At Jean-Dieuzaide College in Pechbonnieu, the Defense Class confirms once again the strength of its commitment to memory work. This year, students are participating in the Southern Zone Armed Forces Prize, a demanding inter-academic competition led by the general officer of the defense and security zone in the South. It brings together third-year classes and high schools from academies such as Toulouse, Montpellier, Nice, Aix-Marseille, and Corsica. For the 2025-2026 edition, the theme “Writers at War” invites exploration of the various forms of testimonies related to conflicts. Letters from soldiers, accounts from journalists, literary works, and artistic creations serve as platforms to understand combat experience and its transmission.
Context: The article discusses the student participation in a prestigious academic competition centered around the theme of testimonies related to conflicts and wars.
Fact Check: The participation of students in the competition emphasizes the importance of understanding historical events through individual stories and emotions.
Letters from Soldiers and Major Works
At Pechbonnieu, under the guidance of Florence Rebinguet and with the support of principal Didier Ciliberti, students have chosen an original approach. Instead of the traditional dossier format, they have opted for a radio production, utilizing the school’s webradio led by librarian Pascale Gossard. The project revolves around reading letters from soldiers, juxtaposed with excerpts from major works such as “All Quiet on the Western Front” or “Wooden Crosses.” However, students go further by analyzing, interpreting, and sharing their own feelings, adding a sensitive dimension to these texts. The project takes the form of a show combining voices, commentaries, and soundscapes, in a dynamic and accessible format. This production meets the competition’s expectations by emphasizing digital productions like podcasts, videos, or slideshows along with an explanatory note. Beyond the format, the quality of collective work and students’ ability to grasp historical significance are evaluated. For teachers, the goal goes beyond the classroom. It aims to illustrate that behind significant dates lie individual destinies, voices, and emotions. By giving life to these “writers at war,” students delve into a deeply moving, embodied history. Results will be announced in spring 2026, but the most important achievement is already realized: a strong collective commitment and a vibrant memory in tune with contemporary issues.
