Gymnasium (Germany)

The gymnasium arose out of the humanistic movement of the sixteenth century. The first general school system to incorporate the gymnasium emerged in Saxony in 1528, with the study of Greek and Latin added to the curriculum later; these languages became the foundation of teaching and study in the gymnasium, which then offered a nine-year course. Hebrew was also taught in some gymnasia. The integration of philosophy, English, and chemistry into the curriculum also set the gymnasium apart from other schools. Prussian secondary schools only received the title "Gymnasium" in 1918, which, for some time, would be the only path to university study. Due to the rise of German nationalism in the 1900s, the Gymnasium's focus on humanism came under attack, causing it to lose prestige. One of the harshest critics was Friedrich Lange, who assaulted the school's "excessive humanism" and "aesthetic idealism." He argued that they are not aligned with the aims of patriotism, duty, and the idea of Germanhood and that the country's history could also provide the education and insights offered by the models of classical antiquity. The Gymnasium was retained, along with vocational and general schools. ==Other methods==

The Realgymnasium offered instead a nine-year course including Latin, but not Greek. Prussian Progymnasien and Realprogymnasien provided six- or seven-year courses, and the Oberschulen later offered nine-year courses without Greek or Latin. ==Gymnasia for girls==

The early twentieth century saw an increase in the number of Lyzeum schools for girls, which offered a six-year course. The rising prominence of girls' gymnasia was mainly due to the ascendancy of the German feminist movement in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, corresponding to the rising demand for women's university education. Co-educational gymnasia have become widespread since the 1970s, and today, single-sex gymnasia are rare in Germany. ==Historical names given to yeargroups in the German gymnasium==

– church and courtyard When primary school ended with the fourth grade, and pupils left German basic secondary schools (Volksschule/Hauptschule or Realschule) at the end of the ninth or tenth grade, the gymnasium used special terms for its grade levels: ==Modern languages==

Today, nearly all German gymnasia, just like nearly all German secondary schools, teach English as a compulsory primary foreign language, with French or Latin sometimes posing an alternative. However, English must usually be taken as a compulsory second foreign language in these cases. The German State of Berlin, where secondary education normally begins in the seventh year of schooling, has some specialised gymnasia beginning with the fifth year which teach Latin or French as a primary foreign language. English has been a compulsory subject in gymnasia since 1957. Usually, children have already been taught some English in primary schools, where classes often begin in Year 3. Many gymnasia offer bilingual classes, in which certain subjects, often history, PE, and geography, are taught in English, or sometimes in French, usually after a year or two of normal classes. A second foreign language is usually compulsory, and gymnasia typically offer 2 or 3 options. French is the most prevalent choice, followed by Latin, though Spanish has been taking over in recent years. Other options sometimes offered include Russian, which was once more common, Ancient Greek, and Italian. The percentages vary between regions. It is possible to take an additional third foreign language. In the final years, called Oberstufe, it is usually only possible to take two foreign languages. However, some schools also allow one of these to be a new foreign language. The way English is taught has changed since the late 19th century, when it was first offered as an optional subject, usually after Latin, Ancient Greek, and French, and at the same level as Hebrew. At first, English was taught similarly to Latin, i.e., by translating texts word-for-word. Over time, this has changed a lot, with lessons usually being conducted entirely or almost entirely in English, for example. Methods are still changing, e.g., a stronger focus on the diversity of the language and the cultures it is intertwined with, instead of just an Anglo-American focus. ==Languages of instruction==

Although some specialist gymnasia have English or French as the language of instruction, most lessons in a typical gymnasium (apart from foreign language courses) are conducted in Standard High German. This is true even in regions where High German is not the prevailing dialect. ==Subjects taught==

Curricula differ from school to school, but generally include German, mathematics, informatics/computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, art (as well as crafts and design), music, history, philosophy, civics / citizenship, social sciences, and several foreign languages. For younger students, nearly the entire gymnasium curriculum is compulsory; in upper years, more elective subjects are available, but the choice is not as wide as in a U.S. high school. Generally, academic standards are high as the gymnasium typically caters to the upper 25–35% of the ability range. Schools focus not only on academic subjects but also on producing well-rounded individuals, so physical education and religion or ethics are compulsory, even in non-denominational schools, which are prevalent. The German constitution guarantees the separation of church and state, so although religion or ethics classes are compulsory, students may choose to study a specific religion or none at all. ==Schools for the gifted==

Gymnasien are often conceived as schools for the gifted. This, however, depends on many factors; some states, such as Bavaria, select their students by elementary grades or by entrance examination, and so do certain specialist schools, like the Sächsisches Landesgymnasium Sankt Afra zu Meißen, in other states. In these federal states, it is not up to the parents to decide whether a pupil will attend the Gymnasium; the decision is mainly based on performance in elementary school. However, even "the gifted" in this sense comprise a fourth or fifth of the population. Other gymnasia in other states have no such strict provisions. Though gymnasia traditionally impose strict grading that causes students of average academic ability to struggle, many schools share the motto: "No child left behind" ("Keiner darf verloren gehen"). ==Common types of gymnasium==

