Athletics
Students from all grades are required to take compulsory physical education classes. Most gymnasien have sports teams. Sports often include soccer, badminton, table tennis, rowing and hockey.
Most gymnasien offer students the opportunity to participate in sport-related outings. In the summer months, they have the opportunity to enjoy rowing trips or sailing and in winter months, they may go skiing. Students are not required to participate, but teachers see the trips as a good for building character and leadership skills and encourage students to participate. As a rule, most of these trips come with fees. A school "Förderverein" (booster club) pays for those wishing to attend, but unable to afford the fee.
Read more about this topic: Gymnasium (Germany)