Overview
The Hogere Burgerschool (HBS) on Slingelaan in Aalten opened in 1959. The school replaced the temporary premises on Haartsestraat and from then on provided a permanent home for Christian secondary education within the municipality.
The HBS in Aalten had existed since 1955, when the first pupils moved into the building of the former Domestic Science School on Haartsestraat. Before then, pupils from Aalten seeking Christian HBS education had to travel to Arnhem or Zutphen.
Construction on Slingelaan
The new school cost approximately ƒ 1.5 million to build. A notable feature at the time was that the building stood on more than 400 concrete piles. The ground was rather marshy because the Slingebeek had once flowed through the site.
Architecture and design
The building was designed in the so-called shake-hands style: a functional, restrained architectural style combining modern materials such as concrete, natural stone and glass with traditional yellow brick.
The architects were Hendrik Geels (1903–1978) of Arnhem and Willem Hebly (1908–1996) of Aalten. Hebly had previously designed the Technical School on Ludgerstraat and the Agricultural School on Lijsterbeslaan.
The design comprised a three-storey central section, two two-storey wings set almost at right angles, and a hexagonal canteen built partly below ground level. The complex was built on a spacious plot, with bicycle sheds along the boundary.
Inside, extensive use was made of fair-faced brickwork and many floors are of slate. Parts of the concrete frame remain visible and are painted. The classrooms have steel pivot windows set in timber frames. Glass display cases were installed between the classrooms and corridors. Works of art in mosaic and relief were also added, including work by art teacher Harry Dercksen.
Extensions followed in 1971–1972, 1995–1996 and 2001–2002, each carried out with respect for the original design.
Mergers and educational reform
In 1967 the HBS merged with the MULO to form the Christelijke Scholengemeenschap Aalten (CSA). A year later, in 1968, the Mammoetwet came into force. The term HBS disappeared and was replaced by HAVO and VWO.
In 1993 the CSA merged with Aalten’s other secondary schools – Christelijke Scholengemeenschap Langenhave and the Technical School – to form Christelijk College Schaersvoorde.
Monumental status
School buildings from the post-war reconstruction period in the shake-hands style are becoming increasingly rare. The building on Slingelaan is notable because it has remained highly authentic: later alterations have barely affected the original design. It has also always retained its educational use.
In 2025, the Gelders Genootschap advised that the school building should be designated a municipal monument. On 18 September 2025, the Municipality of Aalten’s Environmental Quality Committee also issued a positive recommendation. A final decision now rests with the municipal council.
Address history
Address directory 1967
Slingelaan 28
Chr. H.B.S.
Images
