The Intersection of History and Serbian Language in

The old way of teaching, where knowledge was acquired through the teaching of isolated subjects without any connection, is no longer effective today. The dynamic world of the 21st century requires us to combine different knowledge, identify new connections between facts, and clearly understand the context of various phenomena. That is why an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for deeper learning, essential for success in the 21st century.

Starting from the importance of explaining the spirit of the times and the historical context before analyzing 'Gorski Vijenac', masterpiece of Serbian literature, history teacher Vidak Pejović and Serbian language and literature teacher Zorana Putniković conducted an interdisciplinary class for second-grade students.

The study of literary works often cannot be done without the help of history

Taking into account the statement by Miloš Crnjanski, who said, "If the Serbian people were to disappear and 'Gorski Vijenac' remained, it would be enough," it was clear that this was a work of universal value. However, today it is necessary to find new ways to explain to students why we study this work. Starting with the question of whether Njegoš was a Montenegrin or Serbian poet (and why one does not exclude the other), the teachers slowly guided the students through the process of understanding the themes and messages of "Gorski Vijenac."

They used motifs from the traditional Montenegrin cap (the korotna cap) to connect with what is essential in "Gorski Vijenac" (the motif of Kosovo, mourning for the fallen Serbian empire, the struggle for freedom, and Serbianhood), visually and symbolically connecting them. The study of literary works often cannot be done without the help of history, so this approach to analyzing this work is necessary, and we have shown that it can be truly different!

Seeking connections between different phenomena, the ability to see one fact in different contexts, and finding ways to apply principles from one field to another are all valuable skills that students acquire through interdisciplinary classes. In this way, Savremena High School prepares its students to be able to think independently and freely, which is the ultimate goal of every educational process and a condition for our children to grow into free and enterprising individuals.

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.