A silent guardian stands here. It watches over the students of the Elsa-Brändström-Schule. This is no ordinary school. It has a unique story to tell.
The Elsa-Brändström-Schule began in 1954. It started as part of the Wilhelm-Raabe-Schule. Rising student numbers caused the split. The Elsa-Brändström-Schule got its own building in 1963. It stands on what was once Elkartallee. Today, it is Hilde-Schneider-Allee.
Originally, it was a girls’ school. About 850 students attended. In 1971, the school changed. Boys were admitted for the first time. It became a coeducational school.
In 2009, the Elsa-Brändström-Schule faced a challenge. The building needed extensive renovations. For 18 months, the school moved. It found a temporary home in the former Pedagogical University. In 2010, students and teachers returned to the renovated building.
The Elsa-Brändström-Schule has had several leaders. Luise Thiede was the first, from 1954 to 1962. Ilse Wehl followed from 1963 to 1972. Gisela Steinbrück led from 1972 to 1987. Brigitte Netzel was head from 1988 to 2004. Thomas Seidel-Becker took over from 2004 to 2017. Since 2017, Annette Wullstein has been the school’s director.
Student and teacher numbers have changed over the years. The move to coeducation and changes in the school system affected enrollment.
The school’s motto is “Values-Knowledge-Development”. Students can learn many languages. English and French are offered from 5th grade. Later, students can choose Latin, French, or Spanish. Spanish can also be chosen as a third language. Art is taught bilingually in 7th grade. Geography is taught bilingually in 8th grade. Students can earn French and Spanish language diplomas.
The Elsa-Brändström-Schule has modern facilities. A cafeteria was added in 2010. There are two computer rooms. The schoolyard has a small amphitheater. The Aula hosts concerts and theater performances. It is about 500 square meters.
Many activities are available. There is a theater club, a choir, and an orchestra. A circus club also exists. The robotics club teaches programming skills. Students can participate in competitions. The ski club offers trips to Switzerland.
The school also provides support systems. Conflict mediators help students resolve disputes. Tutors from 8th grade assist 5th graders. Teachers act as tutors in 11th grade. They guide students until graduation.
Exchange programs are popular. Students visit Spain and France. They can also spend a week in London. Class trips take place in Germany. Study trips abroad are offered in 12th grade.
Werner Dierschke designed the school building. He also designed the nearby Bugenhagen Church. The Pausenhalle serves as a central meeting place. It is a square space supported by pillars. Classrooms have small gardens for outdoor lessons.
A sculpture called “Taseo” stands in front of the school. Ludwig Gabriel Schrieber created it. It is a symbol of the school. It shows women holding hands. The school was renovated in 2010 for 10.8 million euros. It includes 28 classrooms and 16 specialized rooms.
In 2002, a new upper school section was added. It has classrooms, a library, and a teacher’s room. Henning von Burgsdorff funded it. The student toilets are designed like a lounge. Art students designed them.
The school has strong partnerships. The Friends of Elsa-Brändström-Schule supports the school. It helps with projects and provides equipment. The school also works with Leibniz University Hannover. They cooperate in sports, biology, physics, and geography.
Since 2012, the Elsa-Brändström-Schule supports the Otjomuise Project School in Namibia. Graduates can leave their mark on the “Wall of Fame”.
Giovanni di Lorenzo’s first love was a student here. The Elsa-Brändström-Schule is more than just a school. It is a place of learning, community, and history.