Helmholtz-Gymnasium

Established in 1961 the Helmholtz-Gymnasium Bonn opened its doors. It was initially known as the Gymnasium of the Duisdorf office. A year later it received its prestigious name. The school was named after the renowned Hermann von Helmholtz. He was a significant 19th-century scientist. The building itself was a product of the Düsseldorf architect Bruno Lambart’s vision. The landscaping and sports facilities were designed by the Bonn landscape architect Heinrich Raderschall. The school’s character was significantly shaped by its headmaster Leo Klingen. He led the school from 1976 to 1990. In his honor the Dr Leo Klingen Prize is awarded annually. It recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements or social commitment. Martin Berg took the helm from 1990 to 2012. Dorothee von Hoerschelmann served as headmistress from 2013 to 2023. Currently Andrea Gorschlütter leads the Helmholtz-Gymnasium. The Helmholtz-Gymnasium Bonn offers a unique bilingual branch. Students receive enhanced English instruction. This starts in the preparatory phase with five hours per week instead of four. This prepares students for a bilingual educational path. In secondary level 1 geography and history are taught in English. All students participate in a trip to England in seventh grade. For the bilingual certificate geography or history must be chosen as a bilingual subject. This will then be part of the Abitur exam. In secondary level 2 students have the option of taking the International Baccalaureate in addition to the German Abitur. In contrast to the bilingual branch the science branch offers additional physics hours in seventh grade and chemistry in eighth grade. High-achieving students can participate in additional enrichment courses. Support modules aid students who need extra help. English is the first foreign language starting in the preparatory phase. From the sixth grade students can choose between Latin or French as a second foreign language. A third foreign language can be chosen from the ninth grade onwards. Depending on the second foreign language chosen Latin can be chosen again. Alternatively students can choose mathematics/informatics or natural sciences. In secondary level 2 students can choose Spanish and since 2009/2010 also Chinese. The school offers central advanced courses in music and art. These courses take place at one of the participating high schools if enough interested students are available. The music advanced course has taken place alternately at the Ernst Moritz Arndt Gymnasium and the Helmholtz Gymnasium since 1998. The Helmholtz-Gymnasium cooperates with the Ernst Moritz Arndt Gymnasium and the Hardtberg Gymnasium. This collaboration expands the possibilities for advanced course combinations. If there aren’t enough students at one school to form a course there is the option of offering a cooperative course with the other school. The Helmholtz Gymnasium boasts a school choir a school orchestra and several theatre groups. The school has many collaborations with extracurricular institutions. There is regular cooperation with Deutsche Post and Sparkasse KölnBonn. The Helmholtz-Gymnasium has educated many notable individuals. These include Ricarda Brandts former Justice and Culture Minister Elisabeth Heister Neumann. Also actor Jeremy Mockridge and author Roger Willemsen are alumni. The Helmholtz-Gymnasium Bonn a place of learning and achievement. It has a rich history. It continues to shape the lives of its students.