This year’s Science Symposium was an unforgettable experience that took place from 6^th till 9^th of April 2025 in our school. From the early planning stages to giving out the prizes, the event became so much more than just a showcase of scientific experiments and ideas. Participants from across Europe came together to present the challenging work they had done over the last few months. This event was not about the prizes that were guaranteed for the winners, but about science itself and the students’ curiosity about the world. Over 100 students from 16 schools were able to learn more about the world surrounding us and they gave people, judges, and professors a new perspective on many topics.

Organization of this beautiful event took a lot of time, dedication, and effort from the ESSS organizers: Ms. Dorottya Csonka, Mr. Arnaud Jutier, Ms.Urszula Rybałtowska and Ms. Bogumila Tarapata. They worked so hard from the beginning stages of planning, which started at the beginning of the school year, until after the event. They were more than just organizers or supervisors. They went above and beyond, not just in arranging things and making sure everything ran smoothly, but in how much they cared. Working closely with them made us realize how much heart they put into what they do and all the nights that they stayed up organizing this. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate.

We cannot forget about the whole staff team who volunteered, came together, and sacrificed their own time over the weekend to welcome students to the school. Many of them missed classes during the week, which they now must catch up on. Without their help, this event would not have been realized. . They also had the opportunity to explore different aspects of science and education and learn to improve skills. For example, organizing skills, speaking/ presenting in public, socializing, making new connections.

Let’s hope that the experience of being part of this great event was worth their efforts and enthusiasm.

A few staff members reflected on the event by saying:

• “My experience with ESSS started three years ago, but it was only this year that I had the opportunity to look at it from a different perspective. In previous years, I had the pleasure of representing our school in this competition. Since ESSS was held at our school this year, I was part of the organizing team. Therefore, I saw how much effort, work, and commitment it takes to prepare such an event. It was a very interesting experience. On the first day, I picked up the ES Karlsruhe team from the train station and later joined them for the opening ceremony. On the following days, my friends and I were in charge of running the cafeteria for the participants, teachers and jury. Thanks to that, I had the opportunity to meet students from other schools and friends that I have met during previous symposiums. For me, ESSS is not only a scientific event, but also an opportunity to make new friends and, above all, a lot of amazing memories.”  Helena Domańska
• “ESSS was a wonderful experience– hard work but also full of fun and unforgettable moments. Although there were some stressful and tiring times, we always found a way to enjoy ourselves, laugh a lot, and make great memories. We got to know not only new people from all over Europe, but also classmates we’ve known for years on a deeper level. I took part in activities I never thought would interest me, but they turned out to be exciting and engaging. The late nights at school and conversations with students passionate about science—both older and younger—showed me how many fresh ideas our generation has to improve the future.Even though it was sometimes exhausting, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again. I really hope to be part of something like this in the future!” Helena Kogut & Klara Rapiejko
• “Taking part in the ESSS was a truly enriching experience. What I particularly enjoyed was being able to meet students from many different European schools and exchange ideas with them, which really opened up my perspective on other cultures and ways of thinking. I also discovered the EEB1 school, which has a very different way of working compared to ours, and an impressive level of cultural diversity. I also had the chance to explore a wide variety of projects, from S1 to S7, and to taste traditional dishes from countries like Poland, Hungary, and Thailand. My only small regret is not having had enough time to explore Brussels more. ” Lena from Parma (Italy)
• “Even though I have already graduated, I helped with ESSS (creating the logo) because it was an important event for people close to me. The most important things are teamwork and communication in order to accomplish something meaningful – feedback from others provides an opportunity to improve your skills! ESSS is a great opportunity to involve students from different language sections – to help them develop their creativity, skills in helping others, teamwork, and to see what it takes to prepare such events. It requires some time and effort, but the memories and experiences stay with you forever.” Paulina Słowik

This symposium wasn’t just about science. It was about connection, fun, and unforgettable experiences. It showed us how powerful learning can be when it’s shared with others, filled with joy, and surrounded by people who care. So, to every teacher who helped organize this event THANK YOU. You made this more than a project. You made it a lasting memory!

Klara Maxwell & Martyna Kuik

Photos: Marcin Makarski

You can also click this link below to hear some of our staff members answering questions!

-> https://audioblog.arteradio.com/blog/183317/european-school-sciences-symposium#