INTRODUCTION
THE CERTAINTY THAT IS DANISH EDUCATION
The reasons to be thankful are numerous
By Ben Hamilton Benjamin Franklin wrote in a 1789 letter that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. But besides being surprised that his private correspondence was made public and immortalised for all to enjoy over the ensuing centuries, as an esteemed polymath he would have been enthused to know we could start adding another item to the list in the early 20th century: education.
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The Brits even cut top flight football during the great wars, but going to school? Forget about it, kiddo! You best learn your nine times tables – they could be vital for counting the number of tanks in a Panzer division – and it’s never too late for some rudimentary German. HERE TO EASE YOUR PAIN That neatly leads us to another great statesman of our time, Winston Churchill, and we’re sure that newcomers to this country would agree with his observation that education in Denmark is a “riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma”.
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Right from the off, international parents are bombarded with difficult questions, and we hope this special edition will arm you with the necessary knowledge to make them on behalf of your children, and then, as they get older, to advise them. There are forks in the road that can have a huge impact on your child’s journey from the crib to the workplace, and sometimes there is no going back. For example, as international parents, should you send your infant to an English-speaking daycare facility (PAGES 10-11), there is the danger they may
never become fully bilingual. But in an international setting they will be exposed to more diversity from an early age – a huge positive in our increasingly globalised society. Still, it is worth assessing all the pros and cons, although the incredibly cheap fees! (PAGE 6) are not to be sniffed at. At the age of five or six, your child is then faced with a choice between the free Danish public school system, or a fee-paying, but heavily state-subsidised international school (PAGES 1213).
INTRODUCTION VOCATION VS CONTINUING With their elementary schooling out of the way, your child has three choices: leave education, pursue a vocational training or continue onto gymnasium (PAGES 14-15), the upper-secondary school that will prepare them for higher learning (PAGES 16-19). In an increasingly competitive job market, choosing a vocation has an obvious appeal. But what happens if the career awakens a curiosity in a subject that can only be properly explored via higher learning. Of all the forks in the road, it is the most treacherous. But maybe it can be remedied somewhat by taking advantage of the extensive range of adult education (PAGES 20-21) Denmark has to offer. Denmark has a long tradition for lifelong learning and many Danes participate in adult education. Workplaces also expect staff to upgrade their skills through educational schemes throughout their working careers. TIME TO FLOURISH! But remember, don’t lose sight of the forest for all the trees. When you consider the high standards and enormous subsidies available to private schools, you couldn’t be in a better country, as the Danish school system is considered one of the best in the world.
ranked sixth in the World Economic Forum’s league table 2017-2018 and third in the 2020 Universitas 21 rankings following an impressive year in which it overtook the UK and the Nordic region’s top dog, Sweden, to trail only the US and Switzerland.
Higher education and training in Denmark
And when it comes to language, the options are numerous at the international schools,
We teach the love of learning As a parent, you don’t just want a school with strong academic value. You want a school that helps your child thrive in each and every way. You want a place where children from all over the world feel welcome and find new friends. A school that offers exciting after-school activities in addition to the renowned International Baccalaureate curriculum, the IB.
Join us
We are such a school. As one of the original International Baccalaureate schools, we offer your child the very best from age 3 to the IB high school diploma that gives access to outstanding universities worldwide.
cis.dk
Copenhagen International School, Levantkaj 4-14, 2150 Nordhavn
where classes are taught in English, French, Spanish, German or Japanese. For some years now, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has also been gaining ground in Danish schools, the diploma giving access to university education in Denmark and all over the world.
NEWS
FEWER GAP YEARS AND MORE COURSES Record admissions year no surprise as politicians make it easier to get a place at university
By Ayee Macaraig
A record number of nearly 70,000 students have been offered admission to higher education in 2020 – an increase partly attributed to the Coronavirus Crisis, as far fewer students are choosing to take gap years. Sabbaticals have become problematic because the number of ‘student jobs’ has fallen, whilst travelling has become far more difficult. According to Danmarks Statistik, ethnically-Danish graduates are more likely (81 percent) to go on a gap year than Danes with immigrant roots (50). Students whose parents had a higher education are more likely (64) than those with parents who left school at 16 (39 percent). GRADE AVERAGE LOWERED Some 69,529 out of 94,604 applicants were offered places at universities across the country – a 6 percent increase on last year, thanks in part to Parliament approving the creation of 5,000 extra study places in
Healthiest in world Copenhagen is the healthiest capital city in Europe, according to a study carried out by Treated.com. Finishing ahead of Vienna, Bern, Helsinki and Berlin, the Danish capital ranked second for quality of life, low CO2 emissions and numbers who walk or cycle to work, and third for the quality of its drinking water. It was also praised for spending 10.35 percent of its GDP on healthcare.
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2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the Education Ministry lowered the grade point average of many courses to allow more admissions. Four out of five students were offered the course that was their first priority, and the average student applied for 2.8 courses.
NOT ENOUGH STEM WOMEN Lederne, the trade union for business leaders, is concerned that only 33 percent of students admitted to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies were women – a “very small increase” of one percentage point.
The most popular course was education with 5,910 applicants, followed by nursing (5,112), medicine (4,462), civil engineering (3,953) and general engineering (3,674).
Thomas Christensen, the head of education at Lederne, suggests that universities and society must help strengthen women’s interest in the subject by linking it to the climate debate and emphasising aspects such as design, philosophy and sustainability.
War on landlords Students have been taking on their landlords in the aftermath of the Coronavirus Crisis with the help of the UCHF Tenants Organisation, which aims to pave the way for more transparency in the future, focusing on students who lost their jobs and could not pay rent, students who had to leave Denmark and needed their contracts cancelled, and students who weren’t refunded for losing access to communal areas.
More teens working Although the proportion of employed people aged 13-17 has decreased over the last decade – from 38.2 to 32.8 percent up until 2018 – there has been an increase since 2015, according to Danmarks Statistik. Broken down, more girls tend to have jobs (34.4 vs 31.3 percent), and west Jutland has the largest percentage (43.9) and Copenhagen the lowest (26.6).
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“We have to get rid of the notion that technical or science education is only for men. Here we have to start already in primary school with maintaining girls’ interest in STEM,” he told DR.
borg University, told DR.
BACK TO NORMAL? Meanwhile, universities are doing their best to guarantee physical attendance ahead of the new academic year.
