LINKgroup, the founder of Savremena Gimnazija, and Mensa Serbia signed a protocol of cooperation. These two institutions have many things in common – both have followed and developed processes in contemporary education for years, and some of their main goals include defining new standards when it comes to contemporary education which will allow children to develop their full potential and talent, popularise right core values, and acquire 21st century skills.
The proof that this cooperation is a guarantee of educational excellence is the fact that both these institutions developed and established similar programmes on their own, including programmes for developing intelligence, creative thinking and lifelong learning.
Encouraging intelligence, thinking and lifelong learning as a common denominator
Through its workshops specifically designed for children, Mensa Serbia has been striving for years to raise children’s awareness so that they could influence their own intelligence through certain activities on their own, but also to make them aware of the activities that could negatively impact their intelligence. Parents and teachers are also commonly involved in the workshops, so all of them could work together and help children achieve their full potential.
In line with this, educational institutions within the LINK edu Alliance, such as Primary School Savremena, base their activity on the programme for developing several types of intelligence, which also means several learning methods and styles. In order for a child to achieve their maximum, we need to expose them to information in a way which is best suited to their capabilities and age. Our children learn on practical examples, and we also implement Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences programme because it has been successfully applied with great results in select schools around the world. Young people are given the opportunity to learn on practical examples and in different environments. They are encouraged to ask questions, thus becoming active participants in the education process, and developing the habits needed for lifelong learning.
With the help of its unique workshops, and professional conferences and forums, Mensa has already managed to change the position of gifted young people around the world. This cooperation is an action that could propel educational trends even more strongly toward a different, modern, and excellent education which recognises and encourages talent.
Penchant for research from an early age with the STEAM concept
The LINKgroup company has launched the STEAM Lab – the first interactive space for acquiring knowledge in the STEAM field. In line with the latest global educational trends, we built an interactive studio where children from an early age acquire important knowledge in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics on practical examples, and through engaging projects and research activities. Each of these subjects is part of the curriculum, and children learn how these concepts can complement each other.
LINK STEAM lab is located in Primary School Savremena in New Belgrade, whereas the Institute for Contemporary Education, Primary School Savremena and Savremena Gimnazija, all of which work as part of LINKgroup, are official representatives in Serbia of Science on Stage Europe – a prestigious international organisation for the promotion and development of STEAM education.
This educational concept, which originated in the USA, is recognised by Mensa Serbia with the aim of implementing STEAM skills in all educational institutions, and at all levels of education. Mensa workshops organised as part of the STEAM Discovery Week are organised so as to allow children to play, but also to help them understand things through a series of processes: practical work, collaboration, trial and error, and experiments. Furthermore, children write down their observations like real scientists, so they could use them to come to conclusions about various phenomena. Using special simulations, we familiarise them with things that are invisible to the naked eye, and teach them how to successfully apply knowledge of the STEAM field in different real-life situations.
Healthy lifestyle and communication are the basis of education
Primary School Savremena is committed to a healthy lifestyle through a combination of a well-balanced diet, physical education, hiking tours and sports tournaments, where students are also involved in the preparation of their meals. Our school develops one’s proclivity for identifying and understanding logical connections and relationships between symbols, which enables children to acquire the knowledge of science, mathematics and programming. Children learn to communicate, develop interpersonal intelligence and the ability to understand their own actions and emotions.
Mensa Serbia also encourages a healthy lifestyle, and a stronger connection between people and nature, raising their awareness about recreation, sport, ways to maintain one’s health, socialisation and interpersonal relationships. Mensa organised various activities to that end, including hiking tours and sports activities for members and their families, which represent the basis for learning about all areas mentioned above.
Mensa’s workshops for children involve learning about plant intelligence and learning facts about the lifecycle of plant species and their senses in an interactive manner. These activities are in line with the “nature smart” concept nurtured at Primary School Savremena – which involves inviting children to learn more about the flora, fauna and our planet in general, as well as to notice differences between different natural phenomena.
Educational practices adapted to 21st-century occupations
ITAcademy, one of LINKgroup’s educational institutions, is based on the principles of contemporary education and focused on practical skills and 21st-century jobs. Lessons are interactive, held in state-of-the-art computer labs, and involve the use of the latest technologies, and students not only master the skills in the field of design, system maintenance, programming and mobile application development, but are fully trained and enabled to enter the domestic and international labour market. After completing the programme, they are able to lead and manage actual projects on their own.
Their younger friends at Savremena Gimnazija and Primary School Savremena also have an education that keeps up with the latest trends. The idea of teacher mentoring is to help students develop and prepare for success in a world we today can hardly imagine, because, according to research, 65% of children who enrol in school today will perform jobs that do not yet exist. Artificial intelligence alone will double economic growth by 2035.
This is why children need to be prepared, competent and trained for 21st-century occupations. Mensa programmes involve education that helps children to acquire new skills needed for the 21st century and some future occupations that don’t yet exist. For example, some of the programmes involve programming for children where they learn programming and develop their creative potential with the help of educational toys.
Signing the protocol of cooperation between LINKgroup and Mensa Serbia is just the beginning of a long-term quality collaboration reflected in the form of various research activities and joint actions. In a broader sense, this form of collaboration best embodies the pursuit of educational excellence in our country.
