In 1967 a new school was desperately needed. The Albert-Martmuller-Gymnasium was born. It wasn’t built from scratch. Instead it took over the building of the Albert-Martmuller-Volksschule. This was a temporary solution. The student numbers quickly outgrew the space. A larger building was added.
The Albert-Martmuller-Gymnasium in Witten Germany wasn’t just another school. It filled a vital need. Two existing schools couldn’t handle the surge in students. The city searched for a solution. They considered a site near the Witten-Annen Nord train station. This was on the grounds of a former Nazi concentration camp sub-camp. The project was nearly abandoned due to a lack of funding. However the need remained.
The Albert-Martmuller-Volksschule building provided a temporary reprieve. It wasn’t ideal. The school quickly outgrew its facilities. A major expansion became necessary. A new main building was attached to the existing structure. This expansion included several science labs. It was completed in 1970. A new gym and workshops were added the following year. Finally in 1977 another new building was constructed on Oberstrasse.
The Albert-Martmuller-Gymnasium isn’t just about academics. It has a rich history. A student project in 1984-85 researched the history of the Nazi sub-camp. Their findings prompted public discussion about the city’s past. A memorial was erected. It was later moved to a more prominent location. In a unique partnership the school also displayed segments of the Berlin Wall. These were painted by students and a French artist.
The Albert-Martmuller-Gymnasium also made headlines for its security measures. In 2014 it installed surveillance cameras. This was a first for a school in North Rhine-Westphalia. Later the use of RFID chips in student IDs created controversy. Data regarding bathroom usage was collected. This practice was stopped after criticism from the Pirate Party and the state data protection officer. The school has also embraced diversity. It promotes tolerance and inclusivity. The Albert-Martmuller-Gymnasium continues to evolve. It adapts to modern challenges while maintaining its commitment to education and social responsibility. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community. The school stands as a symbol of progress and remembrance.