Johan Hedegaard Jørgensen, the chair of the Danish Students’ Union, said that digital learning was not optimal and may affect the quality of teaching.
“A good study environment is important. And it is hard to imagine that you can start it without physical attendance,” Lone Vestergaard, the head of studies at Aal-
“The students have been frustrated during the corona crisis. There is no-one who benefits from sitting at home in the dorm room,” he told DR.
Fixed on big four A survey of 17,000 gymnasium graduates with an average grade score of 9.1 or above found that 30 percent applied to just four of the 900 higher education courses on offer: medicine, law, political science and psychology. In related news, Parliament has approved the removal of the education ceiling that prevented students from taking a lower or equivalent course within six years of graduating.
Distance learning issues A University of Southern Denmark study of 5,953 children and 4,955 parents in April claims that almost 20 percent of elementary pupils have difficulty with distance learning and 35 percent of parents are concerned about their children’s learning. Some 57 percent of the kids said that they did well, while 70 percent of the parents said the teachers handled the situation impressively.
Limits on the number of students in classrooms and reading areas are likely, and digital teaching will remain a key component of education.
NEWS
AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST FOR FAMILIES Copenhagen fifth in one study, while Denmark tops another By Christian Wenande There’s a good reason so many Danes return home from abroad to raise a family – and the proof could be found in two mid-January reports.
News and World Report’s ‘2020 Best Countries to Raise Kids’ rankings, Copenhagen finished fifth in the world’s most family-friendly ratings compiled by the German moving company Movinga. COUNTRY FIRST, CAPITAL FIFTH
Following on from Denmark finishing top of the US
Denmark finished ahead of Sweden, Norway, Canada, the Netherlands,
Fewer teen mums Only 409 teenagers aged 15-19 became mothers in 2018, according to Danmarks Statistisk – less than a tenth of the 4,708 who gave birth in 1973 when registration began. Furthermore, the percentage of 19-year-old mothers, and mothers aged 15-17, has climbed from 48 to 59 and fallen from 23 to 11, respectively.
Early puberty concerns Girls are entering puberty three months earlier every decade, according to a study led by Anders Juul, a senior consultant at Rigshospitalet, which started in 1977. Premature puberty increases the risk of sexual abuse, drug abuse and suicide attempts. Between 10 and 20 percent of eight-year-old girls have entered puberty.
Finland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia and Austria. Meanwhile, Copenhagen only trailed Helsinki, Quebec, Oslo and Munich in rankings that rated 150 cities. Stockholm, Reykjavik, Calgary, Montreal and Gothenburg completed the top ten.
CIS graduates celebrate In close adherence to the coronavirus distancing restrictions, CIS held graduation ceremonies in early June. Attended by the students and their closest relatives, they were live-streamed to enable their grandparents and friends to say they were “almost there”. Among the graduates CPH POST spoke to was ‘X Factor’ runner-up Benny Rosenbohm.
The only International Folk High School in Denmark Get inspiration and learn about the world at International People’s College – Den Internationale Højskole - in Helsingør. •
Pick and choose your own schedule from more than 40 different classes.
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Live with students from the whole world and get to know the world from the inside out.
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Experience a traditional Danish Folk High School where everything happens in English language.
Above average kids Copenhagen public school children are performing above the national average for the first time in history. With an average graduation score of 7.4, compared to a national average of 7.2, 15 and 16-year-olds in the capital have been improving every year since 2015. Monolingual Danish girls perform the best with 8.5, and bilingual boys the worst with 5.5.
More child diagnoses Some 14.9 percent of children have a diagnosis – up from 11.2 percent in 2012, although the numbers are similar in other countries. Better Psychiatry Association contends that a commission should be set up to investigate the rise. Most of the new diagnoses are anxiety and stress psychiatric disorders. ADHD remains the most common.
“It has been the best time of my life – no doubt about it. I experienced so many unique things that I will never forget and now I have friends from all over the world”. Sayuri, 5 months at International People´s College
“School and fun have never gone together in my mind, but at IPC they are the perfect match. I had the best time learning about all kind of things – it was so exciting, and I will never forget my time at IPC”. Emmanuel, 10 months at International People´s College
IPC.DK
NEWS
HOME OF THE CHEAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FEES IN THE WORLD Median average only a seventh of what you would pay in most Swiss establishments
By Ben Hamilton It surprises many people when they learn that the fees for Copenhagen International School are pretty much four times the amount payable for the other establishments in the capital, even though it’s often followed by the remark “But they’re the best”. And were it not for its high fees, Copenhagen could very well celebrate having the cheapest international school fees in the world, as the median average is only 4,542 US dollars, with the cheapest school only costing 3,613 – which is way below most other cities. In Switzerland, a country where the expenses are often compared to Denmark, the median is 25,630 in Zurich and 23,414 in Geneva, while China leads the way with 31,253 in Beijing and 30,046 in Shanghai. Of the 56 cities included in the International Schools Database, Copenhagen was the second cheapest, trailing only Cape Town.
Music no longer sacred An education in music is no longer accessible to all children, according to a study by the Danish School of Education at Aarhus University, which concludes that politicians need to do more to address the disparity. It would seem that music is no longer a priority. Bonding during crisis Young people really bonded during the Coronavirus Crisis, according to
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THANK YOU TO THE STATE There is a very good reason why the international schools are so cheap in Denmark, as every private school gets a state subsidy of 76 percent.
This means a child benefiting from a 3,000 dollar-a-year education is effectively getting 12,000 dollars’ worth.
a University of Copenhagen study. Young people displayed flexibility and resilience as they got creative on social media to connect with one another.
Phase 1 priority Phase 1 of Denmark’s recovery following the coronavirus lockdown involved children returning to daycare institutions and the first five grades of school on April 15. The older kids followed them in May.
Workshops for girls Young girls aged 10-14, who might feel they don’t fit in, are being encouraged to attend workshops aimed at strengthening their self-esteem and self-confidence, which are being held at various culture houses in the capital.
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In countries where prestige
Uni hits target The University of Copenhagen has achieved its goal of reducing carbon emissions from energy consumption and transport by 70 percent.
is attached to whether you were privately educated or not – in the UK, for example, it pretty much determines whether someone is upper-middle class – it is great value for money.
