Perhaps you’ve heard of a school that dared to be different? That school is Schulzentrum Buchheim. It stands here as a testament to transformation and integration.
Founded in 2007 as Gymnasium Dialog, Schulzentrum Buchheim began its journey. Initially, it sought to provide a unique educational environment. The school aimed to offer a fresh perspective.
In 2009, the school changed its name. This change sought to shed any elitist image. The Tuerkisch-Deutsche Akademische Bund was originally the supporting organization. Bildung & Perspektive took over. This shift marked a new chapter for the institution.
The year 2012 brought a significant relocation. Schulzentrum Buchheim moved to Arnsberger Platz. It expanded to include a Realschule. This expansion aimed to broaden its educational offerings. Critics, however, voiced concerns. They worried about the high percentage of Turkish students. Around 90% of the student body had Turkish roots. Lale Akguen called it an “ethnic private school”. She believed it fostered social segregation.
Following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, scrutiny intensified. The connection between the school’s carrier and the Guelen movement drew public attention. The Turkish government blamed Fethullah Guelen for the coup. Turkish families faced increasing pressure. They were urged to withdraw their children from the school. Despite the controversy, the school maintained its independence. The school denied being a Guelen school.
Another name change occurred in 2017. This change aimed to distinguish the Gymnasium from the Realschule more clearly. Thus, Schulzentrum Buchheim was born. It now encompasses the Ferdinand Franz Wallraf Gymnasium and the Werner Heisenberg Realschule.
Today, Schulzentrum Buchheim stands as a symbol of bilingual education. Fifth graders start with two foreign languages. They can choose between French or Turkish in addition to English. The language of instruction, however, is German. Since 2009, it has been a full-day school. This provides daily lunch for students and teachers.
But there’s more than meets the eye here. In April 2024, Schulzentrum Buchheim unveiled a Computermuseum. Nihat Sevinc, an IT teacher, initiated it. The museum brings the history of computer technology to life. Students and visitors can explore historical computer models. The Commodore 64 and the first Macintosh are featured. Visitors can even work directly on them.
Students play a vital role in the museum. They unpack, clean, and repair the devices. This hands-on experience provides deep insights into early technology. Old floppy disks and mechanical mice are also on display.
Beyond education, the museum offers entertainment. Classic video games can be played on the old machines. Currently, the museum is accessible by request. Special events also provide access. Plans are underway to expand the opening hours and offerings.
Despite its relatively short history, Schulzentrum Buchheim has earned recognition. It received the Europamedaille from the European People’s Party. The school has also participated in numerous national competitions and projects. It was also recognized as a “Zukunftsschule”. This acknowledges its pedagogical support for students.
So, as you stand before Schulzentrum Buchheim remember its story. It is a story of dialogue, change, and a commitment to education. It’s a place where the future is being shaped, one student, one computer, at a time.