VISITDENMARK/ NICLAS JESSEN)
MORE LIKE A SCHOOL OF DOLPHINS!
FACEBOOK/ DEN DANSKE SOMMERSKOLE
With more fun, longer breaks and fewer rules, children have the time of their lives
By Ben Hamilton It’s only as you get older that you realise that summer school is like winning the lottery for American adults who spend so much of their lives up to their eyeballs in work that they simply don’t have the resources to look after their children. But your sympathy levels for Americans plummet somewhat, when you realise that as kids they got three full months of summer holiday. In Denmark, the kids get just six weeks, and like in the US the parents have to work, normally for half of the holiday.
So there is a great need for some sort of organised school – more like the dolphin kind, with more fun, longer breaks and fewer rules – where children can gather to spend the days that their parents need to work. Services in English The public schools provide such a service, of course, which normally involves activities held at their premises, the afterschool clubs and sports centres in the neighbourhood. But most will be in Danish. That leaves international schools as the main providers of Englishlanguage summer schools, and there are close to ten offering their services this summer break – in both the capital region and further afield. Other vocational enterprises
Join Lolland International School’s summer programme
also organise them. The longestablished musical theatre school SceneKunst runs several summer camps for its students, for example. Expat poster-boy Now, it’s not a huge secret that summer schools are often credited with being a turning point in the life of a creative. In our feature on pages 10-11, we recount how hundreds of famous Americans nurtured their talents at such schools, often under the tutelage of teachers who went on to achieve fame themselves. And we’re pleased to include in this supplement an interview of one such person who benefited from attending many summer schools during his upbringing (see pages 12-13): an X Factor København
runner-up who went on to win the Danish Melodi Grand Prix. With a German mother and Madagascan father, and as somebody who attended both Copenhagen International School and Rygaards, Benjamin Rosenbohm is something of a poster-boy for the international community in Denmark – it was high time that we interviewed him! Enjoy the summer! So, corona withstanding (see pages 6-7), it promises to be a great summer. We hope this special section will arm you with all the information you need to ensure your children are in safe hands while you clock up the necessary number of hours to earn yourself a well deserved summer break.
Lolland International School
Nakskov
E Maribo
Rødbyhavn
47 Nykøbing Falster
Femern
Do you want to give your child a fun and unique summer holiday experience? Lolland International School’s summer programme is a bilingual programme that is designed to encourage personal growth and allow students to develop specific skills. Eutin
Østersøen
By joining us for one or two weeks at the end of July, your child will have access to exciting activities, learn English/Danish and meet new friends from Denmark and around the world!
Rostock
Lübeck
The programme is for all children who have completed grade 0 up to and including grade 6. Your child is welcome, regardless if they are signed up for Lolland International School or not. For more information see www.lollandinternationalschool.dk
Hamborg
Berlin
Lolland Lolland International School International School
The Den Danske Sommerskole courses are so popular than 70 percent of the students return for another year
TOTAL IMMERSION IN DANISHNESS
By Ben Hamilton Chris is 46. He met Mette on a stag night in Copenhagen 2003, and within a year they were married. Anton duly followed in 2005 and then five years later, a dream opportunity arose for Chris in the US. The timing was perfect: Mette was heavily pregnant and little Anton was ready to start school. Later this year, they’re returning to Denmark. While Mette has ensured Anton has maintained his mother tongue, lillebror Hans, 11, comprehends but doesn’t chat, and Daddy Dave’s dodgy Danish is rudimentary at best. For the three men in the family, Danish classes are essential. Anton needs to pass the level needed for high school, Hans seeks confidence-boosting onboarding before starting Grade 5 at public school, and Daddy Dave wants to boost his employment prospects. For Mor Mette, meanwhile, it’s a girls-only holiday in the Med. For all abilities Believe it or not, but all of these scenarios are common backstories among those enrolling at Den Danske Sommerskole, a sought-after service provided every July where students can improve their language skills and learn about Danish culture. Payment - The Summer School course costs 20,870 kroner, with a 2,000 kroner discount for members of Danes Worldwide, while the Family Summer School costs 9,950 kroner for children and 11,950 for adults – again with a 2,000 discount available. - The fees cover instruction, room and board, along with costs associated with excursions, but do not cover transportation to the summer school’s location. - Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis providing a deposit is paid via a bank card. The deposit is only non-refundable should the place be reallocated.
