Curious about the story behind this grand building? This is the Ruhr-Gymnasium. It stands as a symbol of Witten’s rich history. The Ruhr-Gymnasium has seen the town transform from a small village to a bustling city.
Let’s step back to 1860. Witten was changing. Industrialization was booming. The Ruhr-Gymnasium was founded in this era of growth. Local leaders wanted a school. This school would provide classical education. It would prepare young citizens for the future. Only children from wealthier families could attend the Ruhr-Gymnasium. They would learn and eventually graduate with their Abitur.
Initially, the Ruhr-Gymnasium was a small institution. It started in a rented half-timbered house near Johanniskirche. Twenty students attended the Ruhr-Gymnasium’s first class. The school grew quickly. More space was needed. The Ruhr-Gymnasium moved to Nordstraße in 1865.
In 1867, the city built a new building for the Ruhr-Gymnasium. It was located at the corner of Breite and Kurze Straße. This building still serves as the main part of the Ruhr-Gymnasium today. It featured twelve classrooms and an assembly hall. In 1879, a gymnasium was added. An architecturally similar wing was added on Kurze Straße later. The Ruhr-Gymnasium’s architecture reflected the town’s ambitions.
For many years, only boys attended the Ruhr-Gymnasium. In 1877, a school for girls was founded. It is now the Schiller-Gymnasium. The Ruhr-Gymnasium’s early curriculum focused on classical subjects. These included Latin and Greek. These subjects prepared students for university.
The early 20th century brought challenges. World War I took a toll. Two teachers and 153 former students died in the war. During the French occupation of the Ruhr in 1923, the school was even used by occupying troops. Classes were held elsewhere.
Under Nazi rule, the Ruhr-Gymnasium suffered. Nazi ideology affected all subjects. The quality of education declined. In 1938, the synagogue next to the school was destroyed. It is difficult to know how the school community reacted. The destruction reflected the horrors of the time.
The Second World War disrupted everything. Teachers were drafted. Older students served as air defense helpers. In 1943, the school was relocated to Konstanz. Parts of the building were damaged in the war. The assembly hall was completely destroyed.
After the war, the Ruhr-Gymnasium slowly recovered. Classes resumed in 1946. The 1950s brought growth and expansion. New buildings were added in 1959-1961. These included new classrooms, a new assembly hall, and a new gymnasium.
The 1970s marked a major turning point. In 1971, girls were admitted to the Ruhr-Gymnasium for the first time. The school’s name changed to Städtisches Ruhr-Gymnasium Witten. Teaching methods also evolved. Learning shifted from rote memorization to critical thinking.
In 1981, a new science wing was added. In 2009 and 2010, students and teachers worked together. They refreshed the school’s look for its 150th anniversary.
Today, the Ruhr-Gymnasium stands as a modern school. It embraces diversity and innovation. Its long history reflects Witten’s own journey. From its humble beginnings to its present-day form, the Ruhr-Gymnasium has remained a vital part of the community. It continues to shape young minds and prepare them for the future.