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Hohenstaufen-Gymnasium Kaiserslautern	Autor: mk Letzte Änderung dieser Seite: 29.08.2008 18:41:00  616 School Profile

HSG - a school in a natural setting

Located on a hill in the ´Galgenschanze´ district of Kaiserslautern, Hohenstaufen ´Gymnasium´ (grades 5 - 13) is almost hidden under a leafy canopy of trees. The school is situated in a nearly traffic-free residential neighbourhood, allowing lessons to be conducted in an atmosphere devoid of car noises and exhaust. It can be reached conveniently by bus and train as well as on foot along pedestrian walkways.

HSG - a school with an optimal size

With approximately 1000 students and 70 teachers, HSG has a good size for a ´Gymnasium´. Large enough to offer a variety of educational options, it is far from being an anonymous institution. Students study and socialize in a pleasant atmosphere within the architecturally compact main building.

HSG - a school with a proud tradition

Hohenstaufen-Gymnasium was founded in 1834 as the county's trade and agricultural school. For some time it was an industrial school, later a mathematical-scientific secondary school. Today, HSG is very much comprehensive in scope. It offers a wide variety of subjects with a certain emphasis on mathematics, the sciences and modern languages.

Originally the school was located in the city centre. The current structure was finished in 1967. Renovation was begun in 1994 and should be completed by 2005. Since 1999 the school has expanded: Four new classrooms and an attractive cafeteria with a charming courtyard have been added and both gyms have been completely redone. We are looking forward to learning and working in an almost completely new building in the near future.

What are our goals?

Tradition in combination with progress is the aim we follow in preparing our students for the university or for a profession. We wish to help them create a meaningful life in the world of tomorrow. We would like to develop their ability and willingness to act knowledgeably, independently and responsibly. In order to achieve these qualities, our students require a broad education, encompassing methodology and communication, but equally important, also guidance in the emotive, social, ethical, and creative spheres.

What are our priorities?

We emphasize mathematics, the sciences, and communication technology in our curriculum along with modern languages in order to meet the demands of a rapidly changing, increasingly communicative world. In addition, we offer the wide variety of subjects typical of a ´Gymnasium´ as well as a large number of extra-curricular activities to provide a broad educational basis for our students. Thus the following attractions contribute to our school's profile:

• The maths and science tradition
  Students who are particularly gifted in the areas of mathematics and science are encouraged to participate in study groups, extra-curricular activities, and competitions. The large number of prize winners from our school in over-regional competitions provides evidence of the success of these efforts. In September 2000 HSG met the stringent requirements of the "Verein mathematisch-naturwissenschaftlicher Excellence-Center an Schulen e.V." and has since been a member of this illustrious organization.
• Informational and technical media
  Students get into contact with the modern informational media right from the beginning. In courses, workshops and also in classroom lessons they have the chance to work with computers, e-mail and the internet. They learn how to use standard software and are introduced into the basics of web design. Computer science as a regular subject can be chosen as early as the ninth grade.
• First experiences with the business world can be gained during a two-week internship (period of practical training) in the ninth grade.
• Foreign languages
  English and French are offered as of the fifth grade. Students who begin with English have the choice of selecting French or Latin as a mandatory second language as of the seventh grade. Vice versa, for students beginning with French the second foreign language is English. Moreover, Latin, French or Spanish can be selected as a third foreign language in the ninth grade.
• History taught in the English language
  Hohenstaufen-Gymnasium is the only school in Kaiserslautern which offers bilingual education in history. Students with an above average ability and interest in the English language have two extra lessons of English during the first two school years (fifth and sixth grades). History is taught as of the seventh grade. Instruction includes two lessons of history in English and one lesson of history in German. Students can participate in this program up until the "Abitur" (or graduation exam) and therefore become quite competent in English during this time.
• Contact with English and French speaking students
  In order to give our students the opportunity to apply their language abilities outside of the classroom much value is placed on contact with foreign schools and students. We have conducted successful exchange programs with our French partner school in Poitiers and our American partner school in Sheboygan, Wisconsin for many years. In addition, we are attempting to reinstate an exchange program in Britain. In the meantime we travel to England or Ireland each summer with groups of older students.
• Music and art
  Education in music and art is usually extended by extra-curricular workshops. Concerts performed by our two choirs, the string orchestra, and the big band constitute important events in the life at our school. The school newspaper "Akzent" is a forum for young journalists and writers. The theatre group, the radio club, the photography and the video workshops provide additional opportunities for creative expression.
• The sports program
  HSG has a long tradition in sports. The school has two gyms and its own sports field. It participates regularly with several football, handball and basketball teams in regional and state competitions. Multiple prizes and trophies confirm the ability of our young players. In addition to swimming, track, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics and jazz dance, all part of the regular physical education program, sports such as fencing and golf provide additional extra-curricular opportunities for athletic activity. For our winter sports enthusiasts we also offer a ski trip.

HSG - a full time school

The school offers afternoon supervision for the fifth and sixth graders from Monday through Thursday. Participation is voluntary. Students may remain in school until 4:00 PM. After the lunch-break, they complete their homework under supervision. Afterwards they may play or take part in any of the extra-curricular activities.

HSG and the parents

The school administration and the teachers place a great emphasis on working together with the parents. Mothers and fathers are encouraged to become involved and help form the life of the school. The "Parent Speaker" and the other members of the Parent Council welcome the suggestions and comments of interested parents and are happy to provide further information.

The Support Organization at HSG (Förderkreis e.V.)

Parents, teachers and alumni as well as other groups are welcome to join the Support Club. They can assist the school through their participation as well as through their membership fee to fulfil its various functions and to strengthen the sense of fellowship within the school community.

The members of the school administration are glad to answer further questions and welcome suggestions and ideas. We can be contacted in school from Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Armin Steinbrecher

Principal