Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
Students in a global world “My absolute favourite thing is to enter a classroom and see children from all walks of life, from very different cultural backgrounds, coming together and mixing in this one little space in Denmark,” says Jenny Rohd-Thomsen, head of the international department at Skipper Clement School, the oldest international school in Jutland. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Skipper Clement School
Founded in 2001 to cater for the children of international employees in the popular business region around Aalborg, the international school was joined together with the well-established Danish private school Skipper Clement ten years ago. The move proved a great success, helping the assimilation of international students into Danish society, and provid-
ing Danish pupils with the opportunity to gain an international outlook and understanding through a Danish tenth-grade Euro Classes course. “Our absolute priority is to ensure that all our students are well-equipped for their future, whether in Denmark or abroad,” Rohd-Thomsen says. Secondary students in the international branch follow the English language Cambridge International Examinations and IGCSE syllabuses alongside governmentcertified Danish lessons. Long-term students become fluent in both languages and confident in third and fourth languages, usually Spanish and German taught by native speakers. Alternatively,
students can opt for independent study of their mother-tongue language. In addition to teaching traditional subjects, the school is keen for students to adopt a modern, well-rounded attitude to the ever-evolving world in which they live, brought to life through subjects such as information technology, physical and mental health and European studies. Extracurricular activities and several national and international trips help cement the international and social understanding at the heart of the school. “It’s really moving to see children from many different backgrounds and cultures just living and working together in happiness and harmony,” Rohd-Thomsen concludes. “You can’t help thinking that this is how the world should be.” For more information, please visit: www.aais.dk