How do schools honor individuals? They name buildings after them. We are standing before the Hertha Firnberg Schulen f\u00fcr Wirtschaft und Tourismus. This school is more than just a building. It is a tribute to a remarkable woman.
The school carries the name of Hertha Firnberg. She was Austria’s first female Social Democratic minister. Naming the school after her reflects her commitment to education and progress. The name also symbolizes the school’s values.
Note the plural “Schulen” in the name. This is not a mistake. It signifies a union of three distinct school types. These are HLW, HLT, and HOFA, all within one building.
HLW stands for H\u00f6here Bundeslehranstalt f\u00fcr wirtschaftliche Berufe. This is a higher federal teaching institution for economic professions. HLT is H\u00f6here Lehranstalt f\u00fcr Tourismus. This is a higher education institution for tourism. HOFA means Hotelfachschule or hotel management school.
German architectural firm AMP designed this building. It was constructed by 2010. This happened during an expansion of the neighboring Bernoulligymnasium. The school has two floors and an expanded basement. The basement includes student lockers. It also provides access to the gymnasium. This is shared with the Bernoulligymnasium, along with a sports field.
Notice the large glass facades. Also look at the wide windows. These create a bright atmosphere inside. However, they can lead to high temperatures in summer. The school lacks air conditioning. Automatic blinds partially compensate for this.
Hertha Firnberg Schulen boasts several kitchens. It also features dining rooms. Students use these spaces for practical lessons. The school also provides several amenities. There is a library for quiet study. A learning zone offers collaborative space. Students can relax at the cafe. The foyer resembles a hotel lobby. A gender room hosts meetings of the Gender Steering Group.
Students can visit the foyer during breaks. Tourism classes operate a snack bar here. The school’s cafe is student-run. It provides another option for refreshments.
The school offers various educational programs. The HLT offers Marketing and Tourism Management. It also provides International Business and Tourism. The HLW includes Intercultural Competence and Economics. Students can also study Economics and Management with Responsibility. Communications and Media Design is another option. The Hotelfachschule focuses on Gastronomy Management.
Students can participate in extracurricular activities. The Gender Team promotes gender equality. Relais de la Memoire encourages remembrance. A debating club sharpens communication skills. Career coaching prepares students for their future. Student representation allows them to voice their opinions.
Hertha Firnberg Schulen emphasizes gender mainstreaming. It received the Austrian School Prize for Gender Equality in 2015. Each year, the school hosts “Gendermania.” This event showcases student projects on gender mainstreaming. It is presented in a show-like atmosphere.
The Hertha Firnberg Schulen f\u00fcr Wirtschaft und Tourismus stands as a modern educational institution. It combines various specializations under one roof. It provides a bright, collaborative learning environment. The school prepares students for diverse careers. It also promotes important social values.