Pedagogical profile

Pupils at the Musikalisch-Sportliches Gymnasium in Leipzig can choose their profile lessons in accordance with the regulations of the Free State of Saxony from the eighth grade onwards. There are three profiles to choose from:

• Musical profile
• Sports profile
• Artistic profile

Participation is compulsory for three years and ends with entry to the upper school.

Developing musical creativity, fostering acquired instrumental and vocal skills, and regularly presenting the results are the core objectives of our music education. As part of their regular music classes, students can choose — based on their individual talents and prior experience (typically for a minimum of two years) — to participate in ensembles, some of which are taught across different year groups. These include, for example, the wind class (Grades 5/6), choir, band, orchestra, musical, or Discover Music.

In all areas of learning, practical music-making is combined with music theory content — a principle that applies especially to the elective music track (two additional lessons per week) in Grades 8 to 10.

Developing physical activity, team spirit, honesty, respect for the athletic achievements of others (especially in competitions and performance comparisons), as well as an understanding of rules, are the core objectives of our physical education program. Students in Grades 8 to 12 can choose — based on their individual talents and prior experience — to participate in sports courses (some of which are taught across year groups) for the duration of one school year. These include, for example, ball sports, racket sports, cycling, swimming, acrobatics, aesthetics, and track and field.

In all courses, practical physical activity is combined with theoretical and scientific foundations of sport — a principle that applies especially to the elective physical education track (two additional lessons per week) in Grades 8 to 10. In these classes, students analyze and develop their athletic abilities and skills, enhance their health awareness, and learn how to interact socially in a way that is appropriate to sports.

Regular art classes, and especially the Artistic Profile (two additional lessons per week) in Grades 8 to 10, contribute to a holistic education. Particular emphasis is placed on nurturing students’ artistic interests, talents, and skills. A harmony between intellect and emotion, analytical thinking and sensitivity, as well as the development of logic and intuition, are all key goals.

Students expand their abilities through various artistic media, with a strong connection to everyday school life. This is reflected, for example, in exhibition openings and displays throughout the school building and grounds, as well as in the artistic design of specific areas on the school campus.

Pupils are supported in their search for information on various occupational fields and fields of study and receive expert guidance during work placements. This includes, for example, carrying out a career aptitude test as well as detailed preparation and follow-up of the work placement and visits to study information days at universities and ‘career days’ held at the school.

Pupils at the Musikalisch-Sportliches Gymnasium can choose between four foreign languages, which are learnt from the sixth year onwards:

• Spanish
• French
• Latin
• Italian

A bilingual stream (German / English) will start at the Rahn Education grammar school in Leizpig at the beginning of the coming school year 2025/2026. Over the six school years of secondary level I, modules in alternating subjects will be taught bilingually, while at the same time regular English lessons will follow an in-depth curriculum with higher progression. Bilingual foundation courses have been offered at upper secondary level since this school year. The bilingual education is rounded off by English-language school and extracurricular projects, theatre visits, trips and exchanges.

At the Musikalisch-Sportliches Gymnasium Leipzig, pupils in year five can make music in a wind class. Over the course of two years, everyone can learn a wind instrument of their choice, including music theory and the regular curriculum, and gain practical experience in a big band formation. In order to be able to provide individual support, lessons are given by a music teacher and an instrumental teacher with additional training.

Alternatively, pupils can also opt for choral singing as a practical music specialisation. The organisation of the vocal-oriented form of class music-making is identical to the wind class. In the sixth form, choir is still optional as an intensification programme.

The Musikalisch-Sportliches Gymnasium offers the concept of free work, in which pupils are enabled to ‘self-organised learning’ systematically and at an early stage. Learning processes are individualised and personal responsibility and self-efficacy are thus promoted. This form of learning offers the opportunity for more intensive project work, both interdisciplinary and at learning locations outside the school, without other topics or subjects possibly being neglected as a result.