Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
The school building. Photo: Søren Larsen
The Faroe Islands.
Learning about the world Herning Gymnasium is a school in Denmark with a track record of partnering with schools abroad and a strong international vision. Study trips and learning about other cultures are integral parts of the curriculum and learning objective. By Susan Hansen | Photos: Herning Gymnasium Arkiv
As the head of studies at Herning Gymnasium (equivalent to upper secondary school), Anette Pedersen, leads the school’s international strategy, and each learning team adapts it to suit science, politics and linguistics. “Each team develops an international profile, but we all play a part in defining it to make it good,” she explains. Students often partner with students from around the globe, including Germany, France, Spain, Tanzania, the United States, Lithuania and the Faroe Islands. Herning Gymnasium has a strong network and gives students the tools to engage culturally. Mastering a new language is one aspect of the international strategy and certificates in German, French and English can be obtained. “English is compulsory for a minimum of two years,” says Pedersen. “Many continue for three years, and everyone then picks an additional language – Spanish, French or German. Indepth studies with three or four languages and classic studies in Greek and Latin are offered.” 30 | Issue 97 | February 2017
The school has just hosted a language festival together with other schools, and local enterprises arranged mock job interviews in German, French, Spanish and English for student participation.
For students, the projects provide opportunities to shine in front of fellow students and teachers, and Pedersen is confident about the impact this can have. “They are given responsibilities, which they handle with excellence. Many students grow with these tasks, which is beneficial to them and the school. Being prepared to take on responsibility of such magnitude helps them integrate.” Students rafting.
Intercultural projects are key, and student-to-student partnerships may involve activities such as study trips, staying with host families, projects and tutor or student-led activities. Some students lead initiatives including Model United Nations (MUN), an educational simulation focusing on diplomacy, international relations and the United Nations. At Herning Gymnasium, MUN participation is offered to politics students, as they get to host and chair conferences with members. This year, they will attend a conference in Madrid. But learning about other countries and cultures does not necessarily involve travel. ‘Herning Gymnasium: at Home and Abroad’ is a collaboration with five other schools, and a partnership with Learn Danish, a non-governmental body supporting refugees, has been established.
Tanzania.
For more information, please visit: www.herning-gym.dk