Gymnazium Elisky Krasnohorske - English
About the school
Gymnazium Elisky Krásnohorske, commonly known as GEKOM, is a state grammar school located in Prague’s Michle district, about twenty minutes by public transport from the city centre. Over its 135-year history, the school has moved to several different locations and undergone numerous name changes. It has borne its current name since 2002, when it was named after its founder, the renowned Czech writer Eliška Krásnohorská.
Originally established as a secondary school for girls, GEKOM now provides education for around 420 students aged between 11 and 19. To graduate from secondary school, students must successfully complete their Maturita examinations in at least three subjects, although most students choose to take four or five.
After graduation, students are encouraged to continue their education at colleges and universities. GEKOM is proud to provide a high-quality education that enables students to develop their talents and reach their full potential. In recent years, graduates have been accepted to prestigious universities, including Yale University in Connecticut, the USA, and Sciences Po in Dijon, France.
Over the years, many GEKOM graduates have achieved national and international success in a wide range of fields, including the arts, Olympic sports, science, business and medicine. Perhaps the most famous alumna is Milena Jesenská, a renowned writer, journalist, translator and political activist, who was also a close friend and muse of Franz Kafka.
Teaching
The school offers a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Art, Music, Physical Education, History, Civics, Czech Language and Literature, and Modern Languages. All students study English and, from Sekunda (Year 7), choose between German and French. The Maturita examinations include compulsory exams in Czech, Mathematics (a national test) and a foreign language. By graduation, many students reach a high level of proficiency in English (B2 or higher), while typically achieving an intermediate level (B1) in French or German.
Projects are an integral part of the school’s educational approach. A particular highlight is the annual environmental research project organised by the Biology Department, alongside project days focusing on Humanities and Languages. Each year, students in the first and second years of upper-secondary education also take part in field trips centred on either the Humanities or Natural Sciences.
Extracurricular activities
Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities. They can join the school choir or form their own bands. Many talented young artists also have the opportunity to exhibit their work at prestigious venues across Prague, supported and encouraged by our dedicated art teachers.
Our students also excel in competitive sports, including swimming, orienteering, curling, ice hockey, football and figure skating.
Students are also the driving force behind the school’s annual One World film festival. The film screenings are accompanied by workshops and discussions, with each year’s programme focusing on a major global issue, such as the environment, climate change, wars and conflicts, or education.
The students take responsibility for organising the entire festival. They find sponsors, select and schedule the films and workshops, and create the programme, ensuring that every aspect of the three-day event runs smoothly. Through this experience, they develop a wide range of valuable transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, organisation, problem-solving and project management.
Contacts and Management Structure
School Contact
Employee email: surname@gekom.cz
School Management
Deputy Headteacher: Martin Mejzr - Biology, Physical Education
Departments
Filip Dusek - Czech Language and Literature, Civics, Financial Literacy
Natalie Dunnova - English Language
David Stanek - History, Civics
Blanka Peskova - Mathematics, Physics
Alena Volfova - Mathematics, Biology
Jakub Fajfr - Maths, Physical Education
Jana Moravcova - German, Physical Education
International Cooperation and Erasmus+