Why does this school building look so modern? This is the Gymnasium Gerresheim. It is more than just a place of learning. It is a hub of history and community.
The Gymnasium Gerresheim first opened its doors in 1947. It started as a school for boys. In 1959, it moved to this location on Am Poth street. A sister school, Marie-Curie-Gymnasium, opened nearby in 1962. It was exclusively for girls.
In 1975, Gymnasium Gerresheim embraced coeducation. Boys and girls learned together. The Marie-Curie-Gymnasium focused on arts and languages. Gymnasium Gerresheim leaned towards science and languages.
The school has seen many changes. From 1960 to 1966, it offered a special program for Realschule graduates. These students had unique qualifications. Herbert Mewes led this program. Since 1963, a steel sculpture called Trigon has adorned the grounds. Friederich Werthmann created it. The sculpture is waiting for a new home since 2017.
The Gymnasium Gerresheim celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1997. The school even had its own float in Dusseldorf’s Rosenmontagszug. The principal at the time, Claus Thomann, rode along.
In 2010, the Gymnasium Gerresheim introduced all-day classes for grades 5 to 9. They set up temporary cafeteria containers on the schoolyard. In 2014, the school renovated its science classrooms and labs.
The Gymnasium Gerresheim is growing. Since 2015, it has been expanding to five classes per grade level. By 2026, it will add another grade. This is due to the change from G8 to G9 education system.
Construction began in October 2017. The school added an extension with new classrooms and a cafeteria. The project finished in July 2019. Now, the Gymnasium Gerresheim is preparing for G9. This means more construction.
The city council approved 40 million euros for new buildings in March 2022. The Gymnasium Gerresheim will get a new auditorium and sports halls. They will also build new computer and music rooms. The administration area will be larger. The school grounds will be redesigned for accessibility.
The Gymnasium Gerresheim has a rich history of leaders. Carl Praetorius was the first headmaster in 1947. Raphael Flaskamp is the current headmaster since 2017.
The Gymnasium Gerresheim offers many subjects. It also provides unique courses with other Dusseldorf schools. These include Japanese, Russian, and Italian. The school offers advanced courses in science and humanities. These are in cooperation with Marie-Curie-Gymnasium.
Students enjoy various trips. The school had a country retreat in Norken until 2020. Since 1974, there have been ski trips in the Alps. These are part of the sports curriculum. Students in Q2 participate in study trips related to their advanced courses. There is also a cultural exchange program with Lycee Ombrosa in France.
The Verein der Freunde supports the Gymnasium Gerresheim. This is an association of parents, teachers, and alumni. They maintain the boathouse at Unterbacher See. They also provide resources for education. Every two years, they award the Sozialpreis. This recognizes community engagement.
The Rudergemeinschaft is a rowing club connected to the school. It has a boathouse at Unterbacher See. Students learn to row here. They also participate in competitions.
The Gymnasium Gerresheim partners with cultural institutions. These include the Dusseldorf Schauspielhaus and Museum Kunstpalast. It also works with Heinrich-Heine-University. The Brigitte Brix-Praetorius and Gerhard Brix Foundation supports the school. It provides funds for students in need.
Many notable people attended the Gymnasium Gerresheim. These include Klaus C. Engelen, Volker Strassen, and Manfred Lahnstein. Philipp Schindler and Colin von Ettingshausen are also alumni.
The school has a student newspaper called Apropoth. It comes out up to four times a year. The Gymnasium Gerresheim is a dynamic institution. It continues to evolve while honoring its past.