Humanistisches Gymnasium (humanities-oriented) at the Joachimsthalsches Gymnasium, a humanities-oriented gymnasium. Humanities-oriented gymnasia usually have a long tradition. They teach Latin and Ancient Greek (sometimes also Classical Hebrew) and additionally teach English, French, or both. The focus is on the classical antiquity and the civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient Rome. For certain subjects, such as History, many universities still require the Latinum, some also the Graecum, proof of study or comprehension of Latin or Ancient Greek, respectively. Neusprachliches Gymnasium (focus on modern languages) This type of school is less traditional. It teaches at least two modern languages. In most cases, the students have the chance to learn Latin as well. Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliches Gymnasium (focus on math and science) Often combined with the Neusprachliches Gymnasium, these schools focus on STEM subjects. Previous names The Gymnasium with a focus on mathematics and sciences used to be called Oberrealschule, and the Gymnasium with a focus on both modern languages and mathematics and sciences used to be called Realgymnasium. The Gymnasium was supposed to be the humanities-oriented variety; during the Nazi era, a common term for all of these schools put together was Oberschule (literally, "upper school"). In the 1960s, school reformers, as part of an equalization effort, discontinued these names. The most practical benefit of this was that it prevented the frequent confusion among parents about the fundamental difference between Realgymnasium, Oberrealschule and Oberschule on the one side and Realschule on the other. == Special types of gymnasium ==

The Sportgymnasium and the Skigymnasium The Sportgymnasium is a gymnasium-type school, usually a boarding school, with a main focus on sport. The Skigymnasium has a focus on skiing. Musikgymnasium The Musikgymnasium has its focus on music. In Bavaria, it requires to learn to play an instrument (mostly the piano or the violin) as one of their major subjects. Europäisches Gymnasium The Europäisches Gymnasium focuses on languages. It exists in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In Bavaria, students are required to learn three different foreign languages. They start learning their first foreign language in 5th grade, the second in 6th grade, and the third by grade 10 or 11. In Baden-Württemberg, students attending the Europäisches Gymnasium begin learning Latin and English in 5th grade. They pick up their third language by 7th or 8th grade and their fourth foreign language by 10th grade. By 10th grade, students also choose whether to drop one of the languages they started in 5th grade. Later, they may drop another language. Students are required to take at least two foreign languages, and fluency is a requirement for graduation. If they wish, students may also graduate with four foreign languages. ==Gymnasium for mature students==

There are several gymnasia for mature students who graduated from school but did not receive an Abitur. Most of these schools have only the top three or four year groups, rather than the traditional 5th to 13th years. Examples are the Abendgymnasium, the Aufbaugymnasium and the Wirtschaftsgymnasium. ==Culture of Teaching and Testing==

German gymnasia follow different pedagogical philosophies, and teaching methods may vary. In traditional schools, students stand when the teacher enters the classroom. The teacher says, "Good morning, class," and the class answers, "Good morning, Mr./Ms. ..." The teacher then asks them to sit down. Until the 1960s, students were supposed to address their teachers by the appropriate title, e.g., "Herr Studienrat." This is generally outdated. The headteacher might also be addressed more laxly as Herr Direktor (the correct title being Herr Oberstudiendirektor). The general mode of address is these days Mr. + surname. Teachers mostly address students by their first name. Corporal punishment was banned in 1973. Teachers who want to punish students put them in detention or assign them boring tasks. Some have them write essays like "Why a student should not interrupt their teachers." Students may also be subjected to official disciplinary measures, such as a Verweis (reprimand), not unlike those used to discipline civil servants or soldiers; the harshest of these measures is expulsion from school. Such pupils have to go to another school, or even be banned from attending state schools altogether. This is rare, though. Some private schools are more lenient with expulsions, along with the line that the pupil in question does not fit into the community and should thus try his fortune with a school officially designated to take all pupils, i.e., a state school. There are written and oral exams. Written exams are essay-based and called Klausur and typically take 1.5 hours. Many German students never take a multiple-choice test. ==Gymnasium and academic grading==

A gymnasium is a school where most students are college-bound, and stringent grading is the norm. Pupils of average ability find themselves at the bottom of their class and might have done better at another type of school. A study revealed that upper-class gymnasium students of average mathematical ability found themselves at the very bottom of their class, with an average grade of "5" (fail). Comprehensive school upper-class students of average ability in mathematics found themselves in the upper half of their class and had an average grade of "3+". Students who graduated from a gymnasium often do better in college than their grades or class ranking would predict. ==A "gymnasium in the south"==

