Ever wondered where future scientists and mathematicians in Trier sharpen their minds? It is at the Max-Planck-Gymnasium. Most call it MPG for short. This school isn’t just any gymnasium. It’s a place where students dive deep into the world of math and science.
The Max-Planck-Gymnasium started as a boys’ school in 1822. Back then Trier was under Prussian rule. It wasn’t meant to prepare students for university. Instead it was designed to train them for practical jobs. In 1896 it became a full-fledged gymnasium. It was named Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gymnasium. To avoid confusion another school changed its name to Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium. In 1948 the school was renamed Max-Planck-Gymnasium.
Since 2003 the MPG has been a MINT-EC school. This means it is part of a network of excellent schools focusing on math, computer science, natural sciences and technology. MPG students get extra lessons in math. They also take a special science class in fifth and sixth grade. Lab work is a must for all science subjects from grades 5 to 10. Students can choose computer science as an elective in ninth grade. The school often wins prizes in competitions like Jugend Forscht.
The Max-Planck-Gymnasium offers many language options. Students can choose between English and French in fifth grade. A second foreign language is added in sixth grade such as English, French or Latin. In ninth grade students can pick a third language. Options include Latin, Spanish, Russian or French. The school organizes student exchanges with England, Scotland, France, Russia, Iceland and Spain. A bilingual class in science was started in 2017.
The MPG also has a special “Sportklasse” for talented athletes. These students get extra sports lessons from fifth to eighth grade. They can specialize in football, handball, basketball, rowing or track and field. MPG students often achieve top results in youth sports competitions.
Since 2003 the Max-Planck-Gymnasium has offered a “Bläserklasse” program. Fifth and sixth graders can learn a wind instrument and play in a class ensemble. The MPG offers all-day programs four times a week for lower grades. This includes lunch, group activities and study time.
Upper-level classes follow a system of basic and advanced courses. This reflects the school’s focus on science. The Max-Planck-Gymnasium has been a “Fairtrade School” since June 2015.
In January 2014 the school celebrated 100 years at its current location. It is located at Sichelstraße 3. Many notable people have taught or studied here. Some well-known former students include foreign minister Gerhard Schröder and premier Johannes Hoffmann.
Today the Max-Planck-Gymnasium continues to excel. It provides modern facilities such as science labs and media equipment. The school supports students with a psychologist and offers various extracurricular activities. It fosters partnerships with universities, sports clubs and international schools. The Max-Planck-Gymnasium is more than just a school. It is a place where students can grow academically, athletically and personally.