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School buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia return to the G9 system, utilizing shipping containers as an alternative to traditional classrooms

Overcrowding in schools becomes a significant issue starting from the summer of 2026, according to an internal survey conducted by the Philologists' Association, suggesting insufficient classroom space.

Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are adopting a new approach by using containers as...
Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are adopting a new approach by using containers as temporary classrooms for the G9 grade, instead of traditional classrooms.

School buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia return to the G9 system, utilizing shipping containers as an alternative to traditional classrooms

In various parts of Germany, plans for new gymnasium constructions are underway, with some cities set to complete their projects by the end of 2028. However, Offenbach's new gymnasium is scheduled for completion only by 2029, meaning it will not have a finished new gymnasium by 2028.

Meanwhile, in Oberhausen, the school department head, Jürgen Schmidt, is calling for more support from the state. This comes as the city prepares for a new gymnasium building, although the construction start date remains undetermined.

Interestingly, the Bertha-von-Suttner-Gymnasium in Oberhausen had a cafeteria that was demolished. A student, Jillian Westendorp, laments this decision, stating that the cafeteria was a warm place to stay and an important resource for many children who didn't have the opportunity to have lunch at home.

Sabine Mistler from the Philologists' Association believes that having catering in gymnasia is necessary, even for half-time schools. She argues that teachers and students, particularly in the upper grades, have afternoon classes and may need a place to eat. However, it's worth noting that only full-time gymnasia are obliged to have a cafeteria and offer food, while half-time gymnasia are not.

In a separate development, Minister of Education Dorothee Feller sees parents as more responsible than the schools when it comes to providing meals for students. This perspective is contrary to the need for a cafeteria, as highlighted by Sabine Mistler.

Elsewhere, municipalities are preparing primary schools for the right to full-day care, which will come into effect next year. In Bielefeld, additional space capacities will be provided, in part temporarily, through modular buildings.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts to improve educational facilities and address the needs of students across Germany.

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