Gymnasium (school) facts for kids
A gymnasium is a special kind of school in many parts of Europe, especially in countries like Germany, Austria, and Hungary. It's a type of secondary school that prepares students for university. Think of it as a school for older kids, usually from around age 10 or 12 up to 18 or 19. Getting into and graduating from a gymnasium is seen as a big achievement because the studies are quite challenging.
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What is a Gymnasium?
A gymnasium is a school that focuses on a broad and deep education. It teaches many subjects to help students get ready for higher education at a university. Unlike some schools that might focus on specific jobs or trades, a gymnasium aims to give students a strong academic background.
Where are Gymnasiums Found?
While the idea of a gymnasium started in ancient Greece, the modern school system is most common in Central Europe and Northern Europe. You can find gymnasiums in countries like:
Each country might have slightly different rules or names for their gymnasiums, but the main goal is usually the same: preparing students for university.
What Do Students Learn?
Students at a gymnasium study a wide range of subjects. This often includes:
- Several foreign languages (like Latin, Greek, French, or English)
- Advanced mathematics
- Different sciences (like physics, chemistry, and biology)
- History
- Geography
- Literature
- Art and music
The lessons are usually very detailed and require students to think critically and solve problems.
Graduating from a Gymnasium
Finishing a gymnasium is a big deal. Students usually take a final exam, often called the Abitur in Germany or the Matura in Austria and Switzerland. Passing this exam means a student has earned the qualification needed to apply to a university. It shows they have a strong foundation of knowledge and are ready for advanced studies.
Images for kids
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Stiftsgymnasium Melk, the oldest continuously operating school in Austria
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Ålands Lyceum, a gymnasium in Mariehamn, Finland
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Kuopio Lyceum (Kuopion Lyseo), a high school in Kuopio, Finland
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Evangelical Seminaries of Maulbronn and Blaubeuren – picture showing church and courtyard
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Chemistry lesson, Bonn, 1988
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Hartvig Nissen Skole, a gymnasium in Oslo, Norway
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Tallinn Õismäe Gymnasium in Tallinn, Estonia.
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The Askola Institute (Askola-Instituutti) in Monninkylä, Askola, Finland.
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Gymnasium of Karlovci in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia
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See also
In Spanish: Gymnasium para niños
