Beneath Amsterdam’s skyline stands Hervormd Lyceum West. This school embodies a commitment to education. Hervormd Lyceum West is more than classrooms and hallways. It represents growth and transformation.
Hervormd Lyceum West was in an outdated building. This building dated back to 1963. The architect Frans ten Tex designed it. An increasing student population meant the school needed more space. About 3000 m2 of additional classrooms were needed. The existing building also needed some renovation. The reconstruction needed to embody the school’s beliefs. This successful school sees immigrant students achieve above-average academic results.
In 2005, a transformation occurred. Tangram Architecten renovated and added to Hervormd Lyceum West. The highest part of the old building was reorganized. The old gymnasium floor was removed. This created a majestic auditorium. It became the new heart of the school. The library moved to the upper floors. The spacious entrance hall provides access to both the old and new wings. Two new gymnasiums were stacked on the easternmost part of the location. They face the busy Johan Huizingalaan.
Color and light became architectural elements. They express openness and self-awareness. They show optimism and the desire to be seen. The original building was renovated and opened up. The inward-looking atmosphere was replaced. Openness and transparency were the goals. Glass, light, and color in the facade connect interior and exterior. The gardens and squares became part of the interior. Transparent colored light planes mark routes and spaces. This concept extended to the old building. It created a strong relationship between old and new construction. Hervormd Lyceum West won BNA Best Building of the Year in 2007. It was also nominated for a prize for school buildings in 2006.
Today, Hervormd Lyceum West serves many students. In 2023, the school had 807 students. The school offers Vwo, Havo, and Vmbo-theoretisch education. Most students live in the Nieuw-West district.
The school embraces modern learning. HLW uses blended learning. Students work with books and laptops. Every student must have a laptop. The school strives to develop involved global citizens. Hervormd Lyceum West wants students to understand the importance of collaboration.
Hervormd Lyceum West creates plans and ideas together. The school provides a clear educational structure. It provides intensive guidance. The school wants students to feel supported. The Nuffic visited the TTO-afdeling. They decided that Hervormd Lyceum West may continue to be a TTO juniorschool. Hervormd Lyceum West invites prospective students to open evenings. These take place on January 28 and 29, 2025. An information evening for bilingual education will be held on February 13, 2025.
So, as you stand before Hervormd Lyceum West, remember its story. It is a story of transformation. It is a story of academic excellence and community. It’s a story of light and color. It’s a testament to what a school can achieve.