Engaging with Real-Life Issues: Visit from anti-bullying author Noémya Grohan

At ISN, we believe that meaningful education means engaging with real-life issues such as bullying. This allows students strengthen their academic skills and also develop empathy, critical thinking, and emotional resilience. This term, our Grade 9 French students explored these themes through the powerful autobiographical novel De la rage dans mon cartable by French author and anti-bullying advocate Noémya Grohan. 

What began as a literature unit soon evolved into a transformative learning journey, culminating in a personal visit from the author herself. Below, Grade 9 student Adrian shares his reflections on the experience:

"Over the past few weeks, we had the incredible opportunity to read and explore “De la rage dans mon cartable” by Noémya Grohan. Her story deeply resonated with us. It was powerful, personal, and profoundly moving. Through her honest and courageous testimony, we gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a victim of bullying, and the inner strength it takes to overcome such painful experiences. More than just a book, it served as a powerful wake-up call that sparked meaningful reflection and discussion in our classroom.

To engage more closely with the book, we completed a directed writing task inspired by the IGCSE exam. We were asked to write a formal email to Noémya Grohan, following specific guidelines and using the appropriate format. This activity not only allowed us to strengthen our French writing skills but also gave us a unique chance to connect personally with the author. Knowing that she would read and respond to our messages made the task feel even more meaningful. Many of us chose to share personal stories, either as witnesses or victims of bullying, while others asked thoughtful and heartfelt questions. We were all fortunate to receive a reply from Noémya, who generously took the time to answer each of us with kindness and sincerity.

The most memorable moment of this experience was Noémya Grohan’s visit to our school this Tuesday. We had breakfast together, discussed her journey, and exchanged ideas about her book and the broader issue of bullying: its causes, consequences, and different forms. Noémya spoke with openness and compassion, and the conversation left a lasting impact on us. It truly raised our awareness and helped us see bullying in a more serious and nuanced way, whether it be physical, verbal, or online. To end the visit, we had a special book signing session where she personally signed each of our copies.

Lastly, on behalf of our class, I would truly like to thank Ms. Pieri, our French teacher, for making all of this possible and putting so much effort into every step. It was a meaningful and unforgettable experience that brought us closer to the realities of bullying and inspired us to reflect, speak up, and support one another."

This inspiring visit with Noémya Grohan allowed our students to reflect deeply on one of the most pressing issues affecting young people today. At ISN, we aim to create safe, thoughtful spaces for students to examine real-world challenges and grow into compassionate, informed global citizens.  Our warmest thanks to Noémya Grohan for her heartfelt engagement, and to Ms. Pieri for her dedication to meaningful learning.

We hope this experience inspires our students to continue speaking up and supporting others with courage and kindness.