2_1_DiscoverGermany_May 2015_Issue26:Scan Magazine 1
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Discover Germany | Top Boarding Schools | Switzerland
Abbey school since 1120 A Christian day and boarding school, Stiftsschule Engelberg has operated under the trusteeship of the Benedictine monastery since 1120. Besides offering exceptional education, the school’s location in Switzerland’s renowned mountain resort of Engelberg offers a wide range of leisure activities and magnificent natural beauty.
90 | Issue 26 | May 2015
Above: The boarding school’s reception. Photo: Roger Landolt (top) Concert of the ‘Stiftschor‘. Photo: Markus L’Hoste (middle) Photo: Roger Landolt (right)
TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES
Nestled in the middle of unspoilt Alpine scenery near Lucerne, the Stiftsschule Engelberg offers a wide range of sport and leisure activities, such as hiking, skiing or golfing. However, it isn’t just the spectacular surroundings that draw students to this school. The boarding school itself is a prime example of historic architecture, as the white monastery building boast impressive stucco decorations and its homely atmosphere is contained within numerous single rooms for boarders with modern facilities. An excellent infrastructure for sports include sports halls, a climbing wall, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness room, sports grounds and a tennis court. Drama courses in a dedicated theatre hall, music and vocal ensembles, as well as musical instrument lessons are also on offer. Just as the Benedictine monasteries coined education and culture in Europe, Stiftss-
Main image: Markus L‘Hoste
chule Engelberg is constantly developing its educational programme so that students are prepared to actively take part in shaping the development of this world. Offering an exceptional education, students attain the dual qualification of a bilingual (German and English) Swiss Matura as well as the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB). “As a small school (130 students, 60 boarders) we are able to individually support our students. A clear daily structure with a good rhythm of fixed work and leisure time gives freedom in which students can do their best. The school’s pastoral care supports and helps students, as well as teachers, with personal questions or decisions. Furthermore, we put special emphasis on collective celebrations and culture,” explains Pater
Guido Muff, member of the school pastoral team.“We are committed to the Christian-humanistic anthropology and consider ourselves a temporary learning and living community. We believe that education and upbringing form a whole, which is more than a mere qualification,“ he adds. Stiftsschule Engelberg encourages students to develop into self-confident, socially competent, value-orientated and independent personalities.“They are expected to learn to constructively deal with their weaknesses and use their strengths and skills for the good of the community,“ Pater Guido Muff says. A glance at the boarding school’s alumni page is proof that the school fosters individual talents while leading students to a successful future. www.stiftsschule-engelberg.ch