Catering to pre-teens (Family Summer School, where they can be joined by adults) and teenagers (Summer School), the courses cater to a wide variety of abilities (Beginner, Basic, and School Level), special purposes (‘Church Confirmation’ and ‘Returning to Denmark’) and needs (study, work, social).
through lessons, activities and excursions. The 20/35 language lessons are taught with “a playful and fun approach … which is both versatile and creative”.
Most of the students are Danish heritage children returning to their homeland, but with options open to adults as well, the school tends to attract a wide mix of nationalities.
While the families are encouraged to have fun, relax together and enjoy “an experience to energise body and soul”, it is also very much an educational course, and the students are expected to acquit themselves to the best of their ability.
The primary language is Danish, but don’t worry as English will be used when practical or to follow protocol – for example, information about health and safety.
It is common for the students to be exposed to Danish educational methods, such as the tendency to conduct a lot of group projects that involve collaboration.
Focus with the family Taking place from July 10-18, ‘Family Summer School’ is aimed at two age groups: children aged 6-9 and 10-13.
Testing the teens Taking place from July 7-23, ‘Summer School’ is aimed at children aged 10-17 with a Danish background who are based outside Denmark and want to improve their language skills and knowledge of the country.
They should be accompanied by up to two family members, and it is not uncommon for the different participants to use the experience for future networking should they end up moving to Denmark. The primary aim is improving the youngsters’ language skills and knowledge of the country
There are three levels: Beginners, Basic, and School Level. Those aged 14-16 may select the ‘Church Confirmation’ track, while those aged 14-17 may select the ‘Returning to Denmark’ track. It consists of 75 lessons – and
various activities including sports, drama and creative workshops, as well as excursions and “adventures” – and is so popular that 70 percent of all students end up returning for another year. With the ‘School Level’ option, preparing students for entry into the Danish education system is a key focus, and it is possible to sit the Grade 9 Graduation Exam (FP9), which will enable students to gain admittance to a Danish upper-secondary school (ages 16-19), as well as other language tests. Like the Family Summer School, it is first and foremost an educational opportunity that is taken seriously, which will expose the students to common Danish educational methods. A great option for those ... - with a Danish child/grandchild - living outside Denmark - with an interest in the language and culture of Denmark - who wish to meet other Danish expat families - seeking ‘learning vacations’ with a focus on learning Danish To find out more information, visit sommerskolen.dk
ADVERTORIAL
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
3
Barely a winter’s day goes by without the Danes licking their lips at the prospect of living ‘the good life’ again in peaceful July
By Ben Hamilton Ah! The summer holidays in Denmark! What did Grundtvig once say? Or was it Holberg? Hang on, surely it was Sidney Lee: “July in Copenhagen is like ‘The Day of the Triffids’ every single day.” Or for a more modern reference, it’s just like coronavirus lockdown, but without the endless press briefings. Nothing happens and the whole city is deserted. For visiting tourists it’s like showing up at the Marie Celeste. To the summerhouse! So, why is this the case? Surely it can’t be because the entire population have uploaded their homes onto Airbnb and beanoed off to Benidorm for six weeks?
