Ever wondered why this school is named after Primo Levi? The Primo-Levi-Gymnasium is more than just a place of learning. It is a symbol of history and resilience.
This gymnasium actually consists of two historic school buildings. They united in 2007 under the name Primo-Levi-Gymnasium. The school carries the name of Primo Levi. He was an Italian chemist, writer and Holocaust survivor. During World War II he fought against fascism.
Let’s delve into the past of these buildings. House B on Woelckpromenade first opened in 1910. Carl James Bühring designed it. It was intended as part of the Weissensee community forum. In 1914, the street was named Woelckpromenade. The school has carried six different names over the years.
During the Nazi era, the building housed the Realreformgymnasium. It also housed the Günther-Roß-Schule. The latter was named after a teacher and SA-man. He was killed in political clashes in 1932.
After the war, House B was named Bühring-Oberschule. Later, it became the Johannes-R.-Becher-Schule. In 1960, it was renamed Paul Oestreich School.
House A on Pistoriusstraße opened in 1927. Joseph Tiedemann designed this building. It originally served as an Oberlyzeum with separate schools for boys and girls. Construction cost 1.245 million Mark. From 1940 to 1945, it was named Clara-Schumann-Schule.
After the war, House A became a school again in 1947. In 1994, it was named Wieland-Herzfelde-Oberschule.
The Primo-Levi-Gymnasium is known for its unique approach to education. Since 2012, it has offered bilingual German-English classes. The school is also part of the MINT-EC network. It is a network of schools that focus on mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology.
Both House A and B have a dining area. These are located in the respective school halls. The school also has a student club.
The Primo-Levi-Gymnasium has been named a “School Without Racism – School With Courage” since 2008.
The building at Woelckpromenade 38 has an interesting architectural feature. The walls have red clinker bricks. The building also has terracotta decorations. The main entrance has arched doorways.
The building on Pistoriusstraße is 94 meters long. Its façade is plastered. A clock tower rises above the building.
Today the Primo-Levi-Gymnasium stands as a testament to Berlin’s history. It promotes tolerance. It also promotes academic excellence. It is a place where students can grow and learn. They also learn to shape the future.