Here stands Cygnus Gymnasium. It’s not just any school. It’s considered one of the best gymnasiums in the Netherlands. Why is that? The school looks beyond the surface.
Cygnus Gymnasium sees each student. It considers their needs and challenges them to excel. The school was initially built in 1956. It served as a technical school called ‘Eerste Christelijke LTS Patrimonium’. In 1996, the building was renovated. It became an MBO location for ROC ASA known as Europa College.
Between 2008 and 2012, ROC moved out. The building was temporarily managed by an anti-squat company. In 2009, the building was officially designated as a national monument named ‘Het Schip’. Finally, in 2012 and 2013, it was repurposed to become Cygnus Gymnasium. The Cygnus Gymnasium officially opened in 2013.
At Cygnus Gymnasium, expectations are high. Whether you’re naturally bright or a deep thinker, the school teaches you to look further. Developing your intuition is also key. A gymnasium should offer more than just knowledge. Insights are equally valuable here.
Curious, intelligent, and eager to learn? Then you’re in the right place. Cygnus Gymnasium encourages students to think outside the box. That’s why they offer creative and unique subjects. Ad Astra junior is a good example, a challenging enrichment program. Technoscience is another. It allows learning through hands-on projects. There are also courses such as art, visual design, and music available. Students can choose from electives like archeology. Other options include photography, psychology, and astronomy. There’s even a debate team, school newspaper, sports, and chess. Don’t forget the annual Aristea class competition. This translates to ‘the best’. Cygnus Gymnasium encourages students to use their imagination. The school also fosters inventiveness and problem-solving skills.
Of course, the school covers the standard gymnasium subjects. But even in these, they delve deeper. These include geography, biology, German, English, and French. History, Greek, gymnastics, Latin, philosophy, Dutch and math are also included. Students benefit from a mentor hour. Also, a Cygnus hour is there to answer any questions.
The atmosphere here is pleasant. Students quickly feel at home in this beautiful building. Everyone is open to each other, regardless of background. It’s exciting to broaden horizons. Meeting others is key. The Cygnus Gymnasium is a vibrant reflection of Amsterdam. It includes over 150 nationalities.
The teaching methods are stimulating and challenging. Each subject involves research-based learning. Students discover how they can change the world. Languages are also taught in an immersive way. For example, there’s ‘Living Latin’. From the first lesson, the class speaks in this ancient language. In French class, students use sign language to enhance their language skills.
Students can conduct their own research. They can wear lab coats in the lab. They can make fire with an archeologist just like in prehistoric times. Moreover, they can virtually walk through a Roman building. They can figure out what is written on the facade. Many lessons immerse students in stories. They experience myths and legends. These come from different cultures and times. Students explore countries, continents, and everything that grows and flourishes.
The Cygnus Gymnasium is easily accessible. The metro stops right outside the door. Cyclists benefit from a large bicycle storage and racks. The location is central. It’s near the city center, De Pijp, Zuid, Oost, and the Eastern Islands. Public transportation offers quick access from Noord and Zuidoost. The school strives to be a safe environment. Teachers care about all students. They address any issues that may arise. This includes conversations with parents or guardians as needed. The school follows student regulations and anti-bullying protocols. The school also promotes responsible social media use.
Cygnus Gymnasium prepares students to be global citizens and scientists. They delve into the past, present, and future. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the possibilities of AI. Cultures, wars, world leaders, and influencers are all explored. In this pre-academic setting, students learn to think like scientists. They distinguish fact from fiction. They learn how things work and how to prove it. This can be challenging. The Cygnus Gymnasium is more than just a school. It’s a place where students broaden their horizons.