Tallinn Secondary School of Science

Establishment In the second half of the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution reached Russia, including Estonia. The abolition of Tallinn's fortress zone in 1857 and the opening of the Baltic railway in 1870 gave Tallinn’s trade and industry the opportunity for strong development. Because of this, there was a need to reform the current education system. In 1872, a school law was issued in Russia, on the basis of which a new type of school was established in addition to the existing ones. Linking the need for a new educational institution to the 200th anniversary of Peter the Great's birth in the same year, the school was named Tallinna Peetri Reaalkool (), which was supported by the city government and guilds with 1,700 silver rubles. Initially, the teaching was in German and took place in a three-story stone house located against the city wall with the address Lai 49, but already in 1883 it was moved to a newly completed school building on Estonia puiestee. Mathematics teacher Peter Osse became the first director. Tsarist era As a result of the russification policy initiated by Tsar Alexander III, many subjects were now taught in Russian. Although the transition was delayed, in 1890 Russian became the official language of study. Since 1915, the principal of Tallinn Secondary School of Science was Nikolai Kann, who was also chosen to be the principal of Tallinn Secondary School of Science, on August 1, 1920. He was the first Estonian to be a principal of a public high school. Kann taught German and history, and the boys called him "dire". Pertels was succeeded by Aleksei Tsõgankov, nicknamed Paša (in office from 1953 to 1970). Tsõgankov also taught the history of the USSR. Over time, he became a patriot of the school, who successfully linked the ideological guidelines and the practical life of the school. In 1955, he laid the foundation for the January alumni days, which replaced the alumni days held on September 29. To this day, Tallinn Secondary School of Science alumni day is held on the last saturday of January. During his time, the school was also changed into a mixed school and a building for primary classes was built next to the main building, which is called The Small House. Notes from the history of Tallinn Secondary School of Science • 1881 - Tallinna Peetri Reaalkool was founded with German as the language of study. The building of Tallinna Peetri Reaalkool has been recognized as cultural monument No. 1072. • 1884 - the main building was completed, the first building designed as a school in Tallinn, architect Max Höppener and engineer Carl Gustav Jacoby. • 1885 - first students of Tallinna Reaalkool graduated • 1918 - student soldiers joined Kaitseliit and went to the War of Independence. • 1921 - a black and gold school cap was introduced. • 1927 - the "Boy" was opened - a monument to the teachers and students of Tallinn who fell in the War of Independence. • 1954 - the school was changed into a mixed school • 1958 - the new building, the so-called Small House, was completed. • 1981 - a major renovation was done for the school's jubilee. • 1993 - the monument to the teachers and students of Tallinn who fell in the War of Independence was restored. • 2000 - the school continued to work in the thoroughly renovated school building. School names • 1881 Tallinna Peetri Reaalkool – Petri-Realschule zu Reval • 1890 Ревельское Петровское Реальное училище • 1918 Revaler Oberrealschule (German Science School for Boys, with German as the language of study) and Tallinna Linna Eesti Reaalkool (Estonian Science School for Boys, with Estonian as the language of study) • 1919 Tallinna Linna I Reaalkool (Tallinn I Secondary School of Science) • 1923 Tallinna Linna Poeglaste Reaalgümnaasium (Tallinn Gymnasium of Science for Boys) • 1930 Tallinna Linna Poeglaste Gümnaasium (Tallinn Gymnasium for Boys) • 1934 Gymnasium branch as Tallinna Linna 1. Poeglaste Keskkool (Tallinn 1st Boys High School) • 1937 as two branches: • Tallinna 2. Progümnaasium (Tallinn 2nd Progymnasium) + Tallinna 2. Gümnaasium (Tallinn 2nd Gymnasium) • Tallinna 2. Reaalkool (Tallinn 2nd Secondary School of Science) + Tallinna Majanduslik Erikool (Tallinn Economic Special School) • 1939 Tallinn’s Economic Special School was changed into Tallinna 2. Poeglaste Kommertskool (Tallinn 2nd Boys' Commercial School) • 1940 Tallinna 2. Keskkool (Tallinn Secondary School No. 2) • 1941 Tallinna 2. Gümnaasium (Tallinn 2nd Gymnasium) • 1944 Tallinna 2. Keskkool (Tallinn Secondary School No. 2) • 1990 Tallinna Reaalkool (Tallinn Secondary School of Science) Headmasters • 1881–1890 Peter Osse • 1890–1915 Wilhelm Petersen • 1915–1933 Nikolai Kann • 1933–1936 kt. Ernst Peterson-Särgava • 1936–1940 Karl Koljo • 1940–1941 kt. Anton Lipping • 1941–1945 Tiit Reinaste • 1945 – Arnold Kurve • 1945–1947 Johan Hansschmidt • 1947–1949 Albert Kiitam • 1949–1953 Emilie Pertels • 1953–1970 Aleksei Tsõgankov • 1970–1976 Oskar Radik • 1976–1980 Hain Hiieaas • 1980–1986 Harri Sirgi • 1986–1995 Hain Hiieaas • 1995 – kt Helen Kaasik • 1995–1998 Mart Kuurme • 1998–2014 Gunnar Polma • 2014–... Ene Saar == Symbols ==

