2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 45
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
pability skills – the solid academic competence, personal leadership, social competence. Before the school year begins, each student has to write down a series of goals – personal, social and academic – that they aim to achieve during their stay at the school. “We want to help the students to find out who they are and what strengths they posses by giving them the right tools, so they can navigate in the context and the world they are a part of. They should reach the academic goals they set, but it is just as important that we help them reach their goals for personal leadership and social skills. We are aware that people often get hired based on skills and fired because of personality,” says Nicolai Moltke-Leth. To ensure this development, True North Efterskole has created a mandatory subject called UP – Unlocking Potential. Throughout 180 lessons a year the students learn life proficiency skills, that they will able to use for the rest of their life. “Our hope is that the students after a year at our school become aware of their strengths and potential and how to get most out of it, because as the Greek philosopher Aristotle so rightfully said: ‘where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation’.” For more information, please visit: www.truenorthefterskole.dk
Unlocking Potential (UP) This subject is the signature of the school. This is where True North works ambitiously with developing the students’ personal leadership and their social skills. It is an important subject in terms of creating well-educated individuals in the 21st century. This is the place where True North helps students to achieve skills they will be able to use for the rest of their life. The UP programme is designed to ensure that you get the best opportunities to unlock your potential. The subject begins the moment you enter the school and it introduces you to five personal and social topics to build on your strengths (A Growth Mindset, How to use your brain, Change Leadership, Social Competence and Energy Management).
Challenge subjects The optional subjects are called challenge subjects and focus on experience, skills education and knowledge. Students develop their physical, creative, personal, social, emotional and intellectual learning. They advance through a process where they use all parts of their body, mind and brain in a social context and in subjects that really interest them. Challenge subjects build a bridge to UP and academic subjects. What students learn in the challenge subjects they will be able to use to advantage in the academic subjects.
At True North Efterskole students develop their physical, creative, personal, social, emotional and intellectual learning.
Issue 71 | December 2014 | 45