EL RAMIRO CUANDO NACIMOS - 1946

THE "RAMIRO DE MAEZTU" SECUNDARY EDUCATION 
C  E  N  T  R E

EL RAMIRO. VISTA PANORÁMICA

  SITUATION

The "Ramiro de Maeztu" Secundary Education Centre rises in one of the most beautiful parts of Madrid, between the Avenida del Generalísimo and the Calle de Serrano, overlooking the new Ministries building and the large square before it, and facing the magnificent Guadarrama sierra in the distance.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION

The Centre comprises five large buildings: the Secundary School, the "Generalísimo Franco" Boarding House, the Hispano-Moroccan Boarding School, the Preparatory School, and the Workshops.

The last-named is an entirely new building raised since the end of the civil war.

The Secundary School has been enlarged by the addition of an extra storey and considerably improved. The same has been done in both the Boarding-House and the Preparatory School. The whole of the Centre has been urbanized under the direction of the architect don Eugenio Sánchez Lozano.

The Centre received its new name at the end of the Glorious National Movement, in honor of Ramiro de Maeztu, the great writer who gave his life for God and Spain. In the entrance hall, there is a plaque to his memory, with the Latin inscription "Preclaro Hispanitatis Legato ac Patriae martyri Ramiro a Maeztu cuius eximium nomen tanquam nobilisimum humanitatis titulum Gymnasium nostrum exhibere gloriatur".

ENTRADA PRINCIPAL AL INSTITUTO

 

--> The Secundary School has twenty-two classrooms, thoroughly up-to- date laboratories of Physical, Chemical, and Natural Sciences; two studios; a Religious Museum; two Seminaries: one for Mathematics and the other for Philosophy; a small Observatory; a Music Room; a splendid Theatre and a School Library. Two Museums: 

UN AULA

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one classical and the other historical.

Although this Centre actually belongs to the State, it is under the inmediate direction of the Higher Council for Scientific Research and connected with the "San José de Calasanz" Institute of Pedagogy. This gives it a certain authonomy for experimenting with new pedagogical methods which, once their effectiveness is established, are to be diffused through all the other Secundary Schools in Spain.

LA ESTATUA DE FRANCO

 

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Presiding over the main entrance to the Centre rises an equestrian statue of Generalísimo Franco, who is thus honoured as the great renovator of Spanish culture. This bronze statue, the work of señor Orduna, shows His Excellency in an attitude of repose, as though to present his serene figure as the symbol of peace and security in the destiny of Spain.

The main entrance to the Centre is in the Calle de Serrano. A broad

ENTRADA DE LA CALLE DE SERRANO

 

-->drive bordered by leafy black poplars, leads to the buildings. To one side of it is the sports ground with its large stand decorated with six sporting statues also by señor Orduna. In front of the stand is a reproduction of Myron's Discobolus representing classical physical training, with the following inscription in Greek dystichs in the base:

 ΕΙ ΘΕΛΕΤ ΑΘΛΕΥΕΙΝ ΑΘΛΗΤΗΡ ΩΣΤΕ ΜΥΡΩΝΩΣ

ΠΡΟΣ ΔΥΝΑΜΙΝ  ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟΣ ΒΑΛΛΕΤΕ ΔΥΣΚΟΝ ΕΥ

A playground for the younger pupils is provided with swings and roundabouts and other amusements and appliances in which the little ones delight in their playtime. At the entrance to this playground stands a Minerva symbolizing intellectual training, with a legend in Latin hexameters, as follows:

OVAS VETERES ARTES DOCUIT PRO PACE MINERVA

NUNC PUERIS LECTIS VICTRIX HISPANIA MONSTRAT

PARQUE INFANTIL

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At the end of the drive is a small, flowered space, in the middle of which rises an inmense wrought-iron Cross in the Andalusian style, extending its arms as the supreme religious symbol of the Centre. This cross, which is a real work of art, was made in señor Tablate's art workshops in Madrid.

In another avenue is a stone statue of the Virgin of the Pillar, representing the firmness of the Spanish race's Faith, and its love of Our Lady.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

The Centre's religious life embraces two sets of activities:

a)     religious training

b)    religious culture

For the religious training of its inmates the Centre enjoys the services of a Spiritual Director and an Assistant, both of whom are appointed by the Bishop of Madrid-Alcalá and, in accordance with the rules laid down by the Holy See, have no connection whatever with the didactic work of the Religion Masters.

CRUZ DE HIERRO

 

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In addition, to attending the celebrations of the solemn religious Feasts, the pupils make a retreat every year, and, at the end of the school year, they walk on the Procession in honour of Our Lady, the Patron Saint of the Centre, through the streets adjoining the precincts. Every year, too, a Feast is held on the occasion of the First Communion of children in the Preparatory School, with the attendance of the whole Staff and the children's parents. For the present school year onwards, all the religious ceremonies and services will be conducted in the new Church of the Holy Ghost.