School building On June 10, 1881, the Tallinn city government made a decision to build a new school house for Tallinna Peetri Reaalkool. The location that was chosen was a spacious and large square at the corner of the current Estonia puiestee and Georg Otsa street. The building has generally preserved its original form. The rooms are arranged around the central ceremonial staircase and next to it is a hall extending through the II and III floors, into which the corridors of the III floor open as a gallery. The main staircase is traditionally walked only with the handrail always on the right handside. In the years 1999–2000, comprehensive restoration works took place in Tallinna Reaalkool, which ended in September 2000. The corresponding project was made in 1998-1999 in the project office of AS Tallinna Restauraator, the authors were architect Katrin Etverk and interior designer Tiiu Lõhmus, and it was implemented by AS Merko Ehitus. The fourth floor has been added to the building, without changing the historical exterior of the building. As far as possible, the known original color schemes have been restored. The works started in 1999 with the installation of external networks, in parallel, preparations for external finishing works and the construction of new staircases were started, demolition work was done indoors and structures were opened. Despite the fact that the rings were not allowed to have the letter R, a few people from almost every class had their rings made with an R. All the rings had to be checked, but it was not done very thoroughly. Some of the students later had IIK replaced by R. Those who had relatives who had previously studied at Reaalkool wore old rings that also had the letter R on them. Marble plaque A marble plaque has become a historical value symbol of Tallinn Secondary School of Science. In 1923, the marble plaque was opened in the school’s assembly hall for Anton Õunapuu, a teacher who fell in the War of Independence, and four students of Reaalkool - Harald Trigel, Gunnar Dobka, Artur Sisask and Eugen Seeberg. In addition to the names, the year and place of the fall are also indicated on the board. During the first Soviet occupation, in 1940, the marble plaque was removed from the hall. During the German occupation, in 1941, the marble plaque was restored. During the second Soviet occupation, the plaque was destroyed and a bas-relief of Lenin and Stalin was placed in its place. The board was restored again only at the end of perestroika in 1990, before the Republic of Estonia regained its independence. At every Independence Day event, a moment is dedicated to looking at the marble plaque and remembering the fallen. == Traditions ==

Pudi’s line Pudi's line is a characteristic way of moving for students of Tallinn Secondary School of Science, which is used both at important school events and outside of school, for example, when going after a prize in a sports competition. People walk one after the other in a row, hands behind their backs, a serious expression on their faces. All right angles must be walked out. Pudi’s line is named after the legendary physics teacher Paul Ederberg (nicknamed Pudi). His students have described him as embodying the subjects he taught, that is, he was precise, abstract and dry. It is probably because of this that the students developed the habit of imitating the teacher's way of walking when going to Pudi’s class. Although this way of walking was associated with one particular teacher and his students, this custom has continued to this day and has acquired an important place in Reaalkool’s identity. Tradition of receiving school badges In the fall of the last year, high school graduates and their chosen teachers receive school badges at the badge ceremony. All high school students participate in the evening dance party. At 9:00 p.m., the seniors sing the younger students out of the building with the verse: "Get out, get out of the school, because it's time to go to bed, who doesn't have a badge!". The badges are then redeemed according to a specific ritual. Tradition of receiving school rings This is a traditional event that happens outside the school building organized by the ring recipients themselves. The rings are redeemed according to a specific ritual (rapier, rings, silver cup, candles, Latin motto). In the same year, the tradition of washing Särgava's head also began, following which school seniors wash his head every year on April 29, the anniversary of Särgava's birth. Since the monument's nickname is the Beard, this operation is also called a head wash of the Beard. A candle is traditionally lit on Särgava's grave at Metsakalmistu at 6:00 p.m. tournament in basketball and volleyball. In the evening, classes meet in the school building. Reaali Ramm In memory of Georg Lurich, the competition Reaali Ramm is held, where the strongest student of Reaalkool is determined. Celebrating Independence Day Every year before the anniversary of the Republic, the student councils and principles of the three Tallinn schools that took part in the War of Independence (Tallinn Secondary School of Science, Jakob Westholm Gymnasium and Gustav Adolf Gymnasium) lay a joint wreath on the statue of students and teachers who fell in the War of Independence. The mayor of Tallinn will take part in the ceremony. Celebrating Independence Day with the president On the jubilee anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, every five years, an anniversary ceremony will be held in the assembly hall of Tallinn Secondary School of Science with the participation of the President of the Republic. Representatives of Tallinn schools that took part in the War of Independence (Tallinn Secondary School of Science, Jakob Westholm Gymnasium and Gustav Adolf Gymnasium) will take part in the ceremony. School’s birthday The school's birthday is celebrated every year on September 29 by eating birthday cake together, where the most outstanding students (for example, winners of international competitions) are awarded. At the same time, students are also given scholarships from funds created to promote the activities of Tallinn Secondary School of Science. ==References==