Origin and history
The École normale supérieure (ENS) in Paris, known as "de la rue d'Ulm", was founded in 1794 by the National Convention under the leadership of Joseph Lakanal and Garat, as part of the revolutionary educational reform. Its initial objective is to train teachers to disseminate homogeneous knowledge in the national territory, in response to the upheavals of Terror. The inaugural courses, given between January and May 1795 at the Museum of Natural History, brought together major figures such as Monge, Berthollet, or Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. This first, albeit ephemeral, experience lays the foundation for an ambitious pedagogical model, combining science and humanity.
ENS was recreated as a "normal boarding school" in 1808 by Napoleon, before being abolished in 1822 for its liberal tendencies. She was reborn in 1826 under the name of "Preparatory School", and in 1845 became finally the "High School". In 1847, she moved to the street of Ulm, in buildings designed by architect Alphonse de Gisors, on the site of an old convent. The site, expanded in 1937 with laboratories on Rue Lhomond, symbolizes the alliance between republican tradition and scientific modernity. The school, decorated with the Legion of Honour and the War Cross 1914-1918, embodies French academic excellence.
In the 20th century, ENS adapted to social and scientific developments. In 1903 she was attached to the University of Paris, and then gained her autonomy in 1953. The mix, effective in 1985 after the merger with the Sèvres ENS (founded in 1881 for girls), marks a turning point. The school is diversifying its recruitment, with competitions for preparatory classes, university students, and international selection. His former students, including 14 Nobel laureates and 11 Fields medals, illustrate his influence. Today, the ENS trains 2,700 students, including normalians, masterians and doctoral students, in 15 departments covering literature and science.
The historic campus of the rue d-Ulm, classified as a historical monument in 1994, houses renowned libraries, such as that of letters (800,000 volumes) or social sciences, heiress of the Centre for Social Documentation founded by Célestin Bouglé. The Ernests court, adorned with illustrious busts and its iconic fountain, is a place of memory. The buildings, designed for research (pastor's laboratories, Fournier frescoes), reflect the architectural and pedagogical evolution of the school. A member of the PSL University, the ENS remains a symbol of republican demand and intellectual innovation.
ENS plays a key role in international research, with partnerships such as the Institute of Advanced Studies or the Blaise-Pascal Chairs. His lectures (cycle "Ernest"), editions (Rue d的Ulm), and digital portals (Knowledge-ENS) spread knowledge beyond its walls. Despite controversies, such as the Palestine Collective case in 2011, it maintains its status as an institution of excellence. His model inspired schools abroad, such as the one in Pisa, founded in 1810. Today, ENS combines revolutionary heritage and adaptation to contemporary challenges, from parity to interdisciplinarity.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review