According to the figures, the Middle East and Africa are generally the cheapest areas in the world for international education.
University’s resurgence The University of Copenhagen has risen five spots to 76th in the QS World University Rankings, cementing its position as number one in the Nordics. The DTU ranked 103rd.
No job, no SU Many EU students in Denmark lost their Statens Uddannelsesstøtte (SU) support after losing their jobs due to the Coronavirus Crisis. Their SU is dependent on them working 10-12 hours a week.
Nursery rate hike Daycare rates for infants are expected to rise in the capital, meaning that parents of nursery kids (ages 1-3) will have to pay as much as 1,300 kroner more a month, taking the total above 3,000.
Freebies for kiddies Hundreds took advantage when Thorvaldsen’s Museum distributed free portrait modelling kits for children from its doorstep on April 1.
Don’t trust us. Trust our students. “The shop assistant doesn’t switch to english anymore.”
“I can speak Danish on the phone now.”
Annahita
“I am happier at work.”
Hugo
“I got my job because I was able to speak Danish at the interview.”
Manuela
“I feel more local.”
Siv
Emmanuelle
Don’t take our word for it If you want to learn Danish well, and fast, listen to others who have been there and have the receipts to show for it. Our Danish courses are renowned for being efficient and high quality. And no, they’re not free. But most of the people who studied with us agree: ”It’s worth it.”
studieskolen.dk
DECISIONS
INTERNATIONAL OR DANISH: THAT IS THE QUESTION
A diverse setting will broaden your child’s horizons, but at what cost to the world outside their window?
By Ben Hamilton
Our educational journeys are beset by crucial decisions: what country were we educated in – so, are our qualifications recognised in Denmark, or did we waste ten years training as an atomic physicist? – what schools did we go to, what subjects did we study, and what language were we principally educated in? FORGET THE 11-PLUS, THIS IS THE SIX-FUSS! Given that you’re reading this, we can safely assume you’ve opted on Denmark as the country to educate your children in, but the rest of the decisions are up in the air. Combining two of them – the choice of school and language – the first one comes pretty early (as young as three, although six is more typical), although it can be delayed for a while. But eventually a decision needs to be made, as
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choosing between an education at a Danishlanguage, free public school or an Englishspeaking, fee-paying international establishment will have far-reaching implications for the rest of your child’s education. DANISH EDUCATION PROS Sending your child to a Danish school will make them Danish – regardless of whether one or both of the parents are internationals. That might sound like opinionated claptrap, but the homogenous nature of the Danes comes from their upbringing. Unless they are sociopathic or chronically shy, they’ll have friends for life. Danish people are immensely tolerant because the group is only as strong as the weakest member. Sibling-like bonds are formed with classmates, and they learn to accept each other’s flaws and even like them. There’s a reason why the Danes like the Brits so much. With friends comes a strong network that they can draw on for the rest of their lives.
Most Danes tend to have children in Denmark because they enjoyed their experience so much (and because it’s mostly free!). And going to the local school on your doorstep is convenient. It gives children a sense of belonging to a community, which makes it easier to advance in that environment as an adult. Danish educations tend to be holistic, practical and strong on empathy and crafts. Your children will emerge as well-rounded and more than able at making Christmas decorations and home improvement. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROS Sending your child to an international school will make them worldly – without even leaving the country. It will expose them to unbelievable diversity, cementing an openmindedness that will stay with them forever. By the time they finish school, they’ll have an enviable network of friends and contacts all over the world.
DECISIONS The exposure to different languages, cultures, religions and nationalities will make them knowledgeable far beyond what they learn in the classroom. If your child already speaks two or three languages, the school will give them a chance to flourish. Heading to an overseas university, and potentially one of the world’s top establishments, is de rigueur at an international school. The careers advisors are highly experienced in offering advice on traversing the borders of Denmark. Overall, with the school’s autonomy as a private establishment and universally-recognised IB curriculum you can rest assured that the school will deliver the kind of education it promised – regardless of any changes to the political landscape. DANISH EDUCATION CONS Ultimately, if your child is Danish, you might feel that they have not absorbed as much of your country’s culture, idiosyncrasies and humour as you might have liked. When you look at the curriculum, you might regret its limitations and assume you’re going to carry on winning Trivial Pursuit games with the family for the rest of your life. Your child’s interests might be more predictable than eclectic – you worry how they will stand out in life. You might find that going to the local school limits their horizons, and that they are apprehensive about testing themselves in new surroundings. Their contact pool outside their neighbourhood is mostly likely limited. The Danish education system is changeable – the goal posts tend to move a lot. Whether it’s the length of the school day, the existence of homework, the syllabus or the quality of the teachers, it’s fair to say that in the ten years it takes to complete, the system barely resembles the one your child started. Overall, in a country where janteloven is still prevalent, their higher education prospects might seem a little pedestrian. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONS Despite the school’s best efforts, the students might feel a little disconnected from their local community – like all the local kids know each other, but they only have friends at school. Long-term friendships are a rarity at international schools where very few pupils last the distance as new students come and go. The upshot, of course, is that children get used to this and get to practice at being personable. Given the international background of most of their friends, many won’t remain in Denmark after graduation, which can be a painful experience. They will of course have lots of social media friends, but they might feel lonely. If they are Danish or half-Danish, going to an international school might make them feel like an outsider in their own country. This could be exacerbated when they travel to their other ‘home country’ and are again treated like they don’t belong. IN CONCLUSION We hope you don’t infer we were trying to influence you one way or the other. Ahead of you lies a difficult choice, but rest assured: sometimes either choice would have been the right one, and sometimes neither!
UNDER 6s
WHO SAID THE TWOS WERE TERRIBLE?