4
Well, there’s a logical answer and it can be found in their not-toodistant agrarian past. Danes are essentially farmers at heart, and they like nothing better than leaving the city behind them for long periods to live in their rurally-based summerhouses. Within just days of the coronavirus lockdown being announced, there was a stampede to the countryside amid unparalleled demand for high-speed internet connections in remote areas. And many of them have still not returned! That’s the real reason why the coronavirus lockdown was so quiet: nobody was here. Meanwhile, the populations of certain coastal towns in northern Zealand and Jutland ran into six figures. Lifestyle divider For reasons like this, having a summerhouse is a big deal. Albeit trivial and overlooked by
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
most internationals, you could say it’s something of a lifestyle divider. In some countries, the lifestyle divider is a matter of life or death, like having water or not having water, or possessing or not possessing guns. In the US, for example, it’s having health insurance, and in the UK, it’s whether you can afford to send your toddlers to childcare. But in good old Denmark, it’s the ownership of a summerhouse and the means to travel there. In fact, it’s so slight, most internationals don’t even notice. All aboard! So come July, an awful lot of Danish people relocate to their summerhouse for six weeks. For some, this can be a perilously long car journey across the entire country, for others, just hopping aboard a Christiania bike in Vesterbro and cycling to a
VISIT DENMARK/ ANNE-SOPHIE ROSENVINGE
SUMMERHOUSING DREAMIN’
garden shed in Gladsaxe. But regardless of the cottage or carriage, it means living the dream, and this is what July has become for most Danes: a chance to disconnect most of their devices, recharge their batteries, and reconnect with their agrarian past. The result is that July is mostly bereft of major events – the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which was cancelled last year but is scheduled to take part this time around, being one of the rare exceptions – leaving June and August to overflow with all manner of festival. Bar the odd tourist getting lost on your street, it’s an extraordinarily peaceful time in the major cities. Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +452420 2411
Grab the chance Improve your Danish
Summer course in Danish language and culture Spend your summer in Copenhagen and join our three-week course where we dive deep into Danish language and culture. Language teaching every morning and cultural activities afternoons and evenings. Lots of networking with other interesting people. Read more and sign up at studieskolen.dk
DANISH SUMMER COURSE
26/7 - 13/8
While the country’s summer schools are pretty much assured they can open, the future for bigger gathering looks less rosy
introduction of a Europe-wide corona passport, opening the doors to international travel for all after a more than year of lockdown.
Plans to reopen for summer travel have been afoot in Europe since March. Now, the Danish government has announced a detailed reopening plan aimed at reviving the tourism and leisure industries.
Before then, travel is possible, but you’ll need to isolate at home for a minimum of four days upon your return. This rises to ten if you cannot secure a negative corona test.
Travel opening up From May 6, fully vaccinated Danes and visitors from Orange and Yellow countries can travel in and out of Denmark. By the middle of May, negative corona tests will be valid for up to 48 hours, giving travellers a bigger window to catch a flight. And then June 26 will see the
6
Blow for big events The news is not quite as good for festivals and other major events, with an expert group advising the government that a ceiling of 10,000 should be placed once everybody over the age of 50 has been vaccinated. More should be known on Friday April 30. This spells immediate bad news for the likes of the Roskilde Festival, which had been hoping it could go ahead providing
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
guests showed the necessary corona passes at the perimeter. Furthermore, 10,000 people won’t be able to watch a concert. The experts would prefer a limit of 2,000 and they have also absolutely ruled out camping. For the four Euro 2021 games it is better news, as the experts believe Parken Stadium can more effectively split people into sections - and unlike at the festivals, the spectators are all sitting down. The group proposes a ceiling of 15,900 spectators per game at Parken. A ceiling of 11-12,000 spectators has previously been guaranteed. Vaccination quagmire Besides, nobody knows when the over-50s will be vaccinated. Last week’s news that Johnson &
TINE UFFELMANN - VISITNORDSJÆLLAND
SAVING THE DANISH SUMMER
Johnson vaccinations can resume in the US, providing women aged 18-48 exercise caution (it’s rumoured previous deaths might be linked to the contraceptive pill), might mean nothing to Denmark. Denmark could choose to become the first country to scrap J&J, following on from its decision to permanently discard AstraZeneca. At present, just 17 percent of people in their 70s are fully vaccinated, let alone people in their 50s (7 percent, although 14 percent have had their first jab). The possibility of all over-50s receiving at least one jab by the end of May, which was predicted by Sundhedsstyrelsen on April 14, looks far-fetched given no deadlines have stayed in place for longer a week recently.
