Here stands the Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium a place of learning steeped in history. Inaugurated in 1963 the Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium is named after Martin von Cochem a Capuchin priest born in Cochem. The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium emerged from a pressing need. Cochem’s existing schools were insufficient after the Bückel Air Base opened. The influx of German troops and their families strained the town’s resources.
In January 1957 city councilors recognized the urgency. They chose the former “Schloßgärtnerei” near Cochem Castle as the site. Architect J. A. Klein from Koblenz won the design competition in January 1959. Construction began on May 2 1960 under the Cochem district’s sponsorship. The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium officially opened on July 12 1963. The ceremony included prominent figures like Walter Schmitt Eduard Orth and Georg Wroblewski. The new gymnasium cost around 3.6 million DM. Dr Michael Eich became its first principal.
Initially the Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium had 16 classrooms for modern languages. Class sizes varied to accommodate different teaching needs. Science education was a priority with dedicated rooms for chemistry physics and biology. The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium also included specialized spaces. There were rooms for music art crafts and film screenings. Teacher and administrative areas included a staff library a student library and a medical room. Physical education needs were met with a gymnasium and exercise room.
The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium provides a comprehensive education. Grades 5 and 6 form an orientation phase shared with the Realschule plus. This helps students adjust to the school’s environment and teachers. Core subjects in these grades are German mathematics and English. Additional subjects include science geography music art sports and religion or ethics. Students automatically advance from 5th to 6th grade.
From 6th grade students choose a second foreign language. They can study French or Latin. Alternatively they can opt for a compulsory elective subject. These include technology and science business and administration or home economics and social services. In 11th grade students can choose Spanish as a third foreign language. The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium follows the G9 model leading to Abitur after the 13th grade.
The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium offers various Arbeitsgemeinschaften or working groups. These include Jugend forscht Robotics a library group and a symphonic wind orchestra. Other groups focus on technology computer skills England physics and show and French language studies. The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium is also a Europaschule since 2017. It fosters international exchanges.
The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium maintains partnerships with schools in Cieszyn Poland and Avallon France. Student exchanges with Avallon have occurred since the 1960s and with Cieszyn since 2008. These programs promote understanding between different nations.
Many notable individuals have passed through the halls of the Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium. They include archaeologist Karl-Josef Gilles shot putter Udo Gelhausen and molecular biologist Willi Jahnen-Dechent. Philosopher Martin Wallroth Air Force Inspector Ingo Gerhartz and rower Antje Rehaag also attended. Hans-Josef Graefen former President of the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz is another alumnus.
As a Europaschule the Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium actively promotes European values. It encourages students to engage with democracy and international cooperation. The school’s commitment to these principles is evident in its various programs and partnerships. The Martin-von-Cochem-Gymnasium strives to prepare students for a globalized world.