2_0_ScanMag_70_Nov_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
LEFT: Climbing on Bornholm. Former student Jesper Skau (in the back) with teacher Jacob Oddershede. MIDDLE TOP: The ‘Outdoor’ girls kayaking at Vemmingbund. MIDDLE ABOVE: Former student Lars Rossen on a wire bridge. RIGHT: ‘Aqua’ is one of the courses you can choose. Here: student Anne Jørgensen on a kneeboard.
We make learning an adventure “Everyone has at least one ‘world championship’ in them”, is the assumption at Adventure Efterskolen. Through mud, sweat and adrenaline the students get valuable experiences of success to last a lifetime. By Ann Bille Simonsen | Photos: Adventure Efterskolen
Surrounded by water and forests in southern Denmark, Adventure Efterskolen has the perfect setting for the adventurous in water sports, outdoor sports, bike racing and fitness. “The courses we offer are designed to push the student’s boundaries,” explains teacher Sally Flindt. The activities often take place outdoors, which at times can be cold, wet and muddy. “We have the most interesting nature around us – but it can be extremely demanding at times.” “You can’t be afraid of getting dirty here,” 16-year-old student Louise Vibe says. She chose the school because she was bored at her regular school, and as an active girl she was longing for something more physically and mentally challenging.
Not just teachers Besides the specific competences, such as obtaining a climbing, diving or fitness instructor certificate, the school offers the students some valuable social skills. “We teach them how to handle social conflicts and to be team players,” Flindt says, “and you get to know ‘the adults’ on another level here.” Vibe agrees: “The teachers here are not just our teachers, they are our friends too.” “You get to know your teachers on another level when you are tucked in by your German teacher, make dinner with your maths teacher and get laundry tips from your Danish teacher. That is something that divides us very much from a regular school. The teachers are our school’s greatest asset,” Flindt states.
The hidden adventure The adventures at the school lead to more than the initial adrenaline rush. “The parents are basically picking up a different person at the end of the year,” Vibe says. “Ultimately, what the students learn here is the ability to handle things themselves, and take responsibility for their own lives. And our adventure courses support that. This is where they test their boundaries, how far they can actually go, and learn their strengths,” Flindt says. “They never thought they would race 400km in a week, or live outdoors in the snow for four days – and that is where the adventure really lies – in finding out what you can master,” Flindt says enthusiastically.
For more information, please visit: www.adventure-efterskolen.dk
Issue 70 | November 2014 | 67