Blackout poetry of Savremena Gimnazija students

Savremena Gimnazija teachers demonstrated one more time why the lessons in this school set it apart from others. Instead of having traditional lessons revising the poetry of Vasko Popa and Miodrag Pavlović, the students created their own poetry using the poets’ verses. The technique they applied is called “blackout poetry” meaning that from the shit of paper with selected poems printed on them, the students choose words they later on combine into a coherent whole, while the rest of the paper is covered with drawings. Students’ task was to analyse their poems before the teacher and the rest of the class, thus, at least for a short time, stepping into the shoes of a poet who is presenting their work to the world.


Learning in a creative manner is much more efficient and productive

The Serbian language and literature teacher Zorana Putniković wanted to show to her students that there are many creative ways in which a literary work can be analysed. She also believes that students will learn best when they are allowed to create something new based on the knowledge they already have. Apart from the fact that they must have had fun, and they demonstrated their creativity, we are convinced that our students remembered the selected verses truly well and started to think of poetry in a different way.

Do view the students’ works as well as the photos of documenting creation of “blackout” poetry.

The students were thrilled with the activity so much that they suggested having more lessons like this. They also pointed out that they had already come up with some ideas for new lessons.

We have selected for you two poems created by using verses of these two poets and remixed by Savremena Gimnazija students.

,,You should
look at
anyone who appears
between a man and God
Deffend
the heart
may the light and a poem
find you.’’ (Anja Milošević)

,,Someone nearby has died
in a grey park
the death stayed in an empty room
the world has become lighter.
Does anyone stay true to
what they have lost
no one resembles no one
that’s ridiculous.’’ (Anastasija Vojnović)

I am extremely pleased and proud to be the parent of a Savremena student. During my first encounter with the school management, when I asked about my child’s potential enrolment, I saw how much love, enthusiasm and professionalism you put in your work. I was impressed by your approach, ideas and methods. I couldn’t believe something like this existed in our country! It doesn’t take long to realise that this is a school you would recommend to everyone. Creativity, modern technology, top-quality education, and most of all, the humaneness that can be seen throughout the school, make it truly different and worthy of its name – Savremena Gimnazija. With such an approach, the success of this school and, consequently, our children’s success, is unavoidable. Congratulations! Jelena Đorđević, Andrija’s mum
Contemporary in any sense of the word, our school offers functional knowledge and quality preparation for tertiary education in Serbia and abroad. Implementing modern and creative teaching in the classroom, where the teachers’ pedagogy and students’ performance are aligned with the highest academic standards for the high-school finals, our school develops linguistic, mathematical, scientific, artistic, cultural, technical and ICT competence, which is a prerequisite for further education and professional development. Teaching is supported by the interactive whiteboards and educational software, whereas practice exercises research and critical thinking.