ZSO No. 1 named after Nicolaus Copernicus in Katowice

Mikołaj Kopernik High School in Katowice boasts a rich history dating back to 1898, when it was established as the Municipal Real School. In 1902, it was transformed into a mathematical and natural sciences-oriented Oberrealschule, and in 1906, it gained a modern building on Jagiellońska Street. Historically, the school was a place of continuous interplay between Polish and German influences, and after World War II, it began operating as a Polish high school under the leadership of Dr. Feliks Steuer. In the following years, numerous educational innovations were introduced, including experiments in teaching French and the establishment of bilingual classes, enabling collaboration with Primary School No. 37 and other institutions. Architecturally, the building, modernized in the 1960s, became a modern educational center equipped with classrooms, an assembly hall, and sports facilities. Culturally, the school has a rich legacy, with students achieving success in literary, artistic, and scientific competitions. Many alumni have gained significant recognition in various fields, including journalism, acting, and science, such as Dariusz Basiński and Krystyna Bochenek. In 2002, an annual charity concert was inaugurated, dedicated to supporting various social initiatives and aiding the sick, engaging the entire school community. An interesting aspect of the school's history is the presence of notable figures, such as Dr. Feliks Steuer, who, in addition to his pedagogical work, influenced research on Upper Silesian speech. In 2007, the school was visited by Blaze Bayley, former vocalist of Iron Maiden, and Józef Skrzek performed a concert that same year. However, it is the collaboration with the University of Silesia and participation in UNESCO, which resulted in numerous trips and exchanges with French schools, that further elevated the school's prestige. With over 125 years of history and a diverse educational program, Kopernik not only educates students but also actively contributes to local culture and regional history, remaining a vital educational and social institution in Katowice.