“Why does this school bear the name Augustenburg?” you might ask yourself. The Augustenburg Gemeinschaftsschule Grötzingen is more than just a place of learning. It is a vibrant part of the Grötzingen community. Let’s uncover its story.
The Augustenburg Gemeinschaftsschule Grötzingen serves around 500 students. A dedicated team supports them. This team includes 55 teachers, 15 school support staff, the caretaker, the secretariat, and the kitchen team. The school also benefits from the Förderkreis. This support group and an active parents’ advisory council contribute to the school’s success.
The school wasn’t always known as the Augustenburg Gemeinschaftsschule Grötzingen. It was previously the Grund und Hauptschule Grötzingen. Stefan Supper is the principal. Christine Schneider is the vice-principal.
The school’s grounds have a rich history. Until 2013, the Schlossschulgebäude housed the after-school care program. It also housed the Badische Schulmuseum. From 2019 to 2020, the Schlossschulgebäude underwent extensive renovations. These renovations included modernizing the building technology. Parts of the interior surfaces were also renewed. The building’s energy efficiency was improved too. A large sandstone vaulted cellar lies beneath the building. It once hosted celebrations. Fire safety regulations prevent this now.
Two new buildings were constructed between 2014 and 2019. These additions accommodated the Gemeinschaftsschule’s space requirements. The Heinrich-Dietrich-Bau further complements the school. Since 2019, the local library has been located in one of the new buildings.
The enclosed schoolyard is bordered by several facilities. These include the school gymnasium and the Grötzingen indoor swimming pool. Gardens of Augustenburgstraße residents also border the schoolyard. One of these gardens serves as a school garden. A gardening club uses it.
The Schlossschulgebäude dates back to 1860. In 1958, the first new school building was inaugurated. The community council named it after Heinrich Dietrich. He was a pedagogue, headmaster, and historian. An extension was added in 1975.
In 1999/2000, the Albschule established an external class in Grötzingen. This class integrated with a first grade class from the Grötzingen elementary school. From 2002 to 2013, the Badische Schulmuseum was located at the GHS Grötzingen. It has since moved to the Waldenserschule in Palmbach.
In 2008, the local mayor removed the school’s name. He argued that elementary and secondary schools should not have names. Local historians and former mayor Herbert Schweizer protested. They demanded the decision be reversed.
In the second quarter of 2008, a cooperation with the Friedrich-Realschule in Durlach was planned. The Realschule declined. This cooperation was prompted by declining student numbers in the Hauptschule.
In 2008/2009, a BVE class was established at the GHS Grötzingen. In 2010/2011, there were 13 elementary school classes, one Hauptschule class, and one elementary school support class. Integration classes combined students from GHS Grötzingen and the Albschule.
Headmaster Rudolf Karg retired in the summer of 2011. He had served for ten years. The Hauptschule operation ceased in the summer of 2012. In 2012/13, the school became one of the first Gemeinschaftsschulen in Baden-Württemberg. Full-day instruction is provided from fifth to tenth grade. This is a requirement for a Gemeinschaftsschule. School ends at 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and at 1:45 p.m. on Fridays. The Ministry of Culture in Stuttgart required the approval of the municipal council. The council approved the school after heated debate. A student after-school program in Grötzingen offers additional care. A unique aspect of this school form is that students no longer have to repeat a grade.
The Grötzingen local council discussed the new school name in November 2012. The school conference and teaching staff chose “Augustenburg-Gemeinschaftsschule Grötzingen”. The local council approved it.
The Förderkreis supports the Augustenburg Gemeinschaftsschule. In 2000, they acquired solar panels through an innovative fundraising campaign. Parents purchased “solar shares”. This raised money for the solar panel installation. The Förderkreis also supports the school garden. It promotes inclusion by encouraging collaborative projects.
The Augustenburg Gemeinschaftsschule Grötzingen continues to evolve. It enriches the community of Grötzingen. It prepares students for their future.