Anniversary of the Coppernicus-Gymnasium: Memories of Wolfgang Herrndorf

Anniversary of the Coppernicus-Gymnasium: Memories of Wolfgang Herrndorf

There is great anticipation in Norderstedt because the Coppernicus-Gymnasium will soon be celebrating its 60th anniversary. On Friday, July 18th, from 2 p.m., all former students, teachers and parents are invited to reminisce together and celebrate the development of the school. Headmistress Heike Schlesselmann would like a large number of participants to properly honor this special day and reflect on times gone by. Another highlight is that this high school is the cradle of prominent graduates such as Wolfgang Herrndorf and Mike Krüger. While Herrndorf graduated at the top of his class in 1984, Krüger is well known as a comedian in Germany.

Wolfgang Herrndorf, whose best-known work “Tschick” thrilled the generation of students, was characterized by his authentic stories. He already gained experience at the Coppernicus High School that would later be incorporated into his famous book. This not only became a bestseller, but was also adapted for the cinema by director Fatih Akin. Herrndorf, who died in 2013, left a literary impact that is still felt today. The school owes a special place in German literary history to his talent. The delightful aspects of his life are also reflected in many stories, making “Tschick” an important part of school curricula, as highlighted in [Tutorial practice](https://eric.ed.gov/?q=source%3A%22Tutorial practice%2FTeaching+German%22&ff1=souTutorial practice%2FTeaching+German&id=EJ1425483). In this context, Herrndorf's works promote student interaction and engagement, which enriches lessons.

A school with history and future

The Coppernicus-Gymnasium, which was founded in 1965 and is the only G8 high school in Schleswig-Holstein, has been through a lot over the years. Once opened as a construction site, the first celebrations were held in the adjacent Garstedt secondary school. The school management has initiated numerous expansions in recent years, including its own observatory in the 1970s. The school is still active today and promotes the learning process of our young people with innovative measures.

The school is currently struggling with a lack of space, which is why the city is checking whether the Coppernicus High School can temporarily use classrooms in the neighboring educational building. The joy of innovation remains unbroken, because the high school was a pioneer in digitalization and switched to digital lessons with tablets at an early stage. Interestingly, cell phones are taboo on school grounds for both students and teachers. This promotes concentrated learning and allows students to hone their skills undisturbed.

Wolfgang Herrndorf and his legacy

Wolfgang Herrndorf's life story is characterized by passion and creativity. Born on June 12, 1965 in Hamburg, he grew up in Norderstedt. After graduating from high school, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Nuremberg before moving to Berlin in 1996. His success as a writer earned him numerous awards. “Tschick” in particular received a lot of recognition and was intended to convey not only school material, but also an inspiring joy of reading.

His life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2010. During this difficult time he started his blog “Work and Structure”, which is considered by many readers to be a moving testimony to his life and work. Herrndorf's legacy, including titles such as “Work and Structure” and “Pictures of Your Great Love,” attest to his talent and influence in the literary world to this day.

The upcoming celebration at the former school of Wolfgang Herrndorf and Mike Krüger promises not only an emotional return to the roots, but also a worthy tribute to the creative spirits who found their inspiration here. For everyone involved, this is an opportunity to remember the past and shape the future that lives on in education and cultural exchange.