“If only these walls could talk.” Standing here at the Herderschule Kassel I often wonder what stories they would tell. The Herderschule is more than just a school. It’s a place of learning and growth. It has a rich history in Kassel.
The Herderschule Kassel was founded in 1955. It was the first co-educational gymnasium in Kassel. Initially, it was located in the Heinrich-Schütz-School. In 1960, the school moved to its current location. This location is in the Maulbeerplantage in Kassel’s east. Before the Herderschule, there was no gymnasium in this area.
The Herderschule focused on the “holistically educated student”. The school wanted to promote each student’s individual abilities. This was important for equal opportunities. The Herderschule wasn’t just about knowledge. It aimed to strengthen personal development. They offered a “Tagesheim” with lunch and homework support. There were also special interest groups. Music was a key focus too. Students and teachers had open discussions. In 1976, the Herderschule changed. It became an independent upper-level gymnasium.
Today, the Herderschule continues to evolve. There are plans for expansion and renovation. These changes will meet the needs of a modern school. With shorter gymnasium programs, student numbers are expected to rise. Construction and remodeling began in 2009. The new building will include a library and media center. Smaller rooms will offer reading and workspaces. These can be used for individual or group work. More computer workstations are planned. A cafeteria for about 80 people will be added. There will also be a quiet room and an auditorium. The auditorium will hold 180 to 200 people.
Each year, the Herderschule welcomes around 200 to 220 new students. These students come from various schools. Most come from partner schools in the Kassel-Ost school network. These include IGS Kaufungen, GS Fuldatal and Söhre-Schule. Also Offene Schule Waldau and Joseph-von-Eichendorff-Schule. Wilhelm-Leuschner-Schule Niestetal, GS Hegelsberg and Ahnatalschule Vellmar are partner schools too. The Herderschule also works with Luisenschule in Kassel. Valentin-Traudt-Schule in Großalmerode is also a partner.
The Herderschule offers several special programs. The Tagesheim serves as an information center. Students can buy materials and borrow games. They can also relax in the tea room. During project week, it becomes the project management hub.
The Herderschule has a vibrant cultural scene. There is a jazz band, an orchestra and a choir. A theater group and the Herder-Filmsalon are also present. The Herder-Filmsalon regularly shows films.
Student exchange programs are available too. The Herderschule has partnerships with schools in the USA. Also partnerships with schools in French-speaking Switzerland and Spain. It also partners with a school in Jaroslawl, Russia.
Many notable alumni have attended the Herderschule. These include director Sinan Akkuş and politician Christine Aschenberg-Dugnus. Also Peter-Matthias Gaede, the editor of GEO, and writer Ulrich Holbein. Actors Lenard Kunde and Katharina Küpper also attended. Writers Wulf Noll and Jamal Tuschick. Actresses Barbara Rudnik and Heike Wiehle-Timm. Jazz musician Matthias Schubert and politicians Martina Werner and Timon Gremmels.
The Herderschule’s address is Maulbeerplantage 1, 34123 Kassel. The secretary’s office is open weekdays. Monday to Thursday it opens from 7 AM to 3 PM. On Friday it opens from 7 AM to 1 PM. During school holidays, it’s open on Wednesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM. You can contact the school by phone at 0561-54817. The fax number is 0561-9532312. The email address is poststelle@herderschule.kassel.schulverwaltung.hessen.de. The Herderschule continues to be a vital part of Kassel. It shapes the lives of its students. It prepares them for the future.