage in team work so they would win rewards for successfully completed tasks.
Skilful Year 11 students got to know more about nature
In addition to the great fun they had orienteering in Hyde Park, students strengthened their friendships, while at the same discovering the extent of their skill, creativity and resourcefulness. To successfully complete this adventure, apart from the compass, meter and the map, our Y11 students needed patience, endurance and physical prowess, all of which they proved to possess.
On the third day, we took them on a tour of Topčider where they had the opportunity to hear educational stories about one of the most beautiful Belgrade parks, as well as about the Residence of Prince Miloš, Maša's Well, and other lesser-known sights in this part of the capital.
Like Y10 students, they were introduced to the flora and fauna of the Little Danube, and Ognjen Milićević from II-3 won the fishing competition.
Unforgettable time for Year 12 students in the botanical garden and on a panoramic tour
The first week of school was equally exciting for Y12 students at Savremena Gimnazija. They traded their classrooms for a green oasis in the very heart of Belgrade – the Jevremovac botanical garden. Together with their teachers, they actively searched for hidden plant species, while simultaneously enjoying the natural beauty and the profusion of plant species this place is famous for.
While touring Dorćol, which got its name from the Turkish expression "Dörtyol", which translates to "four roads", students learned that in the Ottoman period, there was a great intersection of four roads which led to Istanbul, Vidin, Vienna and Dubrovnik, which is nowadays the intersection between Kralja Petra, Cara Dušana and Dubrovačka Street. Their teachers shared many myths and legends from the rich history of this urban neighbourhood, including the fact that the houses of the most prominent people were located in Dorćol proper – on the slope of the hill, whereas the top of the hill, the location of Knez Mihailova Street nowadays, was reserved for gardens.
We organised an outdoor school for our students on the nearest mountain, Avala, where in addition to enjoying fresh air and a magnificent view, they could revise their knowledge of different subjects and learn what Avala has to offer.
Year 13 students discovered the charms of the Zemun race and secrets of Kalemegdan
Our graduates had a great time and learned a lot by solving puzzles at various locations in Zemun. Following in the footsteps of the contestants in the famous global event The Amazing Race, our teams of Y13 students competed with each other, but only the most resourceful teams that demonstrated genuine knowledge reached the finish line.
Soon after the race, our graduates visited Kalemegdan where they were introduced to little-known nooks and crannies of the fortress, hidden from the public. They visited the Roman Well, ancient bunkers used, among others, by Josip Broz, and many other interesting places, learning about the past of their home city.
At Avala, they tested their endurance and tried to prove that as senior students, they possess more knowledge and readiness for all challenges placed before them.
Health trail around Ada Lake
Only 15 minutes from the Belgrade centre is Ada Ciganlija Lake, and a 7.7 km long hiking trail around it. Given the importance of physical activity, our homeroom teachers decided to bring students here on Friday to hike, using the opportunity to constitute the student parliament, choose the president and answer all the questions students had about the realisation of lessons.
The first week of school was exciting and unforgettable for Savremena Gimnazija students, and this experience will only encourage them to be motivated in the new school year, to give their best, and achieve even better results.
You can find more photographs of the first school week at Savremena HERE.