Did you know that the Paulsen-Gymnasium started as a school only for boys? Today, standing before this building at Gritznerstra\u00dfe 57, we are about to uncover a trove of stories. The Paulsen-Gymnasium has evolved through different eras. It has witnessed wars, social change and educational reforms.
The Paulsen-Gymnasium first opened its doors on November 10, 1908. It was then called Paulsen-Realgymnasium. Georg Pralle, previously a teacher, became its first director. Initially, five teachers taught five classes here. Around 1910, the school spirit grew. A school choir, a gymnastics club and a swimming club were founded.
During World War I, things changed. About 80 students volunteered for military service. The schoolyard even became an exercise ground. This shows how deeply the war affected daily life at the Paulsen-Gymnasium.
The school is named after Friedrich Paulsen. He was a philosopher and pedagogue. Paulsen died in Steglitz in the year the school was founded. The school tried to implement his educational ideas. Today, his influence on daily school life is limited. However, the name still connects the school to his legacy.
The building itself is historically significant. Constructed from 1906 to 1908, it is now a protected monument. In 1958, a gym was added. Then in 2011, a cafeteria was built. The building even served as a set for the ZDF Christmas series Ron and Tanja in 1990.
In 1908, there was a competition for the facade design. This shows how much importance was given to the building’s appearance. The design had to fit into the Steglitz neighborhood. Today, the building stands as a testament to its architectural history.
The Paulsen-Gymnasium has a long history of student involvement. During the Weimar Republic, student self-governance was tested. A student committee was formed in 1919. This early form of student representation laid the groundwork for today’s student council.
Under National Socialism, Max Vanselow became the school’s director in 1933. By 1940, about 800 students were taught by 33 teachers. The school suffered heavy damage during World War II. Almost 250 students and teachers died.
After the war, the Paulsen-Gymnasium slowly recovered. By 1951, all classrooms were restored. The auditorium was repaired by 1957. The school also started admitting girls as part of the co-education movement in the 1950s.
The Paulsen-Gymnasium faced many changes during the student movement of the late 1960s. Students protested. A critical student newspaper called \”Drahtbesen\” was created. The school has come a long way since then.
Today, the Paulsen-Gymnasium offers different academic profiles. These include a general profile, a bilingual English profile and a math and science profile. Students can choose a focus that suits their interests. This focus on individual development reflects the changing education landscape.
The Paulsen-Gymnasium continues to evolve. It embraces modern teaching methods. The school emphasizes community, learning, global awareness and sustainability. This is reflected in its motto. In 2021, the student newspaper Paulsenbrot won awards. The Paulsen-Gymnasium is not just a building. It is a living, breathing part of Berlin’s history.