MUSEO RELIGIOSO

 

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For the work of religious culture, the School has its Religious Museum, an entirely original feature, the object of which is to help in completing the religious training of pupils by engraving on their minds through visual means the most outstanding facts in the Passion and Life of Our Lord and the History of the Church. The Museum is decorated with large canvases painted by señor Cobos, after a careful study of the relevant scenes and maps.

In the Museum there are also models of the most remarkable churches and a marvellous collection of relics and objects from holy places. Other wall-paintings are to be added later on; one series will represent subjects of the Old Testament, and another, from the Liturgy, Mariology, and the Mission Field. The pictures of the Life of Christ will ultimately be completed by a Clock of Our Lord's Passion.

INTELLECTUAL LIFE

The intellectual life of a model School must be eminently practical in every possible aspect and therefore requires the installation of properly equipped seminaries, museums and laboratories. For this purpose, the "Ramiro de Maeztu" Secondary School has set up two Seminaries: one for Mathematics and one for Philosophy; three Laboratories for Physical, Chemical and Natural Sciences, and a small Observatory, in addition to a Circulating Library for the pupils.

MURAL EN EL SEMINARIO DE MATEMÁTICAS

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The Mathematics Seminary is installed on the same lines as the Religious Museum. The History of Mathematics is depicted in marvellously-coloured mural paintings, which faithfully interpret the various periods and moments in the discovery of the basic laws of this branch of science, as well as its inmortal exponents. A number of apparatus, bodies and models complete the outfit. The paintings in this hall, as in the Religious Museum, are the work of señor Cobos. In the Philosophy Seminary, classes in this subject are given, and psycotechnical tests as well as other exercises, are carried out.

LABORATORIO DE CIENCIAS NATURALES

 

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The Laboratories are aquipped with the most modern material, in sufficient abundance to enable each pupil to have his own outfit for individual work. The Natural Sciences Laboratory is decorated with an interesting flora and bestiary by the young artist, don Carlos Aragoneses, an Art Master in the School. There are also some speciments of birds and mammals stuffed by the brothers Benedito.

AESTHETIC TRAINING

EL CINE

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For the aesthetic training of pupils, the School has a Music Room, a Theatre, and two Studios.

The Music Room is used for concerts and for the lectures on music given to the older pupils. These lectures usually deal with the lives and sources of inspiration of great musicians and are followed by interpretations of the works mentioned by the speakers. The Room is furnished with two grand pianos, a full set of music-stands, a collection of records, a small musical library containing musical scores and books on music, and an interesting collection of string instruments: violins, violas, cellos, guitars, etc. for the future School Orchestra. The musical side is directed by the well-known musician, señor Querol,  who is a member of the School Staff.

The theatre has an auditorium of 1,200 seats, on two floors, and is used not...........................................................................................................

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was introduced. Seventh year pupils toured Portugal from north to south, and that journey furnished an occasion for a cordial display of affection and sympathy between the two sister-countries.

MEDICAL SERVICE

The Centre has a Medical service, with three doctors, a dentist and a nurse, who have at their disposal a clinic, an operating-theatre, an X-rays outfit, a dentist's outfit, ultra-violet rays equipment, low-frequency appliances, and a laboratory. These services are at the disposal of all pupils equally, and arrangements are also made for medical attendance at home, when desired.

SERVICIO MÉDICO: SALA DE RECONOCIMIENTOS

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MANUAL WORK

Workshops serve to complete the pupils training and educate their wills by the practice of order and discipline. The Ramiro de Maeztu School workshops comprise several sections: motoring, metalo technics, carpentry, bookbinding, printing, model aircraft making, trasmissions, and photography. Manual labour in the various sections is obligatory for all pupils, and marks are given not so much for skill as for diligence. These workshops furnish opportunities for practical training for life. Some of the work done in them is of such excellent quality that, for instance, some of te model  -->aircraft made by pupils have been good enough to be shown at the national contests held in the Military School at the Cerro del Telégrafo and even to win prizes. These models are now exhibited with legitimate pride in the School itself.

EDIFICIO DE TALLERES

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EXHIBITIONS

Every year, an exhibition of the pupils' work is held for the purpose of surveying that work as a whole, apraising collective results, correcting defects and deficiencies and stimulating future efforts. On the other hand,  these exhibitions encourage the pupils and enable parents to know their children's faculties and see how they compare with those of other boys.

The first of these exhibitions was held at the end of the 1940-41 school year, when the Centre had begun to function normally. It was opened by the Minister of National Education, señor Ibáñez Martín, and was visited by many people during several days. The next one, at the end of the following year, was specially interesting as, in addition to the pupils' work, the plans for the chapel, the Cross, the statue of General Franco, etc., were shown, and also because it was opened by H.I.H. the Caliph of Morocco who was accompanied by a party of Muslim Notables from the Spain Protectorate and by the Minister of National Education.

TALLER DE AEROMODELISMO

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In the year 1942-43, the Department of Secondary Education organized an exhibition of work done by pupils in schools all over Spain. At this, the National prize was won by the "Ramiro de Maeztu" School.

