Curious about what makes this school tick? The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium in Osnabrück is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place of history and modern education. This school began its journey as the 4th Jungengymnasium. That translates to the Fourth Boys’ Grammar School.
Osnabrück needed another school for boys in the 1960s. Student numbers were growing. The existing schools could not keep up. The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium aimed to fill a gap. It focused on languages plus math and science. Boys from Osnabrück and the surrounding area flocked here.
Construction started in 1963. The school opened its doors in April 1965. Over 500 students arrived ready to learn. Interestingly, girls were also admitted into upper-level classes early on. This was unusual because the girls’ schools in town did not always offer the science courses needed for university.
In 1967, the school received its current name. It was named after Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. He was an officer and a member of the resistance against the Nazis. The name reflects courage and standing up for what is right.
Around 1970, the Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium embraced coeducation. Girls were officially admitted. By the early 1970s, 42 girls joined the fifth grade. Later, in 1990, another girls’ school closed. Some of those students also came here.
The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium continues to evolve. In 1990, it introduced bilingual education. Certain subjects are taught in English. These include geography, biology, history and politics. The school also offers other languages such as Chinese, Spanish, and Russian in after-school clubs. Students can even earn French and English certificates here.
This school actively engages with the world. It has partnerships with schools in France, Hungary, and Peru. Students run a student company called “Fruchtoase.” It focuses on healthy food. There is also a Fairtrade kiosk.
The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium has seen many changes. An extension was added in the early 2000s. This made room for more students. In 2016, the school finally got its own aula. This space serves as both an auditorium and a cafeteria.
The school excels in sports. It is a “Partner School of Competitive Sports” for judo and soccer. In 2017, the city council approved a new sports hall. This modern facility opened in 2019.
The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium has been recognized for its philosophy program. In 2024, it was honored as a PROphilSCHULE. This award celebrates the school’s commitment to philosophical education.
The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium offers many opportunities. Students can study various foreign languages. There are clubs for art, theater, and music. The school boasts a band, orchestra, and several choirs.
The school provides guidance and support to its students. There are programs to help with learning difficulties. The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium also has mediators to resolve conflicts. Former students and supporters are part of the VFE. This is an association that supports the school.
Many notable people have graduated from the Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium. These include athletes, politicians, and artists. Heinz Rudolf Kunze, a famous musician, is an alumnus. Daniel Thioune, a soccer coach, also attended this school. The Graf-Stauffenberg-Gymnasium in Osnabrück stands as a testament to growth and adaptation.