The daycare institutions where infants evolve into model citizens
By Stephen Gadd Pre-school education can cost an average annual salary in some countries. In London, for example, it’s not uncommon to have to pay in the region of 20 to 30,000 pounds a year, leaving many parents with no other option than staying at home to oversee the terrible twos and threes themselves, before gratefully handing their children over to the state system to take care of the fearsome fours. For many internationals, therefore, it is with unbridled joy that they learn that 70 percent of the costs of daycare are subsidised by the local municipality. Suddenly the twos and threes are more tiredout than terrible! A PROUD HISTORY Denmark has a long history of pre-school education stretching back to the 1820s, when the first schools were set up to instruct the children of working families where both parents went out to work. Initially, they were places to look after
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children but between 1850 and 1900, private educational institutions appeared that had pedagogical objectives as well. All children under the age of six are legally entitled to attend a daycare facility. This term covers institutions such as crèches, daycare institutions, nursery schools and ageintegrated institutions. The development of the child is prioritised very highly, so as well as providing a safe environment for childcare, the institutions co-operate with parents to support the development of the individual’s self-esteem. DAYCARE FACILITIES Because daycare is a legal requirement, the local authority is obliged to provide facilities for any child aged 26 weeks and up to school age. These can be organised in various ways – either as local-authority child-minding, local-authority daycare centres, independent daycare centres, private child-minding, or an approved private daycare centre. In cases where parents work far away from their home, it might be desirable for them to have their children cared for in a daycare facility under another local authority. This is also possible.
When a child is admitted to a daycare facility through local authority allocation, the local council subsidises the cost of the child’s place, and the parents make up the difference. There is also a sibling discount if more than one child in a household is in the same institution. If parents want their child to attend an approved private daycare centre, they may be able to obtain a financial subsidy to pay for the place. There is also the possibility of obtaining an aided-place subsidy if the parental income is below a certain level. CHILD-MINDING IN PRIVATE HOMES In the local-authority regime, child-minding takes place in a private home and a childminder can take care of up to five children. Children are assigned to individual childminders by the local authority. If two or more child-minders work together, they may be permitted to look after up to ten children. There are also private child-minders whose work is governed by an operating agreement between them and the local authority. The local authority subsidises the individual child and supervises the scheme. DAYCARE CENTRES These are institutions such as crèches, nursery
UNDER 6s schools and age-integrated institutions. They cater for children from birth to school age. They can either be run by the local authority or by private individuals. Independent daycare centres are owned and run by private individuals under the terms of an agreement with the local authority. They are subject to local authority supervision and receive subsidies from the local authority to cover its costs. Approved private daycare centres must be licensed by the local authority. However, the centres themselves decide who to admit and children are not referred to them by the local authority. They also receive a local authority subsidy per child. In agreement with the local authority, daycare centres can be operated as outsourced daycare centres. These institutions must comply with the same requirements as the local authority daycare centres. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Since 2004, there has been a legal obligation for all daycare facilities to develop and implement an educational curriculum. There are two prongs – one for children up to 2 years old and one for children aged 3 up until they start school.
The curriculum sets out the goals for the daycare facility regarding what the children should be learning. It also as describes the methods and activities used to attain these goals and includes a methodology for evaluating the curriculum. Six themes have been highlighted as follows: 1. The comprehensive personal development of the child 2. Social competencies 3. Language 4. Body and motion 5. Nature and natural phenomena 6. Cultural expressions and values The curriculum must also show how the daycare facility works to ensure a good and stimulating environment for the children in its care. This environment must be considered from a child’s perspective and the children’s own experiences of that environment taken into consideration. It’s up to the individual daycare facility to decide on its own approach. The leader of the facility is responsible for preparing and publishing the curriculum and for carrying out an annual evaluation. This includes documenting whether the approaches and activities chosen meet the objectives outlined within the themes. The curriculum must be approved by the local council,
who are also responsible for monitoring its implementation. INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS Since 2017, two facilities in Copenhagen have been offering English-language daycare. The service is tailored towards expats living in the municipality who expect to move away from Denmark again within a few years. At least one of the parents must have a job in Denmark. Børnebyen Vandværket, which is near Vesterport Station, offers nursery (0-3) to 12 children and kindergarten (3-6) care to 24. Idrætsinstitutionen Bavnehøj, which is the Sydvest district near Enghavevej, offers kindergarten care with a focus on physical education to 24 children. And Hellerup also has two English-language facilities: Sunrise International Preschool and Stepping Stone. Sunrise International Preschool on Norgesmindevej caters to children aged 2-6 at a location that is respectful to other people, animals and the environment. Stepping Stone on Ehlersvej has reopened following its renovation. Located in a charming manor house it offers a ‘home away from home’ to its young charges.
ELEMENTARY
LET LOGIC RULE YOUR DECISION
For expat couples an international school makes sense, but it can be a hard sell when your partner is Danish
By Stephen Gadd The international parents you meet are normally split into two groups: the lifers and the expats. The lifer, more often than not an individual, will normally opt for the Danish public school system for two reasons: affordability and respecting the wishes of their Danish partner. More than likely they moved to Denmark as a refugee of love and their income is average or lower than average. The result is children who are as Danish as full-blooded peers. The expats, more likely a couple, will normally opt for an international school for three reasons: again affordability (with the state subsidy, the schools are cheap compared to private options in other countries – see page 12), networking, and language/curriculum concerns given their children are likely to continue their schooling elsewhere. More than likely they moved to Denmark for work. The result is children with an experience under their belt and maybe a second language.
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FREE AND COMPULSORY In Denmark, education is free unless you choose a private school or boarding school. It is also compulsory for everyone between the ages of 6 and 16 or 17.
in subject-specific proficiency. Classes usually consist of approximately 21 pupils. The number must not exceed 28, although under certain exceptional circumstances, a municipality can give a dispensation for a class of up to 30.
Whether this occurs in a public school, private school or at home is a matter of individual choice, as long as pre-set standards are met. It is the education itself that is compulsory, not school.
The Folkeskole is governed by an Act of Parliament which lays down the foundations and objectives governing its activities.
