Imagine a school born from the merging of two others. That’s the Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule in Dortmund. It arose in 1982. The Otto-Hahn-Realschule and the Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium combined. Now, it stands as a comprehensive school.
The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule bears a significant name. It honors Hans and Sophie Scholl. These siblings were part of the White Rose resistance. They stood against the Nazi regime. Their courage inspires students here every day.
Today, the Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule serves over 1400 students. More than 100 teachers guide them. The school spans grades 5 to 13. Each grade in the lower secondary level has six classes. Each class holds about 30 students. It is a full-day school. Core hours run from 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule offers diverse programs. Bilingual lessons are available. Students can study biology, geography, history, and social studies in English. Language options abound. Students can begin Chinese, French, or Spanish in year 6. Latin starts in year 8. Chinese and Spanish are also options in the upper school.
Method days break up the routine. Six times a year, regular classes stop. Students focus on learning strategies. It is all about learning how to learn. The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule hosts many student-organized festivals. These celebrate different cultures. Courses contribute songs or performances. The Chinese courses host a spring festival. There is also a Festival of the Senses.
From year 6, students choose a focus. This includes subjects like Maths-Einstein. They can also choose Atelier Picasso for art. Other options are German Plus or Marie Curie-Experimentieren for chemistry. There is also a Goethe focus for literature. Since 2023/2024 GSG Pop has been an option.
Since 2010/2011, the Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule has inclusion classes. These classes have about 20 students. Five have special educational needs. Fifteen are high-achieving students. The school ended this project in 2016/2017. Now students with special needs join regular classes.
The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule buildings include the main building. It has an East and West building. They are connected by a glass bridge. There are also sports halls and fields. The South building was expected to be completed in 2023. From 2013 to 2016, the school was renovated. Fire protection was upgraded. The roof was renewed. The school was also updated with beamers, interactive whiteboards and computers in every class.
The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule provides many languages. English is compulsory. Students can study Chinese, Spanish, or French. Latin is available from year 8. Chinese or Spanish is available in the upper school. Students can gain language certificates in French and Chinese.
The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule received the MINT School NRW seal. It was first awarded in 2013. It has been re-certified several times since. Outside of class, the school provides clubs. These include acrobatics. Students can also take a rugby course. A moped course is also available.
The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule maintains partnerships. It supports the Afous Rofous kindergarten in Marrakesh. Students collect donations for toys. Since 2014, the school has partnered with BVB football club. Since 2011, there has been a partnership with a school in Xi’an, China. There are also partnerships with schools in the Waukee Community School District in the USA.
Patrick Osterhage, a football player, is an alumnus. He graduated in 2018. The Geschwister-Scholl-Gesamtschule is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place of learning and growth. It fosters community and global connections. It prepares students for the future.