Deadlines, deadlines ... Blue Bloc parties are surprised, to say the least, and are expected to raise some hefty objections when the matter is debated in Parliament next week. The recommendations will ultimately need a political majority. If there is one chink of light, it is the promise that events will be able to take place without restrictions once the entire country has had at least one jab. And that is scheduled to take place by the end of June. Yesterday, the Danish organisers of the major LGBT event Copenhagen 2021, which will take place in the Danish capital and Malmo from August 1222, noted they were “greatly encouraged that major events can take place without restrictions once everyone in Denmark has been offered their first vaccine, currently scheduled for the end of June”. (CPH POST)
International summer school Do you want to practice speaking English? Or have fun? Or both? Join us for an active and engaging time of learning, exploration and summer fun. - Activity Camp (age 4-7)
The classes are not continued from
- Art Camp (Age 8-12)
one week to the other, so you can
- Rocket Lab (Age 8-12)
sign up for one or two weeks.
- English Camp (Age 8-12)
- Week 1: June 21-25
- English Camp (Age 12-17)
- Week 2: June 28 – July 2
Join us
cis.dk/summer-school
Copenhagen International School, Levantkaj 4-14, 2150 Nordhavn
ADVERTORIAL
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
7
WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN
FACEBOOK/ DEN DANSKE SOMMERSKOLE
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL Nobody knows your child better than yourself, so make sure you send them to an environment where they will flourish not falter!
By Anna Maryam Smith Summer school is a staple in the Danish child’s summer holidays. Unlike summer school in the United States, they are not a chance for students to improve their grades or catch up academically. In Denmark, summer school is a chance for children of all ages to develop other interests. Whether it is to learn how to paint, write poetry, play hockey, knit or swim, the list is endless.
8
These ‘camps’ are generally a week or two long, and schools offer several weeks to choose from – but most take place during the first half of the summer (i.e until early/mid July). Some are more like the traditional ‘sleep away camps’ memorably portrayed in American youth movies, while at others the students are only there during the day. Combating learning loss The biggest selling point is that the schools can help keep your children stimulated. Summer is, more often than not, a period of time in which children are not intellectually or creatively challenged, and this is often problematic when they return to
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
school in the autumn. According to the US thinktank Brookings, an analysis of the phenomenon of ‘summer learning loss’ concluded that children on average lose a month’s worth of school learning during the summer. This means they will struggle when they return to school in the autumn. It can therefore be reasonably concluded that summer school can aid in reducing this drastic impact. However, this doesn’t mean that the only solution is to have children in an academic setting all summer. Being physically, creatively, or intellectually stimulated aids in your mental acuity because it increases the
production of neural pathways that are used in learning, thus actively combating the summer learning loss. Therefore, by sending your child to summer camp you are able to help them get back to school on a more stable footing. Huge help to parents Summer school also steers your kids away from the temptation of sitting in front of a screen all day, allowing them to meet and interact with children from all over Denmark, and develop life skills as well as interests in entirely new areas. It sure beats the alternative of bored children sitting around at home waiting for the rest of the family to clock off so they can
Summer schools are therefore a big help to parents – especially ones with young children. The alternative can often be far more expensive, for example a nanny or babysitter, or troublesome: working at home whilst parenting. The lockdown has shown this is far from ideal! Summer schools were created to combat this. They ensure children are kept occupied during the working hours of the day, thus allowing their parents to get their work done in the most productive manner possible. Potential obstacles However, summer schools are not entirely free of risk. The first, and most apparent one depending on the summer school as well as the child, is homesickness. Being away from family for even a day can
appear daunting to children. Thus, attending summer school could create a lot of tension and make the child unhappy. But while every child is different, so is every summer school. It’s important to choose the right summer school for your child’s needs and to thoroughly take into account the activities, distance from home etc.
VISIT DENMARK/NICLAS JESSEN
travel. Especially due to Covid-19 this year, the options for children during those first few weeks of the holiday will probably be very limited because they can’t go to the movies, museums or amusement parks.
