English teachers Milica Aleksić and Olivera Marjanović at the American Corner Workshop in Belgrade

On May 20, 2024, English teachers Milica Aleksić and Olivera Marjanović attended a workshop titled “Incorporating STEAM Elements into the English Language Classroom” at the invitation of the American Corner in Belgrade. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Carlise Womack-Wynner, a tenured professor at the College of Education at the University of North Georgia, USA.

Workshop Topic - STREAM Principle

The theme of the workshop was the incorporation of the STREAM principle into English language teaching. Unlike the well-known STEM and STEAM principles, which include an interdisciplinary approach to learning through science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEM = science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; STEAM = science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), the STREAM principle also includes reading as an important element in acquiring knowledge (reading).

The STREAM principle can promote language acquisition by integrating reading content, using inquiry as a means to enhance vocabulary while simultaneously exploring content and language. Our teachers engaged in experiments to determine which mixture of ingredients could make the best soap bubbles and how the phases of the moon could be illustrated using cookies and chocolate cream.

The fun they experienced through these learning examples at the workshop (as seen in the photos) will serve as inspiration for similar activities applying these principles at Savremena gimnazija in the upcoming school year.

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.