© RTL
Towards the end of the school year 2024/2025, pupils of the Lycée Robert Schuman's track combining language, literary studies and modern media, spent a day far from their usual classroom routine.
Their form teacher, Marc Erang, had organised a special excursion to Mutferter Haff, an occupational therapy horse farm and restaurant that supports people with mental health challenges.
A place to live
The day began with a welcome from director and clinical psychologist Thierry Ries and his staff. He introduced Mutferter Haff as a place where individuals with mental illness can work within a supportive environment and regain structure.
Ries emphasised how common mental health conditions are, affecting roughly one in four adults, and spoke about stigma, self-awareness, and the importance of open dialogue.
For many students, it was their first meaningful encounter with mental health as a lived, everyday experience rather than a theoretical classroom concept. The talk prompted quiet reflection and set the tone for a thoughtful day ahead.
Muay Thai: balance for body and mind
After the introduction, the first workshop of the day took place outdoors and focused on Muay Thai, a traditional martial art. Led by social workers and martial arts coaches Xavier Van Damme and Lukas Klodt, the session did not just focus on physical exercise and combat.
The instructors conveyed that Muay Thai isn't about aggression, but rather about discipline, mindfulness, and inner strength. Especially for young people grappling with stress, pressure, or uncertainty, martial arts can provide emotional grounding and a constructive outlet.
Media literacy in action: cameras and drones
After lunch, the focus shifted to film technology. Together with school psychologist Johannes Heuschkel, Nico Sauber and Fernand Rickal from the Luxembourg Film Federation (FGDCA) introduced the group to the use of drones in filmmaking.
From legal considerations to flight mechanics, from precision piloting to cinematic composition, the students gained insight into the multifaceted world of aerial cinematography.
The workshop nurtured not only technical skills, but also focused on creative elements, environmental awareness, and teamwork.
A model for future learning
Erang, who teaches German, comparative literature, and practical film, has visited the therapy facility with students for two consecutive years. He is accompanied by teacher and filmmaker Chantal Lorang, who documents the projects for future educational use.
Reflecting on the day afterward, Erang explained that his goal is to create learning experiences that go beyond the classroom – ones that connect academic subjects with real-world issues and personal development.
"That is what the interdisciplinary, intercultural and intermedial subject of comparative literature is all about," he said. "The results speak for themselves. When students are given the chance to learn in a comparative way, it resonates much more deeply."
For him, interdisciplinary projects like the Moutfort activities also reflect a broader shift in education. More and more teachers are recognising the limits of traditional, outcome-focused teaching, especially in today's fast-changing world. "Many students want to see the relevance of what they're doing, and they want to be part of the process."
"I also like the idea of allowing young people to show what they've achieved – both in terms of knowledge and skills – through national and international competitions, whether inside or outside of school. This idea of 'learning through competition' helps develop a wide range of competencies. It deepens education, increases the appeal of disciplined work and socio-cultural engagement, builds self-confidence, and encourages a willingness to keep learning throughout life."
That's why Erang advocates for project-based and process-oriented learning, approaches that emphasise critical thinking, collaboration, and meaningful application. "Current research backs this up," he added. "Project- and task-based learning can lead to stronger engagement and better long-term outcomes. Plus, they're naturally more resistant to the shortcuts AI makes possible. You can't automate real collaboration or lived experience."
In the end, Erang sees the visit to Mutferter Haff as more than just a field trip. It's a way of teaching that leaves a lasting impression – one that, he hopes, will help shape how students view themselves, others, and the world around them.