Of course, sometimes it’s impossible to find the right school for teenagers. They generally don’t like being told what to do at the best of times – especially when that means they can’t hang out with their friends or do what they want on their one long break from school. After all, for some it can be overwhelming – particularly if they are going directly from exams and tests into another, sometimes high intensity, learning environment. But if the approach to sending one’s child to summer school is
facilitated in such a way that allows them to have control over the situation, and an awareness that
this isn’t an academic setting but is in fact a chance to have fun, the rest will be smooth sailing.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS A FOCUS FOR CIS SUMMER STUDENTS A choice of five programs for children aged 4-17 The Copenhagen International School (CIS) summer program is a unique opportunity for children to learn new skills while also developing their Englishspeaking ability in the company of experienced EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers. The school offers a wide variety of camps, providing a great opportunity for children to learn and improve their English whilst making new friends and staying active in a safe, positive, and creative environment. The program is taught in English and open to all children. This includes children visiting Denmark and the Copenhagen area, as well as students from other schools who may not be exposed to lessons taught in English as often. Camp combo options Students can engage in learning, exploration, and adventure at any one of CIS’s five summer camps: Activity Camp (ages 4-7), Art Camp (8-12), Rocket Lab (8-12), English Camp (ages 8-12 or 12-17).
All of the camps are available over the first two weeks of the summer break. Parents/students can choose between Week 1 (June 2125), Week 2 (June 28-July 2), or both.
Fun and games For the younger crowd, there is the Activity Camp, where children can enjoy music, play educational games, sometimes go on field trips, and work on hands-on projects like arts and crafts and gardening. “Last year we had different teacher-led activities that we rotated: like face-painting or making play dough,” says Activity Camp teacher Sarai. “The kids were really happy, and the parents too. Danish parents are particularly excited that their kids get exposure to English.” Art attack “All age levels within primary school love building things,” says Fiona, who is a teacher at the Art Camp. “I have never come across a child who hasn’t been really engaged when we built something Picassoinspired, like cubism – they are just cutting and gluing away! Clay
is another great medium.” Aside from clay, young artists in the art camp also work with water colours, sketching, charcoal, pastels and more. Rockman! Bring out your child’s inner scientist in a class that explores Newton’s laws of motion. The experiments and simulations are designed to explore different scientific theories and laws. Explosions, excitement and entertainment are guaranteed. For
these rocketeers, and the possible fun at hand, the sky’s the limit! At ease with English Who doesn’t enjoy games, singing, conversation, art, reading, writing and sometimes even cooking – these EAL classes have them and more. The classes are designed for learners new to the English language, or with some experience. The experienced teachers instinctively know the best program to suit the needs of your child.
ADVERTORIAL
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
9
WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN
CHANNELLING YOUR INNER
TIGER W ODS
KEITH ALLISON
How children discover and then develop hitherto unknown talents at summer school
By Ben Hamilton Imagine if Tiger Woods’ dear old Papa hadn’t thrust a club into his infant son’s hands and told him to take a swing at Bob Hope. Of course, Tiger is Cablinasian (his words, not Oprah’s, although her lips were moving), which broken down is caucascian, black, Indian and Asian, but you can’t help thinking what might have happened had he grown up on a project in Detroit (as opposed to being Papa’s personal project). And while we’re at it, what if
10
Vincent van Gogh hadn’t picked up a paintbrush (sunflower grower, probably), Neil Armstrong hadn’t gone to space school (greeting cards writer?) and Julie Andrews hadn’t tried her hand at singing (100 percent a nun) … we would have been robbed of some of history’s biggest achievers. Well, sometimes summer school is where the journey begins. In distinguished company So let’s start the proceedings with a nice easy one. What do the following people have in common: Seth Rogan, RuPaul, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Levine, Edward Norton, Zooey Deschanel, Julia Roberts, Mariah Carey, Ben Affleck,
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
Natalie Portman, Adrien Brody, Mel Brooks, Jonah Hill, Anne Hathaway, Lauren Bacall, Chevy Chase, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adam Sandler, Mark Zuckerberg and the Coen Brothers. You thought you knew until Chevy Chase, Gwyneth Paltrow and Adam Sandler popped up, right, and then you realised the answer couldn’t be ‘talented performers’. Well, the link is that each and every one of these mostly, if not entirely, North American people went to a summer school. Those precious weeks away (in Sandler’s case, three straight months out of his parents’ sight) played a huge part in unearthing
the talent beholdeth to the world today. Thank you, summer school, thank you. Fun, feel-good, friendships Hold the sarcasm for a second, though, as summer school really is the bomb. It’s pretty much the best parts of your childhood all rolled into one tidy package – and it sure as hell beats sitting at home watching TV. First off, it’s almost entirely non-academic. Forget, triple maths and double Latin, this is quintuple fun. The syllabus is strictly sourced from the ‘School of Life’ – there’s a good reason why so many high school films are rooted in extra-curricular activities.
