Coming to Gymčak?

Considering becoming a student? Read this-

It has been almost a year since I graduated my grammar school. Looking back bearing slight melancholy in my soul, I decided to round off my studies by writing this overview article.

As a former student, I believe that this text could help those who are thinking about studying there as well as give general feedback about the school itself.

It was the lack of same oriented articles that motivated me to submit this text.

Speaking from personal experience, articles of such kind are precious especially when you struggle with making a firm decision.

In this manner, I tried my best to describe things objectively keeping the subjective opinion aside, thus providing an unbiased picture.

FIRST IMPRESSION

The bright creamy yellow building standing right behind the church of saint Remig looks as promising as the vanilla sponge cake displayed in nearby confectionery.

However, there is more than just appealing appearance. As you make your way closer to the main door, you will notice a small flat box attached to the wall. That is a new chip system which serves teachers as a book register providing pedagogues with useful information regarding the absence of their pupils.

Although as any other system, even this one isn't 100% reliable. It happened several times that I pressed my chip and yet the program said I was absent. In cases like so you are obliged to raise your voice and say that you are actually present. Some teachers can simply overlook you and later you find yourself arguing whether you have been in class or not.

A definite pro is, however, that no one can enter without the chip. (Presuming that nobody used his chip to let a stranger in.)

Overall, it benefits level off with disadvantages.

The school is situated amid two bus stops, where you can get a very frequent bus link home. A plus indeed.

STEPPING IN

After the chip the chip registration you are bound to take your shoes off. Usually without exceptions. (This, of course, depends on a person who is supervising though.

Getting to lockers- School invested in purchasing new wooden ones approximately 3 years ago so the vast majority of them look as new. If you are a girl, you will have your own locker. Sorry boys, you are sharing your locker with another pal in a pair. Not that anyone would argue about that anyways.

Gymcak is a state school, therefore it is not mandatory to wear a school uniform.

In connection to this, bullying is not welcomed under all circumstances. I haven't personally witnessed nothing more than a few mischievous pranks and jokes.Thus straight A students or other individuals are safe. Honestly, you are free to wear anything if you feel comfortable in it and as long as you are not offending someone.

Although there are and will be people who will judge you... Czech nature, unfortunately. Nonetheless, I am sure that nobody will end up without friends in the end.

PROFESSORS AND ASSESSMENT

Let me state- professors are to be respected. Like students, even professors need some order in the relationship sphere. All of them have specific teaching styles and methods of assessment yet if you study hard, they appreciate your effort.

Gymcak has a family atmosphere (just phrasing). It is true if you look at it from a certain point of view.

Teachers are helping you on the journey to success as much as they can. Consultation hours are every Wednesdays around 3 pm. Rewriting exams or oral examination is also possible if you have messed them up.

In general, you will be assessed through mentioned written exams, oral exams and by presentations or work in the laboratory (biology, chemistry, physics).

You will end school with Maturita exam ( great exam from Czech + English / Mathematics + 2 subjects of your choice).

IS THIS SCHOOL FOR YOU?

As published on the official site, Gymcak offers a 6 year or 4-year study courses of two types - general/humanities.

General course is a maze and one big trick. One would say that it means that your focus will be equally divided between all your subjects, but not really since the biggest pressure comes with math, chemistry and other sciences.

A list of guaranteed subjects (All in italics are mandatory till final exam):

Czech language (grammar + literature)

Math

Physics

History

English language

English conversation

Spanish/German

PE

Geography (3 yrs) + optional 2 yrs seminar

Social sciences + optional 2 yrs seminar

IT (4 yrs)

Chemistry

Art / Music (4 yrs)

Latin (2 yrs)

Descriptive Geometry (1-2 yrs)

Pitifully, I can't do a similar list of subjects taught in humanities course but

they have fewer classes of math, chemistry, physics and two more hours a week of language conversation.

As previously said, professors are well-meaning. Most of them are very enthusiastic about their subject and share some experiences and jokes every now and then. Still, you have to be well behaved, do what you are ought to in order to remain problem free.

PROFESSORS AND YOUR FUTURE

Especially, Czech teacher is a true angel who deserves your thanks after the final examination! She is undoubtedly an inspiring person who will support you as long as you will want to cooperate. In the same way, you should be grateful for English and foreign language teachers.

They managed to motivate students so much that they applied for foreign university. Last year graduates (3) who applied through the period of maturita year or gap year were successfully accepted obtaining unconditional offers!

As I said before if you are respectful and do your work, chances are that your subject leader will be open to new ideas or individual needs. On the other hand, if you are not a language person, mathematics won't disappoint you. A professor of math will prepare you even for university matter. (equations, problematic, geometry).

Nevertheless, if you want to study physics as your major on university or are simply interested in it, let me warn you by the following sentence. Professor of physics is clever, but he does not have the ability of clear explanation. So if you don't study at home and revise the topic alone don't expect to have good marks. However, if you are a student who is not fond of this subject, it is good for you.

To sum it up, I've had a good time studying there. The only subjective thing I am about to say is that you won't have time for hobbies and free time activities due to the ridiculous amount of study materials to memorize. Although if you manage to keep that spark for your passion, you survived!

Hope this article helped you in any way.