2_0_ScanMag_70_Nov_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
Aabybro tries to give its students as many different social and cultural experiences as possible, helping them develop as people and prepare for the wider world.
Individuality in the community “It’s important to keep in mind that an efterskole is not just a school, but a home,” says Thorsten Matthiesen, the principal of Aabybro Efterskole. “Of course, Aabybro teaches you traditional academic subjects and sports, but life here also gives you many broader life skills, such as communication, self-discipline and thriving within many different social groups.”
come experts in them,” Matthiesen explains; “we can offer students courses they wouldn’t usually find at school, such as skiing, science, international studies, or even trampoline and tumbling.”
By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Aabybro Efterskole
While learning the ins and outs of their subjects, students build transferable skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. Skiing majors also learn how to instruct others, for example, while students on the international line study advanced English and German, and travel to the US. All students go on at least one trip abroad to expand their cultural horizons, and the school also works with outside experts, including a top female football team. “As a school, it’s crucial we move with the times both in terms of education and facilities,” Matthiesen adds; “we want students to leave us ready both for further education and for future life in general.”
Aabybro Efterskole is a large continuation school in northern Jutland. Students are 1418 years old, and Aabybro is usually their first experience of life away from home. There is therefore a strong emphasis on community spirit to help everyone acclimatise. “We pride ourselves on being able to foster one large, harmonious social group where every student’s personality can shine through, using students’ unique backgrounds in a positive way to help them grow.” Students live together 24/7, which helps pupils form deep, strong bonds much quicker than at other types of school. Students are encouraged to form friendships across all ages and backgrounds, and every morning features an hour’s worth of
collective music, singing and games to create a friendly and inspiring atmosphere. Students also set up events ranging from harvest festivals to gala nights, and they can make use of the school’s top-class sports and technology facilities during their free time. Self-discipline and responsibility are picked up naturally both inside and outside the classroom. Everyone studies general subjects such as mathematics and Danish, and can add additional subjects of interest, but students also specialise in one or two particular skills which they develop with support from expert teachers. “Thanks to the size of the school we’re able to take some slightly less usual subjects and be-
For more information, please visit: www.aabybroefterskole.dk
Issue 70 | November 2014 | 53