FACEBOOK/ DEN DANSKE SOMMERSKOLE
Secondly, it’s relaxed. It’s like the final day of the school year, but for a whole week. The students are relaxed – even the uptight ones usually killing themselves to get a scholarship – while most of the teachers have turned into ‘The Fonz’. You never knew they could be this charming! Thirdly, who knows, it might present an opportunity to form a friendship: maybe with the popular kid who you’re too intimidated to mix with in company, or that crush from the year above - if only you had the courage. Granted, there are a few possible drawbacks. The summer holiday lie-in is going to have to wait a while longer and you might get lumbered with the school bore … but if you’re going to improve your tolerance levels, this is as good a place to start as any. Inspiring teachers Let’s hold that teacher thought again, as summer school does tend to attract educators of the highest calibre. Talk to any successful person and they’ll probably have a tale of a teacher who truly believed in them – a relationship nurtured when the two could enjoy some quality one-on-one time.
talents to help others. Michelle Obama, actors Denzel Washington and Rooney Mara, singers Leonard Cohen, Lady Gaga and Carly Simon, and film director Penny Marshall are just a few examples of famous people who worked as summer school counsellors early on in their careers. Seriously, there are probably hundreds of grown-up Americans who had no clue that their counsellors Miss Germanotta and Miss Robinson went on to become the queen of pop and the White House respectively. A pivotal week There’s no doubt that summer schools are the perfect environment to discover the Vincent van Goghs of the future. After all, don’t they say that in order to become an expert at something it will take 10,000 hours of practice, so you’d better start during your childhood! Malcom Gladwell makes the often disputed claim in his book ‘Outliers: The Story of Success’, and it certainly rings true for many of the activities favoured by summer schools.
Teachers are often highly talented people who harboured dreams of becoming a professional creative themselves, be it a musician, actor or artist.
The environment they provide gives children the chance to discover and then develop hitherto unknown talents under the guidance of experts who have already put the hours in.
But somewhere along the line the reality of paying the monthly rent set in, at which point they realised they could also use their
It could prove to be the best investment you’ll ever make – and the most pivotal week of your child’s life.
LEARNING, ADVENTURE, FRIENDSHIP AND FUN! Welcome to a fun-filled summer programme for children aged 4 to 12! Join us this summer for an active and engaging time of learning, adventure and summer fun in a safe and positive environment! Children are signed up for our summer care and camp programmes on a weekly basis so your family can choose summer activities according to your schedule. You are welcome to mix and match CARE and CAMP weeks according to your child’s interests and needs. The Summer CARE Programme, aimed at children aged 4-10, consists of daily activities such as crafts and educational games organised in a child-centred and interest-based setting. The Summer CAMP Programme, for children aged 7-12, is a series of thematic camps within a variety of areas such as music, science, photography, and more. Read more about each camp on our website.
To learn more and register visit www.ish.dk/summer The International School of Hellerup is a Not-For-Profit IB World School with over 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
X FACTOR, EUROVISION, POP CAREER …
A sound work ethic Benjamin’s keeping busy as he’s “used to working his ass off”. He credits much of his work ethic to his time at SceneKunst, as a student and later as a helper.
then hang out and do a bunch of activities with people afterwards. You do that for a week, and then at the end you perform a couple of scenes from a play or musical that you’ve been preparing.
Benjamin Rosenbohm shot to fame in 2019 on Denmark’s ‘X Factor’, taking second prize with his raw, folksy vocals and a mean hand for the guitar.
A highlight of every year was the Scenekunst Summer School, which he remembers helped to further improve his acting, music and dance skills.
Eurovision success He then followed it up with a runaway win at the 2020 Dansk Melodi Grand Prix as one half of ‘Ben and Tan’ with the pop earworm ‘Yes’.
So how did SceneKunst prepare him for a career in showbiz? CPH POST sat down with Benjamin to hear his take.
