Why is the Overberg-Kolleg named after a theologian? It is a fair question. The Overberg-Kolleg in Münster is a unique place. It offers adults a second chance to gain their Abitur. The school is named after Bernhard Heinrich Overberg. He was a famous Catholic theologian and pedagogue.
The Kolleg was founded on October 1, 1960. Bishop Michael Keller established it. Initially, it started with only 25 students. They were housed in the Collegium Ludgerianum. This was located at Kardinal-von-Galen-Ring 45. In 1964, the Kolleg moved to Fliednerstraße. Friedhelm Wacker became the new headmaster.
Today, the Overberg-Kolleg has about 350 students and 37 teachers. This makes it one of the smaller Kollegs in Germany. The school year is divided into six semesters over three years. The Kolleg offers a range of subjects. These include German, Mathematics, Biology, and History. These are offered as fixed advanced courses. To graduate, students must study two foreign languages. Latin and French are offered. Students must study one foreign language throughout all six semesters.
The Kolleg is divided into two phases. The first two semesters are an introductory phase. The following four semesters are a qualification phase. Students can earn different qualifications. After the second semester, they can get a Fachoberschulreife. After the fourth semester, they can achieve a Fachhochschulreife. The Abitur, or general higher education entrance qualification, is usually obtained after the sixth semester.
Financial support is available. Students can apply for BAföG. This is independent of their parents’ income. The money does not have to be paid back after graduation.
The Overberg-Kolleg is innovative. Since the school year 2024 and 2025, it offers an online Abitur program. This is unique in Germany for schools of the second educational pathway. Headmaster Ansgar Heskamp and his team created this integrated learning model. It combines the benefits of online and in-person learning. Students attend classes on-site three days a week. They learn from home two days a week. Heskamp believes this meets the needs of today’s students.
The Overberg-Kolleg supports sustainable development. Since 2019, it has been an explicit part of the school’s development goals. The Kolleg offers a BNE project course. BNE stands for Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung. This translates to Education for Sustainable Development. Students engage with sustainability and global networks. They aim to contribute responsibly to the economy, society, and politics.
The Kolleg also engages in fair trade. It participates in the NRW “School of the Future” program. It is involved in activities related to the Münster-Monastir climate partnership. The Overberg-Kolleg creates a learning environment. It strengthens skills and contributes to a sustainable social transformation.
Many people have walked through the doors of Overberg-Kolleg. Ulrich Boom became Auxiliary Bishop in Würzburg. Andre Kramer is now a comedian, author, and cabaret artist. Heinrich von der Haar became a writer. The Overberg-Kolleg continues to shape futures. It adapts to meet the changing needs of its students. It remains a vital institution in Münster’s educational landscape.