In the years 1943-44 and 1944-45, exhibitions were held as usual but, in addition to individual displays, various joint exhibits were arranged.

TYPEWRITING

Typewriting is also taught and there is a special classroom with twenty typewriters for the pupil's use.

 BOARDING-HOUSES

The Spanish-Moroccan Boarding-School has been functioning in connection with the Centre ever since its foundation. In 1940, H.H. Muley el Mehdi, the son of the Caliph, entered as a pupil and followed the lessons together with Spanish pupils passing out in June 1946. The Caliph''s other son, H.H. Muley Ismael also completed his Secundary Education in this Boarding School. In addition, the sons of many Moorish Notables have been among the pupils, including those of Ahmed Selui, Taie, Rasuni, DrisBen laich, Abdesadak Ben Charrat, Bussian Amaruchen, the Saenhyi, and the Afailal. This companionship between Spanish and Moorish boys has led to the formation of sincere friendships between some of them.

EL CALIFA DE MARRUECOS VISITA EL HISPANO-MARROQUÍ

 

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Preference for admittance to the Boarding-School is given to the sons of Spanish parents residing in Africa, who are thus in a majority.

RESIDENCIA "GENERALÍSIMO FRANCO"

 

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On the other hand the "Generalísimo Franco" Boarding-House can take a hundred and twenty pupils and is provided with every modern comfort. In accordance with the rules of the Centre, the boarders are selected from among the pupils who give proof of the greatest intellectual and moral worth, after careful and judicious tests.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The Selection of pupils begins in the Preparatory School. In this establishment, elementary education is given only to such boys who show proof of being sufficiently fitted, intelectually and morally, to receive, and benefit by, Secundary Education later on.

The Preparatory School is now functioning in a splendid building: cheerful, light, and airy; while classes can also be taken in the open air, thanks to an ingenious arrangement of sliding glass doors. The School comprises twelve grades, arranged in a triparallel system. Pupils are put into de "A", "B", or "C" classes according to their proved intellectual coefficient after psycho-physiological tests carried out on each one of them on each one of them; and in the first, second or third grade, according to age.

The dossier of each pupil furnishes a valuable guide for "placing" him and advising him on his future course.

LA "PREPA"

 

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In keeping with the Official Rules and with the ages of the pupils entered, the teaching aims primordially at giving them a thorought early training and to instil into them active social habits. This latter aspect is especially cared for, and the school enforces the use of the Savings Bank, Insurances and Mutual Benefit Societies.

Religious training is de foundation on which the whole system rests, and the School's chaplains and spiritual directors are specialists in the art of instructing and guiding young children. Religious exercises complete the pupils school work.

Physical training is provided, not only by insistence on the practice of cleanliness, but also by suitable games and exercises. The children's playground, country-walks an educational school dining-room, swimming-pools, the gymnasium, etc., are the material instruments for the completion of this education. The School Doctor and his assistants watch over the pupils health and physical development keeping a careful record of every one of them under these headings.

In short: the Preparatory School is a valuable institution for the training and teaching of small boys, with a whole series of modern techniques for selection and tuition, establishing perfect continuity and linking-up with the Secundary School.

A certain number of pupils are admitted free of charge, but thsi fact is known only to the authorities and to the parents of the boys concerned, and this youngsters are on a footing of absolute equality with all the others in matters of clothing, food, school books, etc., games, travelling and excursions, all of which are also provided to them free of charge.

RELATIONS WITH

THE PUPILS' HOMES

Better results are obtained in education when there is a close and intelligent relation between the school and the pupil's homes.

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LA SECRETARÍA

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For this purpose, not only are writen reports sent to parents or guardians, but the latter are expected to visit the Form Master or the Rectors of the Boarding Houses periodically for further information and exchange of ideas.

Parents and guardians are urgently begged not to reglect this obligation, or to leave it for the end of the school year, which would rob their children of some of the benefit of their education.

SAVINGS

Another feature of the training given by the "Ramiro de Maeztu" School is the effort made to cultivate in the pupils a spirit of thrift and management, and, for this, all of them are expected to join the Savings Section which has been established in connection with the Madrid Savings Bank. Every pupil is given a Savings Bank Book on entering the School, and withdraws his deposits on passing out.

Pupìls are expected to pay in a small amount monthly and the Centre deposits as much again, so as to encourage them. The sums thus saved are used by the pupils to defray the expenses of the excursion with which "passing-out" is celebrated, and to pay for the other items in their later schooling.

TRANSPORTS

For the convenience and safety of pupils, there is a service of busus to and from their homes in Madrid.

TEACHING STAFF

SALA DE PROFESORES

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The teaching Staff of the "Ramiro de Maeztu" Centre numbers sixty. There is a radio set for the pupils' entertaiment during breaks and also for giving orders in the grounds, by means of suitable-placed loud speakers. There are also megaphons with their corresponding microphones indoors.

FINALIZA EL CURSO: ¡A LA PISCINA!