2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 43
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
“It’s a bit more human and personal,” principal Jørn Warm says about the school’s approach to teaching. “We believe that if our pupils trust our teachers, it creates a better learning environment.”
proach to learning, which combines the best from both cultures. “The fact that we have one leg on each side of the border, so to speak, is something that appeals to both Danish and German students and parents. The Danish parents appreciate that we have a bit more structure and thus expect a bit more from our students than many regular Danish schools, while the Germans like the fact that our approach to learning is slightly more down to earth – I don’t expect the kids to call me Mr Warm,” laughs Warm and adds: “It’s a bit more human and personal. We believe that if our pupils trust our teachers, it creates a better learning environment.” Whereas Danish pupils get a state subsidy to help pay for their stay at an efterskole German pupils do not. Therefore Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev has had to keep its fees down and has thus become one of the cheapest efterskoler in Denmark. The low fees are made possible partly because the school owns its own buildings and because it is, as an old, established institution, very stable financially. Sleeping in – learning more While most parents appreciate Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev’s academic
standards, structured learning environment and economic stability, students might be just as (or more) impressed by its many variations of sports and art – and the corresponding programmes. Among the school’s most popular activities is the yearly musical performance in which all students takes part on stage or backstage, as well as the oneweek ski trip to the Alps in January.
crease in their need for painkillers for morning headaches,” Warm points out. Sleeping in and mastering a language by chatting to your new friends – indeed, it is no wonder the school has become so popular that there is now a waiting list to get in. Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev is located a 30-minute drive from Flensburg/Germany and a 10-minute walk from Tinglev train station, which offers direct trains to cities all over Denmark and easy train and bus connections to Germany. Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev has approximately 100 pupils.
And, then there is the one feature that is likely to be a hit with almost every teenager on the planet: the school’s new late start policy. Instead of rolling straight out of bed and into the classroom, the students get up, take part in a physical activity of their choice, and have their breakfast before starting school. “Last year we decided to postpone the first lecture of the day an hour so that students start at 9.20am. It’s been a tremendous success, and we’ve seen a great increase in the students’ attentiveness as well as a de-
All teachers teach in their native language. The school offers a range of creative and sports programmes including: Handball, Zumba, Volleyball, Horseriding, Mountain Biking, Football, Show Choir, Band, Art, Design, Joinery, and Lego Mindstorm.
For more information, please visit: www.nachschule.dk
Issue 71 | December 2014 | 43