The law guarantees a free choice of public schools within the local authority area where you live. However, as in many other countries, some schools have a better reputation than others and can be full or have long waiting lists. PUBLIC SCHOOL The Danish Public School (Folkeskole) is a comprehensive school consisting of both primary and lower secondary classes. Primary school covers classes 1-6 and lower secondary classes 7-9, with an optional 10th class available in some cases. The folkeskole is unstreamed and the formation of classes is based on the child’s age and not
All municipal primary and lower secondary schools share a common aim, standard requirements concerning the subjects taught at the specific form levels, standard regulations concerning the so-called Common Objectives for the teaching in the individual subjects, as well as standard regulations concerning the leadership and organisation of the school system. The Act also lays down clear rules for parent/ school co-operation, and parents are expected to take an active part in their children’s schooling. Schools are obliged to report on pupils’ progress at least twice per year. However, it is the responsibility of the individual municipal boards to determine how schools are to be organised within the
ELEMENTARY
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Denmark has a long tradition of private schools encompassing the idea of “a school for life based on the living word”. Unlike many other countries, Denmark subsidises private schools heavily – to the tune of 76 percent of each student’s costs. Approved schools receive the funding regardless of the ideological, religious, political or ethnic motivation behind their establishment. However, getting into one of the more prestigious ones can be difficult, as the waiting lists are often long. Private schools categories: 1 Small independent schools in rural districts (friskoler) 2 Large independent schools in urban districts (privatskoler) 3 Religious or Congregational schools 4 Progressive free schools 5 Schools with a particular educational aim (e.g Rudolf Steiner schools) 6 German minority schools 7 Immigrant schools INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS This might be the ideal solution for a foreign national living in Denmark who wants an international education for his or her child. There are a number of them around, especially in the Copenhagen area. International basic schools are private elementary schools approved by the Ministry of Education and the teaching is in languages other than Danish – either for the whole school or for divisions within it. They often teach a curriculum which leads to an internationally recognised accreditation, such as the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge education system. MUNICIPAL INTERNATIONAL BASIC SCHOOLS From school year 2015/16, new legislation allowed municipalities
to set up international basic schools. Municipal international basic schools admit children subject to compulsory education whose parents are foreigners residing temporarily in Denmark due to their employment and whose parents wish to have their children enrolled at the school. If there are unfilled places at a municipal international basic school, it may also admit Danish children and other foreign children who live or reside in Denmark, and whose parents wish to have them enrolled at the school. The local municipality may decide that the education provided at the municipal international basic school should be certified internationally. It is, however, a precondition that the education continues to be up to what is generally required in the Folkeskole. Based on the local council’s decision, the language of instruction at a municipal international basic school is English, German or French. Further information about municipal international basic schools can be had from local school authorities in the municipality. GETTING INVOLVED Unlike some countries, in Denmark it is usual for parents to be actively involved in their children’s education at all levels. They even sit on national educational policy-making committees. From the early days of daycare, it is stressed that parents have overall responsibility for the development of their children. All public schools (ages 6-16) have a governing body composed of representatives of pupils, employees and parents and parental representatives comprise the majority on the board. Contact between parents and pedagogues/teachers is always encouraged, whether it is via the internet, through informal chats or pre-arranged school visits, or at the annual or bi-annual parentteacher meetings.
An International Baccalaureate World School
SAME CARE - SAME EXCELLENCE NEW CAMPUS - NEW OPPORTUNITIES We have opened a new High School campus in Østerbro. Join us at our new location - limited seats available for the 2020-2021 Academic Year. Get your applications started right now at ish.dk/apply.
Global Mindset - Global Education - Global Life
legal framework. The boards can also set their own additional objectives for schools. This has the advantage that a child who changes schools will, on the whole, find the new routine similar to the one he or she has been accustomed to.
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We welcome students from ages 3 to 18
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We offer the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: PYP, MYP and DP, as well as Pre-K
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We deliver an excellent, well-rounded education in a caring and supportive learning environment
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We offer exciting trips, electives, and many more activities beyond the classroom
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We have Morning Club and After School Care
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We are affordable and offer scholarships
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Our teachers are passionate and highly qualified
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We pride ourselves on fostering reflective and purposeful learners, as well as responsible global citizens
Find out more about ISH, book a form visit or contact us • We are considerate, warm relationships, and build and nurture our ISH Community The International School of Hellerup is a Not-For-Profit IB World School with close to 600 students representing more than 70 nationalities from around the world. Find out more about ISH, book a visit or contact us at + 45 70 20 63 68 I info@ish.dk I www.ish.dk
International School of Hellerup Rygårds Allé 131, 2900 Hellerup Præstøgade 17, 2100 København Ø
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FURTHER EDUCATION
FURTHER EDUCATION VS TRUE VOCATION
Making a decision to follow the crowd to gymnasium, or plunge into a career so early, can come back to haunt you
By Stephen Gadd It’s never too late to get an education is the sort of adage you might expect somebody like Benjamin Franklin to have said, but no, it was nobody famous. Nevertheless, is it true? Theoretically, of course it is, but sometimes reality bites. Sometimes, to get an education we need an education. It’s not fanciful to imagine that we might have opted to leave school at 16 to take an apprenticeship, and then, by the time we’re 30 and eyeing a degree to further our career,
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we realise we need the equivalent of a high school diploma to qualify. This is why the decision we take when we finish elementary schooling at the age of 1517 is probably the most important one we will ever take on our educational journey. UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION Upper secondary education typically starts at the end of full-time compulsory education and caters for students aged 16-19. Unless a private school is chosen, it is free of charge. At present there are 18 international uppersecondary schools in Denmark offering the International Baccalaureate (IB). A prerequisite is that the international course offered must be able to provide access to higher education in Denmark.
