Short trips into the working world

Depuis 2009, le Conseil départemental de la Seine-Saint-Denis soutient « la Culture et l’Art au Collège (CAC) ». Cette démarche repose en grande partie sur la présence, en classe et pendant plusieurs semaines (40h), d’un artiste ou d’un scientifique ayant pour mission d’engager les élèves dans un processus de recherche et de création. 

Tutors: Pierre Boisard, Camille Palazzo/ industrial sociologists, Deede Sall, Roger Thierry Malack/ PhD students in sociology

Project manager: Anna Mezey

Objectives:
In this project the pupils analyse work, with special emphasis on the different relationships in the modern working world, and meet employees in various sectors to explore notions of training, skills and careers.

Workshops:
Working “worlds"
Are the pupils already thinking about jobs? The class discussed the idea of trades and occupations. Pupils talked about their dream jobs and their ideas of work. The tutor introduced various themes: working conditions, economy, social recognition, etc. The sociologists shared aspects of their own research work: the importance of work in life and its various implications.

Fieldwork methodology
The sociologist helped the class to engage in research on an occupation and a workplace. After defining a research field (i.e. choosing a company) and drawing up a questionnaire, the pupils practised survey techniques in class (questions, observation, notes, etc.)

In the workplace
Equipped with their interview forms, dictaphones, notebooks, and cameras, the pupils went to two sites to carry out the survey: first to a worksite where a specialised firm was taking samples of the subsoil then to a food service company.

Our turn to talk
Back in class, they processed the data they had collected. Guided by the sociologist they split into small groups to work on the data (pictures, interviews, observations). Each group analysed and classified its data. At the end, the groups pooled their individual contributions to draw conclusions and make general statements.

Outcome:
Publication of an 18-page survey report, with a selection of the work carried out by the various classes. The classes presented the booklets in the school library media centre.

Outings (selection):
- MUSÉE DES ARTS ET MÉTIERS. GUIDED TOUR OF A DISPLAY ON THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
- CANAL 93, A REHEARSAL AND RECORDING STUDIO IN BOBIGNY
- CEBTP GINGER IN AULNAY-SOUS-BOIS
- AULNAY-SOUS-BOIS POLICE STATION

Participating schools:
- Class (3rd DP), Collège le Parc, Aulnay-sous-Bois
- Class (3rd DP), Collège Pierre-Curie, Bondy
- Class (4th SEGPA), Collège René Descartes, Le Blanc-Mesnil
- Class (3rd SEGPA), Collège Jean-Jaurès, Saint-Ouen
- Class (3rd DP), Collège Henri IV, Vaujours 

Photo: PIERRE ANTOINE