“Robert Havemann,” a name synonymous with dissent. It echoes through the halls of the Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium. This school stands as a testament to his legacy. But what makes this gymnasium so special?
The Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium in Berlin-Karow isn’t just a school. It’s a place where history meets the future. Founded in 1991 as the Robert-Havemann-Oberschule, it gained gymnasium status later. In 2000, a modern complex was added, offering students state-of-the-art facilities.
Imagine a school with advanced classrooms. Picture a four-part sports hall and a beach volleyball field. Envision an astronomy station and five computer rooms. The Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium offers all this and more. Internet access is available in nearly every classroom. Interactive whiteboards enhance the learning experience. The school also boasts a fully equipped art and music area, including a mirrored hall and a theater stage. A school library, lockers, a teaching kitchen, and a cafeteria provide further convenience. Even a biotope graces the school garden.
But the Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium offers more than just physical amenities. It provides a wide range of academic opportunities. Students can choose advanced courses in subjects like art, biology, and chemistry. German, English, geography, history, math, philosophy, and physics are also available. Besides English, students can learn Spanish, French, and Latin. A third foreign language is an option too.
Extracurricular activities abound at the Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium. Students can join clubs for photography, ceramics, and painting. Basketball, judo, and volleyball are popular sports. There are also groups for choir, theater, guitar, and debate. A student band, an A/V tech team, and a student newspaper offer creative outlets. “Jugend forscht” and “Junge Poeten” encourage research and writing. “Gruppe Courage” promotes civic engagement.
The Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium shines in environmental protection. Since 2013, it has annually earned the “Berliner Klimaschule” seal. It won the German Climate Prize from the Allianz Environmental Foundation in 2017 and 2019. The student firm “energyEco” won the Klimaschutzpartner Berlin climate protection competition in 2020. In 2023, the science department received the “Goldene Kröte” environmental award.
“energyEco” exemplifies the school’s commitment to sustainability. Students identify energy waste in schools. They propose solutions to improve the school’s carbon footprint. In 2017, students qualified as junior energy consultants. In 2019, they formed a student-run stock corporation. “energyEco” supports other schools in installing measurement networks. They offer workshops on recycling and energy conservation. They also train junior energy experts.
The Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium extends its impact beyond Berlin. It has partnerships with schools in Ecuador, England, France, Greece, and Japan. Student exchange programs connect students with France, Japan, Norway, and Spain.
In May 2023, the school founded the “Schülerforschungszentrum für Energie und Umwelt Pankow.” This student research center is for energy and the environment. It supports the RHG’s science work and welcomes students and teachers from other schools. It offers energy-saving training for teachers. Students from local primary schools can conduct science experiments in the school labs. This aims to inspire them to study engineering. The Berlin Senate supports the SFZ financially since 2024.
In short, the Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a hub of innovation. It is a place where students learn, grow, and contribute to a better future. It’s a fitting tribute to Robert Havemann’s spirit of progress and responsibility.