STEPPING STONE TO HIGHER EDUCATION Students can take several different routes at this level and there are four academicallyorientated programs available (see factbox). These four programs prepare young people for higher education and ensure that they acquire a general education, knowledge and competences by means of the subjects they study and through the interaction between them. THE CHOICE AHEAD The STX and HF programs consist of a broad range of subjects in the humanities, natural science and social sciences, whereas the HHX program focuses on business and socioeconomic disciplines, in combination with foreign languages and other general subjects. The HTX program is focused on technological
FURTHER EDUCATION and scientific subjects, in combination with general subjects. Each of the programs has a range of compulsory subjects. Additionally, in STX, HHX and HTX, each school offers a number of specialised studies packages normally containing three subjects and offers elective subjects for students to choose between. In HF, students choose from among the elective subjects offered by the individual school. All the programs contain multi-subject courses which serve to strengthen students’ preparedness for further study. ADMISSION CRITERIA To be admitted to one of the three-year upper secondary education programs (STX, HHX, HTX), students must have completed nine years of Danish basic education or have received corresponding teaching and have taken the primary and lower secondary school compulsory final examination. For HF, a student must have completed ten years of Danish basic education and have taken examinations in Danish, English, mathematics, a second foreign language (French or German) and physics/chemistry. If for some reason a student has not taken the required examinations for admission to STX/ HHX/HTX or HF, an admission test can also be taken. Students who have not attended a Danish school can be admitted following a concrete assessment as to whether their qualifications correspond to those required by students who have attended a Danish school. They may also be required to take an admission test. STUDENT INVOLVEMENT The needs and wishes of the students are taken very seriously and they have the right to form a student council and are also represented on the school board. The school must also ensure that students are involved in the planning of class teaching. Schools are obliged to provide academic guidance and guidance on higher education and careers. CHOICE OF FOUR The 3-year Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination (STX) The 3-year Higher Commercial Examination (HHX) The 3-year Higher Technical Examination (HTX) The 2-year Higher Preparatory Examination (HF) VET PROGRAMS: FOUR MAIN SUBJECT AREAS 1. Care, health and pedagogy 2. Administration, commerce and business service 3. Food, agriculture and hospitality 4. Technology, construction and transportation EDUCATION GUIDE AUTUMN 2 02 0
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HIGHER EDUCATION
MASTER YOUR FUTURE – HIGHER EDUCATION IN DENMARK
By Edward Owen It’s no secret that higher education is neither cheap nor free in many parts of the world. And within the European Union, it’s a mixed bag of free and paid-for education. Denmark offers not only free education to EU citizens, but also has an excellent range of choice with programs taught in English – especially at master’s level. Non-EU citizens are required to pay tuition, and the amount varies greatly depending on the institution and the program of study. However, there is still a good chance to make significant savings in comparison to studying somewhere like the UK, where prices start at 80,000 kroner per year. In comparison, programs can be found in Denmark for approximately half the amount. With more than 22,000 international students in Denmark, you certainly won’t be alone. Our step-by-step guide to higher education in 16 EDUCATION GUIDE AUT UM N 202 0
Denmark is an introduction to all of the things you need to consider to really know your options. CHOOSING A SCHOOL Key point: Some universities specialise in specific fields whilst others offer a variety of programs. First things first, you need to find a course and a university that is right for you. Nationally there are eight universities. Within the Copenhagen area alone you will find six of these institutions within a reasonable commuting distance, although it is also not unheard of for Copenhagen-based students to travel to SDU in Odense. Whilst all of the major universities offer postgraduate programs taught in English, the same option for undergraduate programs could sometimes be described as limited. If you are starting with an undergraduate program, see the factbox for a brief description of each school.
THINK AHEAD Key point: Check the program’s content against the job market If you plan to stay in Denmark or not, you should investigate how you will be able to apply your studies once you have graduated. Do this before enrolling. The most important thing at this point is not only to think about what you would ‘like’ to do, but also to understand the potential job market. The Danish job market is competitive and rather keen on overt compatibility between your studies, experience and the role you may be applying for. Furthermore, even programs taught in English can be tailored to the Danish job market. As such, you need to be aware of your trajectory before you embark on a program. In Denmark, if you have gone to university, it is the norm to study through to master’s level. This is often referred to as a ‘long education’.
HIGHER EDUCATION
THE APPLICATION PROCESS Key point: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Most universities will direct your application to the same online portal: ‘STADS’. This is operated by the Ministry of Education, not the universities. You should register and obtain a log-in as soon as possible. Via STADS you will select the university and study program from a list to create a new application. You can make more than one application during each intake.
continue to use STADS to view grades, apply for exams and carry out any other administration. FINDING ACCOMMODATION Key points: Start searching early and don’t be put off by short-term agreements. Also find a property where your CPR number can be registered (i.e get a contract). Unfortunately, this can be one of the most difficult aspects of attending university in Denmark – especially for international students. Copenhagen is the most competitive – no surprise given the concentration of schools.
The specific documents required for an application will vary depending on the school and program requirements.
Your first port of call should always be your university to see if they have any specific recommendations – like exclusive access to student dorms or ‘kollegier’.
STADS is not the most user friendly platform – allow yourself plenty of time when setting up a new application. Furthermore, do not leave it until the last minute to send an application – deadline days are notorious for online queuing and portal failure.
There are many online portals for accommodation. These usually offer access to adverts and listings for a small fee, but be sure to read exactly what you’re signing up for. You should also join every relevant group you can find on social media.
In fact, for September admissions, try to apply by March. For schools that operate a second February, intake will often expect applications by mid-October.
There is a high degree of turnover with shortterm lets. These may not seem ideal, but can be a good option to get started. As you meet more people at university, a good social network often leads to more opportunities.
Once you are enrolled and are studying, you will
Deposits can be quite expensive with landlords asking for up to three months in rent. Beware of scams. Use common sense and avoid paying deposits in cash or via services where the transaction cannot be reversed, like Western Union. Be vigilant when making enquiries from overseas. Look for a property to which you can register your CPR number (social security). If you want to check who owns a property, go to boligejer. dk. GETTING A CPR NUMBER Key point: You cannot work or open a bank account without a CPR number. The Central Person Register (CPR) is the Danish equivalent of a social security or national insurance number. To get one, you will need proof of your enrollment, accommodation (contract/agreement) and registration certificate/residence permit. Whilst EU/EEA or Nordic citizens are not legally required to have one for a stay of up to three months, the CPR is absolutely crucial to life in Denmark as it enables you to work and open a bank account (check borger.dk). FINANCIAL SUPPORT Key point: International EU students should EDUCATION GUIDE AUTUMN 2 02 0 17
HIGHER EDUCATION
look for part-time work in order to receive financial support. Some foreign citizens may be entitled to State Education Support (SU) when studying. There are a number of different ways that you may qualify, and these generally fall under two categories: Equal status according to Danish rules and Equal status according to EU law. The typical stipulation to be aware of as an EU student is the ongoing requirement that you must be working part-time, 10-12 hours per week, and at least 43 hours per month. Universities usually have an SU office that can help you. Visit su.dk to find out more. TEACHING STYLE Key point: Don’t expect to just sit in class and listen. Each university will have a particular ethos, but generally speaking you can expect a significant amount of group work and participation in class. The onus will be on you as individuals and as a class to really engage. Whether
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postgraduate level, students are usually encouraged to take charge of the direction of projects and to use the teacher as a consultant in a collaborative learning process. It may depend on the subject you study, and class sizes, but generally speaking you should expect to make regular contributions in class. EXAM FORMAT Key point: The ‘defence’ style exam is alien to many internationals. Don’t be shy, speak up and practise beforehand. All kinds of exams are in use: formal presentations, random question and answer, take-home essays, semester-long group projects and so on. Traditional timed exams are less common. The most likely candidate to catch you offguard, is the ‘defence’ style exam. This is normally used as a way of confirming grades for semester-long group projects or a thesis. Despite handing in a written report as a group, you will also make a presentation in which each individual contributes, and then face extensive questioning as a group. These exams can last for several hours.
