Imagine standing where an elementary school once stood. It was destroyed in 1943 during Operation Gomorrah. Today stands the Sankt-Ansgar-Schule. This private secondary school has a rich history and a strong commitment to its students.
The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule’s story began in 1946. The Society of Jesus founded it as a school for boys. It was the only one of its kind in Hamburg at the time. The school is named after Saint Ansgar. He Christianized Northern Germany in the 9th century.
The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule motto is meaningful. It says: bonitatem et disciplinam et scientiam doce me domine. This is engraved above the main entrance. It translates to: Lord teach me goodness discipline and knowledge.
In 1978 the school became co-educational. The Jesuits stopped running the school in 1993. The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule still follows the order’s rules for education. Now the Archbishopric of Hamburg runs the school.
The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule’s location is ideal. It is in Hamburg’s Borgfelde district. It is near the city center and the Alster lake. The Altbau is the old building. It was built in 1952 and 1953. Gerhard Kamps was the architect. Since 1968 it has been a protected cultural landmark. An extension was built in 1970 and 1971. It runs alongside Alfredstraße. Six new classrooms and an elevator were added in 2010.
The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule’s educational approach is unique. It is based on the teachings of Ignatius of Loyola. He founded the Society of Jesus. His Ratio Studiorum of 1598 provides the basis for Ignatian pedagogy. It emphasizes altruism justice and self-reflection.
The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule follows Hamburg’s rules for public schools. Catholic religion is a required subject. However evolution is taught in biology not creationism. The school aims to provide a well-rounded education.
Many notable people have attended the Sankt-Ansgar-Schule. These include Ansgar Beckermann and Brun-Otto Bryde. Milka Loff Fernandes and Godehard Giese also went here. Klaus Grawe Iveta Mukuchyan and Alexander-Martin Sardina are alumni too. Christoph de Vries and Michael Weikath are other notable graduates.
The Sankt-Ansgar-Schule stands as a testament to Hamburg’s history. From its humble beginnings after World War II to its current status it has shaped countless lives. Its commitment to Jesuit values makes it a special place of learning.