A Child in the Poznań “Łejery” Pedagogy of Jerzy Hamerski – an Example of Good Educational Practices

Abstract

The study aims to present the construct of the child in the Poznań “Łejery” pedagogy, created by Jerzy Hamerski. The work of Jerzy Hamerski, co-created in 1985 also with the participation of Elżbieta Drygas, is unique in the country and 1990 resulted in the establishment of Primary School No. 83 in Poznań, which focuses on education through art and is called the “Łejery Republic”. The institution is governed by the “Little Constitution of the Republic of Ł.”. The research problem of the study is contained in the question: How does the construct of the child appear in the Poznań “Łejery” pedagogy? To answer the research question, the method of individual case analysis was used using the technique of source analysis (existing and elicited) and participant observation carried out by the author in the 2024/2025 school year. Among the existing sources, we can list publications issued by Poznań’s “Łejery” popularizing the concept of Jerzy Hamerski and Elżbieta Drygas, press releases and scientific studies. Among the elicited sources, we should list interviews conducted with the founder of “Łejery” on the premises of Primary School No. 83 in Poznań in the school year 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.The observation consisted of participating in the broadly understood “school life”. The author participated in lessons, was present during breaks between classes, during special events, events planned in the school calendar, as well as during theatre rehearsals and performances by students of Primary School No. 83. Social relations in the school, actions undertaken by students and the general atmosphere prevailing in the described social space were observed. A child, both in the “Łejery” school and in the entire “Łejery” pedagogy, appears as an agentive, autonomous, strong individual. Teachers and parents actively support children’s development. Children in Hamerski’s concept are also perceived as responsible and capable of transforming the world.