It is customary for students to bring refreshments such as drinks and snacks, but do not be fooled by the laid-back vibe. This is an exam like no other and your performance as an individual will affect your grade (from at the top score of 12 to 10, 7, 4, 02, 00, and finally -3). Raise your hand, speak up and know your project inside out. STAYING IN DENMARK? Key point: If you plan on staying in Denmark you need to join an a-kasse and a union. Join an a-kasse while you are still a student. If you do not have a job immediately after graduation, you can receive financial support whilst you apply for positions. Also, join a professional union while you are still a student. These are very common in Denmark and your background will dictate which one you should join. Your union can help negotiate terms of employment and advise you on matters such as salary. As a student, you will receive a discounted rate of membership for both of these things. They can offer many services to help during your career.
THE UNIVERSITIES Copenhagen University (KU) • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas • Undergraduate: All bachelors are taught in Danish • Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are avail able in English Copenhagen Business School (CBS) • Specialty/focus: Takes an international perspective on a broad range of subjects with a business focus • Undergraduate: Many taught in English • Postgraduate: Mostly taught in English Technical University of Denmark (DTU) • Specialty/focus: Technical and natural sciences. • Undergraduate: Offers a small number of bachelor programs with only one taught in English. • Postgraduate: Master’s level programs are taught exclusively in English. Aalborg University – Copenhagen (AAU – CPH) • Speciality/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas • Undergraduate: Over 70 bachelors but just a handful taught in English • Postgraduate: Approximately 200 variants are available with more than half taught in English. IT University (ITU) • Specialty/focus: Information technology and the digital world • Undergraduate: Offers four programs. Two of these are taught in Danish, while the other two require ‘academic’ Danish language skills (see university webpage for definition) • Postgraduate: Five programs available – all but one are taught exclusively in English. Roskilde (RUC) • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs within humani ties, humanistic technologies, social science and science • Undergraduate: A good number available taught in English • Postgraduate: A good number available taught in English University of Southern Denmark (SDU) • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas • Undergraduate: A good number available taught in English (mostly engineering, business, social sciences) • Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are avail able in English Aarhus University (AU) • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas • Undergraduate: Just a handful of bachelors taught in English • Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are avail able in English Aalborg University (AAU) • As above – primary Aalborg campus
A focus on learning
I nternational S chool for s tudents ages 3–16 nis-ngg.dk Phone: +45 45 57 26 16 Email: nis@ngg.dk Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16 DK, 2970 Hørsholm
Cambridge International School
ADULT LEARNING
FOR THE ATTENTION OF NIGHT OWLS
From hobby clubs to language classes, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to after-hours learning
By Ester Rose So, you’ve finished higher education and, just like poor old Alexander of Macedonia, there are no more worlds to conquer. Don’t cry salt tears … as there’s an army of adult learning options at your disposal. Besides, if you are just landing in Copenhagen, you’re probably looking for fun things to do and ways to get to know people in your new city. Whether it is to improve your work skills, get in shape, make local friends, or just avoid sitting home alone all weekend, joining some type of adult learning activity could be just the thing. Don’t forget that networking is important in Denmark. Whether it’s getting a job or a flat, very often, the Danish decision maker will chose someone from their social circle. 20 EDUCATION GUIDE AUT UM N 202 0
Adult learning can provide a fast track into Danish society. And of course it also provides the chance to learn something. SPECIALISING IN SPORTS If you are looking for some type of sports activity, there is genuinely something for everyone, from yoga to bouldering, kayaking, running and so much more. Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years with places popping up everywhere. We recommend the Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School (yoga.dk). Kayaking is a great sport for newbies to Copenhagen, as with all the waterways, it’s undoubtedly a great way to see the city. Try kayakrepublic.dk! For some truly hardcore, Nordic-style whipping into shape, you can train with the Nordic Race Team to take on an intense 5 km obstacle course. Find out more at nordicrace.dk Among the alternative sports out at Reffen, try out some bouldering with urbanrangercamp.dk.
DEDICATED TO DANCE If dancing is your thing, there are many options in the Copenhagen area. Here are a couple ideas and spots to get you started. An all-time favourite is of course salsa. One school that offers instruction in English is salsalibre.dk where you can take classes several days a week. Soffie.dk is a good site to find out about options for couples – particularly in ballroom and salsa. For kids, meanwhile, elstudio.dk offers quite a variety of classes. You can also find swing dance at happyfeetstudio. dk or street dance at gamedenmark.org. And for pro dancers look no further than at cphdance.com. WALK DOWN SUSTENANCE STREET There are mixed feelings about the local Danish food. Of course, like everywhere, some dishes are an acquired taste. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give all the signature Nordic foods a try. If you are up for a walking food tour, opt for
PARENTING: MORE THAN A PASTIME With increasing numbers of parents seeking to hone their mum and dad skills, phabsalon. dk provides courses on early learning, child development, creativity and more. For parents dealing with the big adjustments of getting started in a whole new environment and country, copenhagenpsycology.dk offers support and consultation. Of course it all starts with a pregnancy and a whole swoop of new, weird and exciting firsts that it brings. For general info, jordemoderhuset. com gives classes in both Danish and English, as does prismen.kk.dk And as expecting mums w h o
foodsofcopenhagen.com. Relax, walk around the capital and let the company introduce you to some hidden gem culinary experiences. Or go on a food crawl, from one eatery to another on a bike (foodsofcopenhagen.com/ culinary-bike-tour) for a true Copenhagen experience. Inspire your intellect Copenhagen’s universities are the top spots for workshops, lectures and debates. Check out ku.dk and cbs.dk for their schedules. For more casual affairs try folkehusetabsalon. cph and studieskolen.dk, while ihcph.kk.dk is a good resource for culture spots in Copenhagen.
