Did you know this school began as the Litzmann School? Now, we stand before the Robert-Koch-Oberschule. It is located on Dieffenbachstraße in Berlin-Kreuzberg. This public Gymnasium has a rich history.
The Robert-Koch-Oberschule emerged in 1945. The Litzmann-Schule on Schleiermacherstraße 23 was renamed Robert-Koch-Schule. That building now houses the Leibniz-Gymnasium. In 1946, only the math and science division kept the Robert-Koch-Schule name. This division moved to Dieffenbachstraße in 1950.
The school building itself has a long past. Constructed in 1875 as a dual school, it was known as the “Doppelschule am Urban”. It is part of a protected historical ensemble. This includes school buildings and the former registry office. Before 1933, it housed separate schools for boys and girls. During the Nazi era, it became the Carl-Michaelis-Oberrealschule in 1939. A gym was added at that time.
World War II took its toll. Allied air raids destroyed the gym in 1945. When the Robert-Koch-Oberschule moved here in 1950, the gym wasn’t rebuilt. Instead, a day-care center was built in 1951. A tool shed followed in 1965.
More recently, the Robert-Koch-Oberschule underwent significant renovations. From 2017 to 2021, the school was modernized and expanded. This project was funded by the “Living Centers and Quarters” program. The renovations optimized the floor plan. Science labs were updated. The roof was renovated to preserve its historical character. Technical systems were renewed. Fire protection was improved. Accessibility was enhanced. A new interior design concept was implemented.
A three-story extension was built in the courtyard. It is connected to the historical building by open walkways. This modern structure houses special school rooms. It also includes an elevator for accessibility. The extension features a contemporary design with a wooden facade. Movable sliding elements on the exterior act as sunshades.
The Robert-Koch-Oberschule offers unique academic options. Students can study performing arts and philosophy. The school participates in the “Migrants Become Teachers” network. A cafeteria is available for students. Internships begin in the ninth grade. School social work services are available. They also organize a parent-teacher café. The school has two buildings.
The Robert-Koch-Oberschule provides various language options. English is the first foreign language. Students can choose French or Spanish as a second language. Turkish is available for native speakers. The school also offers a language program for students with migrant backgrounds.
Extracurricular activities enrich student life. The Robert-Koch-Oberschule offers class trips and excursions. Theater performances and art projects are common. Students display their work in Berlin galleries. A choir and the Robert-Koch-Club are also available.
The Robert-Koch-Oberschule collaborates with several organizations. These include Jugendwohnen im Kiez and the Turkish Parents’ Association Berlin-Brandenburg. These partnerships support learning and provide resources. Bayer and the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie also provide support.
Hatun Sürücü, a German-Kurdish woman who was a victim of an honor killing, attended this school. Actress Lena Lauzemis is also an alumna. The Robert-Koch-Oberschule has a long history of educating students. It continues to evolve to meet the needs of its diverse student body. The Robert-Koch-Oberschule stands as a testament to Berlin’s dedication to education and community.