To many traditionally minded Germans, a "gymnasium in the south" is the epitome of a good education, while to other Germans, it is the epitome of outmoded traditions and elitism. A study revealed that gymnasia in the south did have higher standards than those in other parts of Germany. On a standardised mathematics test provided by scientists, the study showed that students attending a southern gymnasium outperformed those attending one elsewhere in Germany. A 2007 study revealed that those attending a gymnasium in the north had similar IQs to those attending one in the south. Yet those attending a gymnasium in the north underperformed on standardised tests. The students who did worst came from Hamburg, and the students who did best came from Baden-Württemberg. According to the study, final-year students in Hamburg lagged two years behind those attending a gymnasium in Baden-Württemberg. Because students had the same IQ, the difference in knowledge could only be explained by differences in teaching methods. On the other hand, gymnasia in the south have the reputation of valuing knowledge over creativity. In contrast, those in the north are known for valuing creativity over knowledge. Comparing students on a creativity test could produce different results. ==Athletics==

Students from all grades are required to take physical education classes. Most gymnasia have sports teams. Sports often include soccer, badminton, table tennis, rowing and field hockey. Most gymnasia offer students the opportunity to participate in sport-related outings. In the summer months, they have the opportunity to enjoy rowing trips or sailing, and in the winter months, they may go skiing. Students are not required to participate, but teachers see the trips as good for building character and leadership skills and encourage students to participate. As a rule, most of these trips come with fees. A school "Förderverein" (booster club) pays for those who wish to attend but are unable to afford the fee. ==Social clubs==

Most gymnasia offer social and academic clubs. Most traditional among these (sports excepted) are drama, journalism (i. e. producing a Schülerzeitung) and choir. However, chess, photography, debating, improv, environmentalism, additional math, experimental physics, IT classes, etc. can also be found. Some gymnasia require students to participate in at least one club (of the student's choosing), but in most cases, participation is voluntary. ==Exchange visits==

It has become increasingly common for gymnasium students to spend some time studying abroad. Very popular destinations are English-speaking countries such as the US, Great Britain, Canada, and Ireland; however, as it is increasingly difficult to find partner schools in English-speaking countries (high demand, little supply, among other things, because of the limited importance of German lessons), even countries whose language is not taught at all are visited. While this is not required, it is encouraged. Some pupils might go abroad for a year or half a year (and are granted time to catch up on their studies at home). At the same time, the more general option is an organized stay of 2–4 weeks in either country, in a group of 20+ students with two teachers (who are naturally dispensed from everyday duties during the stay). ==Dress code==

Generally, gymnasia have no school uniforms or official dress codes. However, students may be expected to dress modestly and tastefully. Some gymnasia offer branded shirts, but students may choose whether to wear them. For specific school events (like the Abitur ball), students attending them may be expected to wear formal dress, usually consisting of dresses for women and a blazer and tie for men. Still, even this is no longer the case for every gymnasium. In the past, Gymnasiasten wore a traditional cap, identifying them as gymnasium students. The colour of the cap differed by gymnasium and grade. In case of the Ludwig Meyn Gymnasium in Uetersen, for example, in 1920: • Untertertia-students wore a green cap with a blue, red, and white cord • Obertertia-students wore a green cap, with a black-and-white cord • Untersekunda-students wore a violet cap with a blue, white, and red cord • Obersekunda-students wore a violet cap with a black-and-white cord • Unterprima-students wore a red cap with a blue, white, and red cord • Oberprima-students wore a red cap with a black and white cord After the Machtergreifung of the Nazis, the gymnasium cap was banned for political reasons. Literature describing student caps was burned. Students received new clothing from the League of German Girls and the Hitler Youth. Students at the gymnasium were forbidden to wear clothing that identified them as members of their school. Now, it is no longer illegal, and these caps are again being sold; however, few ever wear one. At some schools, upon graduating, students receive an Abitur T-shirt printed with the school name, the year of graduation, and a slogan. ==Mentoring==

, a renowned private Gymnasium boarding school in Mecklenburg, that leads to prestigious Abitur exams As the new crop of students arrives at the gymnasium, there is often a period of adjustment. Some gymnasia have mentors who help new, younger students settle in. They show them around the school and introduce them to older students. In the case of boarding schools, they also show them the city. Mentoring does not mean a student is seen as "at risk." On the contrary, if there is a mentoring programme, all new students are likely to have a mentor. Some schools have mentors (mostly alums or parents) who help graduates choose a college and arrange practical training. In 2008, a mentoring programme called "Arbeiterkind" ("working-class child") was founded to support students from working-class families in their transition. A year later, this organization had 1000 mentors and 70 local chapters. ==Booster clubs==

The Schulverein or Förderverein is an organization formed to support the school financially. Members may be parents and alumni, or philanthropists. They pay for books for the school library and offer a hand to students from less affluent families, allowing them to participate in field trips and school outings. == Teacher education ==