- A multitude of kids and young individuals commence their fresh academic journey.
After a six-week-long break, tens of thousands of young individuals in Hamburg have commenced their new academic year. Over 272,970 students are anticipated in the 2024/25 scholastic year, marking a 2.5% rise from the previous year and the highest number ever, as stated by the Hamburg educational board. This year, more than a quarter of a million students, specifically 252,270, will be attending public schools.
The surge in student population at the 476 schools has also led to an increased demand for educators. The total number of teaching positions has swelled by 303 to reach 15,911. According to the statistics, 5,341 positions are allotted for elementary schools (an addition of 76), 838 for special schools (an increase of 37), 5,696 for comprehensive schools (with an addition of 119), and 4,036 for grammar schools (an increase of 71). The number of pedagogical-therapeutic positions has also risen by 90 to reach 2,386.
Just like every year, kindergarten and first-grade students will begin their scholastic journey a few days later. Similarly, fifth-graders, transitioning from elementary school to secondary school, will also have an extended break. The Hamburg educational board has decided to isolate these grade levels to devote exclusive attention to them and emphasize the significance of the day for the youngsters. According to the board, approximately 16,500 fifth-graders will commence school on Monday, and the majority of the around 19,800 first-graders will begin on Tuesday.
This year, Hamburg's Catholic schools have experienced a slight decline in student enrollment. The reduction of 79 students to 6,164 is primarily due to the ongoing reduction of the Niels-Stensen-Gymnasium and the comprehensive school branch of the Catholic School Harburg. As per the head of the School and Higher Education department, Christopher Haep, the long-standing Catholic School Harburg will continue to function as an elementary school on the Niels-Stensen-Gymnasium campus - offering entirely new spatial and pedagogical possibilities.
Meanwhile, the Left party in the Hamburg Parliament has voiced its demand for the benefits from the Education and Participation Package to be boosted by a Hamburg School Starter Package worth 200 euros. Sabine Boeddinghaus, the faction leader, pointed out that many children receiving basic security benefits often feel embarrassed and socially excluded on their first day of school due to their inadequate supplies. Even the most affordable school bags cost at least 100 euros. "If you add a school bag and pencil case, the money is used up before the necessary small materials can be procured," said Sabine Boeddinghaus.
The Catholic School Harburg, situated in Harburg, is experiencing a slight decrease in student enrollment, with 6,164 students this year. Despite this, as per the head of the School and Higher Education department, Christopher Haep, the long-standing Catholic School Harburg will continue to operate as an elementary school on the Niels-Stensen-Gymnasium campus, offering new spatial and pedagogical possibilities.