Internationalcommunity.dk provides a long list of hobbies as well as a questionnaire if you are looking to try something new and don’t quite know what will fit you best. While fof.dk is also regularly updated with options. Qualify with quality To improve your professional skills, Copenhagen’s universities, cbs.dk and ku.dk, provide night school for adults. While daea.dk is an international organisation focused on adult learning. Danish regulations on higher education are quite specific. If you are missing some earlier education, FVU, AVU, HF and AMU are aimed at those who have not completed an elementary or high school level education. LEARNING A NEW LINGO Want to learn a new language? Studieskolen.dk teaches 25 different
want to stay in shape, yogamudra.dk and yogaflat.com can take you safely through your workout. HI-YO HOBBY HORSE! It would be impossible to list all the hobbies here, but here are a couple of ideas so that you can carry on with your favourite leisure activity. Cooking is definitely trending at the moment, and meyersmadkurser.dk provides classes, lectures and masterclasses. Are you a musician? You can find one-on-one tuition on just about every instrument with just a simple search on expat.com.
languages, while Berlitz.dk also provides both group, private and online language tuition. While the largest range of languages available was found at FOF: Arabic, English, Finish, French, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Latin, Old Greek, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Swahili, Thai, Turkish, German and Vietnamese. EDUCATION GUIDE AUTUMN 2 02 0
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OPINION
BUILDING BLOCKS OF HAPPINESS
By Jessica Alexander We have all thought about what it means to be a parent from time to time, but have you ever wondered how our culture affects the way we view what we think is the right way to parent? In Norway, parents regularly leave children to sleep outside in -20 degree weather, in Belgium children are allowed to drink beer, and in Japan kids ride the metro alone just seven years old. While these behaviours may sound bizarre to us, to these parents they are the ‘right way’. NEW PARENTAL PERSPECTIVES The implicit ideas we have about the right way to raise children are what Sarah Harkness, a professor of human development at the University of Connecticut, calls ‘parental ethnotheories’. These beliefs are so engrained in us that it is almost impossible to see them objectively. But what if we could take off our cultural lens for a moment and try another perspective? What if we could look through the lens of one of the happiest countries in the world for over 40 years in a row and see what they believe is the right way to raise children. Is there anything we might learn? What if one of the secrets to their success was as simple as child’s play? THE LAND OF FREE PLAY Denmark, the land of Lego and Hans Chris-
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tian Andersen, is currently the third happiest country in the world (since 1973 it has never been lower than third) and one thing they do differently is the way their children play. Free play is unstructured and never led by adults. Since its introduction as an educational theory in 1871 it has been considered one of the most important activities a child can engage in. “Free play is seen as crucial, not optional in Denmark,” explains Dorthe Mikkelsen, a Danish teacher at a fritid skole (free time school) where children are encouraged to free play after they finish regular school. “Play helps children process all of what they learn with others. It builds empathy, negotiation and skills that are so important for building the child’s self-esteem, not just in academia.” LEARNING FROM ANIMALS Scientists have been studying play amongst animals for years in a bid to understand its evolutionary purpose, and one thing they have found is that play is crucial for learning how to cope with stress. Hanging from bars, play fighting, chasing each other and learning how to negotiate are all things that occur in play. Children practise putting themselves into fight or flight positions and other stressful situations to see how much they can handle, and then
they manage how far they will go with it. Play helps children develop coping mechanisms, selfcontrol and resilience, which has been proven to be a key factor in long-term happiness. PLAYING WELL SINCE 1932 Many parents feel lazy letting kids play freely and not programming their days with activities. But this is contrary to the research backing up its educational benefits and how the current number one happiest country in the world, Finland, also sees play as a fundamental learning tool for children. Finland happens to be a global leader in education as well. Is it time we took play more seriously? It’s interesting to consider that Lego, the world’s biggest toy company, was invented by a Danish carpenter in 1932 who watched children play and use their imaginations freely. This inspired him so much that the word Lego is actually a contraction of the words ‘leg godt’, which when put together means ‘play well’. Even then, Danes knew that being able to ‘play well’ was a building block for a future empire of happiness. Like the internationally-loved Lego blocks, learning to ‘free play’ seems like a parental ethnotheory worth importing. First published in May 2018
OPINION
THE COURAGE TO FAIL
By Jessica Alexander Most New Year resolutions fail. According to Forbes, only 8 percent end in success, and this is mainly because people give up when they have a few setbacks and lose their willpower. But what if failures and setbacks were part of the plan? BREAKING DOWN BAD While writing my next book, ‘The Danish Way of Education; Life Lessons from the Happiest People in the World’, I explore among other things how the courage to fail is woven into the schooling curriculum in Denmark. Some schools actually have ‘try and fail’ as part of their mission statement. Speaking to Linea Thorsen, a high school student from Jutland, I learned that her teacher highly encouraged mistakes. He used bad papers as examples for the class to focus on together, rather than the perfect papers. The basis is that we can learn much more from what we do wrong than what we do right. According to Linea, the kids didn’t feel bad or embarrassed because it was just seen as normal practice. This inadvertently encourages
vulnerability and empathy, which creates more connection rather than disconnection in competition. A LITTLE LESS PERFECT Camilla Semlov, a Danish social worker and family counsellor, told me about her daughter who was extremely academic and worked hard not to make errors at school. Her teacher said she shouldn’t try so hard not to make mistakes. It became part of her goal plan. “The teacher said she needed to be a little less perfect,” Camilla recounted. “She believed she would be happier if she didn’t try to be perfect – and she was.” The drive for perfection, after all, can be the basis for anxiety and a host of other problems. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the rising anxiety epidemic among teens in America is, in fact, tied to a fear of failure and lack of resilience. HAPPY IN FAILURE What if we expected failure, rather than rejected it, so that when we fall down we get back up and
keep going? This is the crux of resilience, which has been proven to be a cornerstone of happiness. Could this be one of the reasons Denmark consistently scores so high in the World Happiness Report – that they have more reasonable expectations that don’t include perfection? So, this year I am adding one caveat to my typical list of resolutions, and that is the courage to fail. That means that on the days I don’t manage to fulfil my goals and find myself falling into the trap of ‘I can’t’ or using negative labels, I will see those setbacks as opportunities. I will reframe those obstacles into important learning blocks to climb over and jump off from. As long as our compass stays calibrated with the end goal and our true selves, no storm or rough patch can stop us from getting to where we want to be eventually. As Thomas Edison famously said about discovering the light bulb: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Failing can be an illumination if we choose to see it that way. First published in Jan 2018 EDUCATION GUIDE AUTUMN 2 02 0
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