Imagine students animatedly discussing their lessons under a distinctive glass roof. That’s a typical scene at Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium. This school isn’t just any educational institution. Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium has a rich history and a unique approach to learning.
Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium started in 1709. August der Starke founded it. He needed musically gifted boys for the Catholic church services. These boys also studied Latin and other sciences. August provided 5000 Reichstaler every year to maintain the school. Initially, eight students were taught in a building near the Schloss.
The school quickly grew. By 1741, it had six grades. In 1787, Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium moved into a new building. It shared this building with the Catholic main school.
In 1921, the Bistum Dresden-Meißen was re-established. Christian Schreiber, the first bishop, wanted to revive Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium. The school became a full gymnasium in 1928. It moved to a villa on Wiener Straße in 1930. Sadly, the Nazis closed Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium in 1939. Students had to attend state schools.
During the DDR era, reopening the school failed. However, the Kapellknabeninstitut continued. In 1990, Konrad Wagner suggested re-establishing the school to Bishop Joachim Reinelt. Former students and parents founded the Katholische Schulwerk St. Benno e. V. The bishop supported their plans. Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium reopened in 1991 with 300 students. Classes were held in two separate buildings until 1996.
A new school building opened in 1996. Günter Behnisch and Walter Bamberger designed it. The design is modern. The building quickly became famous in architectural circles. It won several awards. The glass roof is a notable feature. It slopes from the street to the top floor. The roof connects the building’s interior levels.
Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium focuses on Christian values. They emphasize personal and social growth. The school promotes responsibility and tolerance. Students learn to form their own opinions. Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium encourages independence.
Religion is important. Catholic students are taught separately from Protestant students. This separation only applies to the two weekly religion classes. Otherwise, Catholics and Protestants are mixed in classes. School services are Catholic or ecumenical. These services occur before Christmas, Epiphany and the end of the school year.
The school teaches Latin from the 5th grade. Unlike other Saxon schools, Latin is a main subject from the start. Because of this early focus, biology is limited to one hour per week in the 5th grade. History is taught in history days.
The school has a photovoltaic system. It was installed in 1996 and expanded in 2010. It can produce up to 36 kWp. This system largely covers the school’s energy needs. It saves about 21 tons of CO2 annually.
Today, Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium teaches about 735 students. Around 70 teachers work here. The school continues to uphold its values. It prepares students for the future.
As you leave Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium, consider its long journey. From its beginnings with August der Starke to its modern presence, the school has adapted and thrived. The building is a testament to architectural innovation. It is a place where tradition and modernity meet. Sankt-Benno-Gymnasium shapes young minds while honoring its past.