Ever wonder what stories these old brick walls could tell? Right here stands the Maler-Becker-Schule. It is more than just a school. It is a living piece of Mainz-Gonsenheim’s history.
The Maler-Becker-Schule was founded in 1882. It started as the “Neue Schule.” This translates to “New School”. The building you see now was the original middle section. It was a grand historicist building. Its red bricks stand out.
As Gonsenheim grew so did the school. In 1895 a new schoolhouse was built along Maler-Becker-Straße. Jacob Secker was the architect. More additions came in 1907. Architect Gemeindebaumeister Schwarz added a three-story building. It had a hipped roof. This was expanded in 1930. Today the entire building complex is protected as a historic monument.
But why “Maler-Becker”? The school is named after Joseph Ferdinand Becker. He was a painter from Gonsenheim. Becker painted genre scenes and church art. He also painted fairy tales. He was a local boy who made good. The school carries his name with pride.
The Maler-Becker-Schule is a Grundschule. That means it is a primary school. Around 372 students attend. They are taught in 20 classes. About 35 teachers work here. The school’s current principal is Sandra Schneider.
This is not just any school. Maler-Becker-Schule is a Schwerpunktschule. This means it focuses on integration. Children with and without disabilities learn together. Teachers include special education experts. There are also pedagogical specialists.
The school uses open learning methods. Students work on projects. They have regular project days. Learning is organized with daily and weekly plans. Students can work at their own pace. The school also teaches foreign languages early. Since 2005 all children learn English or French.
The Maler-Becker-Schule has many facilities. There are classrooms and special rooms. There is a music room and a workshop. A computer room and a religion room are available. Several small support rooms exist. There is also a school kitchen. The school has its own small gym. They also use the TGM and Jahnturnhalle gyms.
You will also find other facilities on the school grounds. The Betreuende Grundschule offers care before and after school. The Maler-Becker-Kindertagesstätte includes a kindergarten. There is also a local library. A school nurse and social worker have offices here too.
The Maler-Becker-Schule operates as a full-time morning school. First and second graders attend from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Second graders stay until 1:00 PM one day a week. Third and fourth graders attend from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The school’s support association organizes before and after school care.
The Maler-Becker-Schule focuses on social learning too. They use the Bensberger Mediationsprogramms. This teaches children to resolve conflicts peacefully. Third graders mentor the new first graders. This helps the younger students and teaches responsibility to the older ones.
The school supports children in other countries. For ten years it supported the Uyanwatte Model School in Sri Lanka. This school was destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. Since 2016 they have supported schools in the Dominican Republic. They helped build a covered schoolyard and sports field. They also provided teaching materials.
Students at Maler-Becker-Schule have a voice. They discuss issues in class councils. They vote on matters in student assemblies. In the past they have voted on project themes and carnival costumes. They also vote on general school matters.
The Maler-Becker-Schule offers many special programs. These include German as a second language classes. School social work is available for parents and children. A school nurse provides support. There is a school fruit program. The school dentist visits every year.
The school also offers reading support. There is sports support instruction. First and second graders get pedestrian training. There are changing volunteer activity groups. Third graders have regular swimming lessons. They also have computer lessons. Third and fourth graders receive cycling training.
The Maler-Becker-Schule offers so much. It is a place of learning and community. It is a place where children grow. The school’s history is rich. Its future is bright.