In the heart of Budapest, on Pope John Paul II Square, stands the Deák Diák Singing and Music Primary and Secondary School. Its building was erected between 1911 and 1912, originally as a girls’ school. The architecture still radiates the elegance of the early 20th century: high ceilings, spacious corridors, ornate façades, and a monumental character typical of the era.

The school’s history is closely intertwined with the development of education in Budapest. From its origins as the Deák Square elementary school to its current form enriched with a strong focus on music education, it has travelled a long path. In 2008, the institution moved into its present historically significant building, and in 2023 it launched its first secondary school class. This marked the beginning of a new era where tradition and innovation reinforce each other.

For us, the building is not just walls and classrooms, but also the memory, values, and future of our community. This house both preserves and inspires.

– emphasised Tamás Farczádi-Bencze, the school leader.

Spatial organization and pedagogical philosophy

The school’s spatial organisation faithfully reflects its pedagogical vision: each class has its own classroom, strengthening students’ sense of belonging and creating a homely atmosphere. The classrooms are warmly furnished and decorated with children’s drawings, illustrations, and motivational quotes. In the corridors and common areas, armchairs, sofas, green plants, and small relaxation corners make students feel at home – the school truly becomes their “second home.”

The learning environment is not only functional but also experiential. Corridors often serve as exhibition spaces for students’ works, while the clubroom provides an informal meeting place with free internet access and comfortable furniture, fostering an inspiring atmosphere.

I really liked that even the corridors became lively corners. The fact that children read, talk, or draw here shows clearly that the space truly works as a living environment for them.

– remarked one Portuguese partner after the visit

Learning environment and modern digital tools

The school places great emphasis on digitalisation and creating a modern learning environment. With 125 student laptops, both fixed and mobile interactive boards, a well-equipped computer lab, and projectors, any classroom can quickly become a contemporary, technology-supported space.

This digital shift is not only about acquiring tools but also about changing teaching methods: education has become more differentiated and interactive. Teachers receive regular training to master new methodologies, ensuring that technology genuinely serves learning.

Digital tools are not there for their own sake. What matters most is that children learn how to use them for independent learning, problem-solving, and creative work.

– explained the school leader.

Music, arts and community experiences

One of Deák Diák’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on arts, especially music education. During the study visit, guests were greeted with live singing and piano accompaniment, and they could also attend a dance lesson in the smaller gym. Music is present in almost every corner of the school: classrooms are equipped with pianos, sheet music, and instruments, giving students daily opportunities to engage with art.

Community programmes are also strongly tied to music: students regularly give concerts at local events, enriching the cultural life of the neighbourhood. Arts here are not just subjects but bridges connecting the school and the wider community.

When we entered the music room, the atmosphere was immediately tangible: children were not only learning music, they were living it. This experience will stay with me.

– wrote one Italian participant in their diary

Inclusion and individual support

The school places special emphasis on inclusion. Given the social diversity of Budapest’s 8th district, the institution must respond simultaneously to cultural variety, the challenges of disadvantaged families, and the needs of students with special educational needs.

Dedicated development rooms and special education teachers provide support, while speech therapy, psychological services, and a quiet room for rest are available. These services ensure that every child’s needs are met.

For us, the most important thing is that every child feels at home here and finds their place – regardless of their background.

– highlighted school leader Tamás Farczádi-Bencze.

Visitors found it particularly inspiring to see several development sessions running in parallel, with dedicated professionals working attentively with children.

Multifunctional spaces and creative solutions

The building offers versatile spaces: the music hall, for instance, can serve as a classroom, an event venue, a conference room, or even a stage. Corridors act as exhibition galleries, while clubrooms can be used both as community lounges and learning areas.

Textiles, colours, and furniture are deliberately chosen to enhance both acoustics and visual quality. Curtains, for example, create a homely atmosphere while reducing noise.

It was truly inspiring to see how a historic building can host multifunctional spaces that meet modern educational expectations. This shows that innovation is not limited to new buildings.

– noted an Italian partner

International dimension and vision for future

Deák Diák is an active participant in Erasmus+ projects and other international collaborations. It also serves as a training school for higher education institutions, where future teachers can gain experience. Through these partnerships, both students and teachers regularly meet peers from other countries, gaining exposure to diverse methods and cultures that enrich their learning journeys.

For the participants of the study visit, Deák Diák provided a clear example of how a school with strong historical heritage can meet the challenges of 21st-century education. The institution deliberately combines tradition with innovation, always keeping student well-being at the centre.

At the end of the visit, as I looked around the schoolyard, I felt that this is a truly living community. It not only teaches but also connects, welcomes, and inspires.

– reflected one Portuguese colleague in their diary.

Partners

• Magyar Digitális Oktatásért Egyesület (Hungary – co-ordinator)
• IAL Toscana Innovazione Apprendimento Lavoro srl. Impresa Sociale (Italy)
• Previform – Laboratório, Formação, Higiene e Segurança do Trabalho, Lda (Portugal)
• Learnitect Design Kft. (Hungary)

Project duration: 1 September 2023 – 31 August 2025

Grant amount: EUR 60,000

Grant Agreement No.: 2023-1-HU01-KA210-SCH-000152699

LEARNITECT – Az innovatív tanulási tervezés és inkluzív tanulási terek találkozása c. projekt (Hungarian)

LEARNITECT – Meeting of innovative learning design and inclusive learning spaces (ENG)

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

GA Nr.: 2023-1-HU01-KA210-SCH-000152699.

With the main partner of the project, the Hungarian Association for Hungarian Digital Education, and with partners Learnitect Design Ltd (Hungary),  Previform Lda (Portugal) IAL Toscana carries out the project activities, financed by Erasmus Plus programme.