“Founded in 1927.” These three simple words marked the beginning of an educational journey at St. Ursula-Berufskolleg. This journey continues even now. We are standing before a building with a rich history of over 90 years.
St. Ursula-Berufskolleg is more than just a school. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Catholic education in Dusseldorf. The Erzbistum Köln oversees this school. It is committed to nurturing students. The school focuses on Christian values. It aims to develop each student’s full potential.
Let’s step back in time to the late 19th century. The area between Ritterstrasse and Eiskellerstrasse transformed. A new school building arose called “Schule an der Ritterstrasse”. Several schools merged into this new building. It boasted classrooms, offices, a gymnasium, and a drawing hall.
Initially, the Ritterschule housed the “Kindergärtnerinnen-Seminar St. Ursula”. It trained kindergarten teachers. However, in 1939, a legal prohibition forced its closure. The city then established the “Günther-Roß-Volksschule” here.
After the war in 1959, St. Ursula was reborn. It reopened as a “Frauenfachschule für Kindergärtnerinnen und Hortnerinnen der Ursulinen”. It focused on training women. These women would become kindergarten teachers and after-school caregivers. From 1946 to 1967, the “Katholische Volksschule an der Ritterstrasse” also operated here.
In 1963, a kindergarten opened near Hilarius Gilges-Platz. This kindergarten was affiliated with the Ritterstrasse school. In 1969, a significant educational reform occurred. The school transformed into a “Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik der Ursulinen”. It shifted its focus to social pedagogy.
The school continued to evolve. In 1979, the “Fachoberschule für Sozialpädagogik und Sozialarbeit, Klasse 12 B” was added. In 1982, the “Fachschule für Sonderpädagogik” followed. It now goes by “Fachschule für Heilpädagogik”.
When the Erzbistum took over the school, it was renamed “St. Ursula-Schule des Erzbistums Köln”. This name reflected the school’s affiliation with the Archdiocese. Today, St. Ursula-Berufskolleg offers various educational paths. These include childcare, health, and social services.
St. Ursula offers full-time and practice-integrated training programs. Students can pursue a two-year Fachoberschule in health and social services. They can also attend a vocational gymnasium. This leads to a general higher education entrance qualification plus certification as a state-approved educator. Moreover, St. Ursula provides specialized training in social pedagogy and curative education.
The school has a modern approach. It offers courses in healthcare, education, and social services. St. Ursula-Berufskolleg continues to uphold its mission. It provides a holistic education. It’s based on Christian values. It prepares students for meaningful careers.
As we stand here, remember the dedication. Remember the transformation that has shaped St. Ursula. It remains a vital institution in Dusseldorf. It empowers future generations. It equips them to serve their communities.