This school was built in 2010. The school is located in an entirely new
area of
Copenhagen called Ørestad.
Currently the student intake is 5-9 year olds and is planning to take older students in
the
near future. They are one of the Copenhagen’s specialist
schools – the school
vision is to deliver a curriculum that is virtual and aesthetic.
There is a local library next door as
part of the premises. Orestad Gymnasium is also
next door. I was impressed with
the variety of specialist spaces such as art, music,
science, robotics
and making models.
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I was interested to find out that Denmark schools basically work in two shifts - the more
academic subjects are taken in the morning and in the afternoon they are taught by
professionals I called the "happy life teachers".
This is where the programme becomes truly personalised with students choosing from a
range of learning activities including art, dance, robotics, outdoor building and cooking -
basically following their interest and passions.
However this 'free play way" is about to change following resolution of a major dispute
between the local authorities and the teachers union. Teachers were locked out for 4
weeks! I hope that the strong focus on personalising learning, innovation and creativity
will continue as I found the students engaged, motivated and very passionate about
their learning.