Sounds fun! Do you sleep there? Yeah, you sleep in bunkbeds – it’s so much fun! You just chill in bunkbeds with people of a similar age and stay up talking about all kinds of things. You get to know people in a very short amount of time, but very deeply, which is really cool.
But for Benjamin Rosenbohm, it all started at SceneKunst, and his most treasured memories are of going to its summer school
By Lena Hunter
The win should have sent the duo to the Eurovision Song Contest as Denmark’s 2020 entry – but the pandemic shut the contest down completely. Since then, the duo have put out ‘Iron Heart’, a synth-drenched pop belter, while Benjamin has also released a solo track, the rustic indie tune ‘Worth a Broken Heart’.
12
Why did you go to a summer school? My parents saw a lot of creative energy in me – I was a very hyper kid! – and signed me up for a musical drama school called SceneKunst. Its summer school sounded like fun. Can you tell us a bit about what you did there? It’s like a summer camp where you do singing, dancing and acting throughout the day and
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
Do you have any standout memories from your time there? I have a couple from the same place. We went to a scouts’ camp type of thing out in the countryside and there was a campfire there. I would always bring my guitar to these camps and I have so many memories of everyone being around the campfire, me playing music and just having a good time. It’s a very dear memory to me.
What do you think you gained creatively from SceneKunst? Constantly interacting with people and learning to be social – it was where I realised that music was the thing that spoke most naturally to me. Also, you’re expected to memorise a lot of content in a short amount of time and then make something with it, which is a quality I think everybody can benefit from. It’s especially relevant to me now because I sometimes get rung up a week beforehand asking “Hey, can you play this gig?” or “Hey, can you write a song with this person?” The sooner you get used to that work ethic, the better. What are the teachers like? They’re musicians, actors and dancers. A lot of them have projects going on outside of SceneKunst. Some of them were experts in choirs, had dancing gigs, or acted in ads and shows outside SceneKunst. So that was also really inspiring – that the teachers were active in the creative scene in Denmark.
SCENEKUNST
Could you go to SceneKunst without any musical training or experience at all? I think so, because what’s cool about SceneKunst is that all the teachers are very open to the level you’re at. Let’s say you’ve never danced before, stood on a stage, or sung a note in your life – the teachers will take you through, step by step. They might say: “These techniques can help you sing better” or “These choreographies are not too
hard.” It’s a place where anyone can be a part of the creative stuff. What about if you’re more experienced? The teachers are so welleducated that I, for example, was able to get a lot more out of it than I had expected. They adjust to your level and can provide more advanced teaching like intonation and breath work in singing. The more you want from
SceneKunst, the more they’re going to give, and the less you understand, the easier they’re going to go on you. What would you say to someone considering going to SceneKunst? Firstly, I would say be prepared to make a commitment. A lot of the time people think school’s more important, or that it’s just a free time thing. There’s a good amount of discipline at Scene
Kunst, and the vibe is best when everybody is on board with that. Second, if you want any kind of creative outlet – and I really mean any – there’s going to be something at SceneKunst that will speak to you. Personally, I wasn’t much of a dancer – I’m still not! – but there was so much else that I enjoyed. It’s amazing to work so hard with so much material and to be able to perform something at the end.
SUMMER SCHOOL IN THE SPELLBINDING SOUTH Ahead of its August opening, Lolland International School is this July offering prospective students and others the chance to sample its unique bilingual education environment Ahead of its August opening in the Lolland town of Maribo, Lolland International School, a new international public school for grades 0-9, is making a splash in the region. It possibly has some of the best views and probably the freshest air in the country. And in ten years’ time, it will be the closest Danish international school to the German border. By 2030, according to most prognoses, the Fehmarn link will be in operation, thus dramatically reducing the travel time by train between Berlin and the Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen, Sweden and Oslo. A decade of toil requires vast numbers of foreign workers, and the team behind Lolland International School have done the maths. The children who relocate with their parents to fulfil Fehmarn will need a school,
and Lolland International School will fill the void. Free, bilingual program According to headteacher Dominic Maher, it will initially have space for 100 students. “We will be offering a free, bilingual program where half of the lessons will be taught in English [Cambridge International Curriculum] and the other half in Danish [National Curriculum],” he said. “ “Our aim is to provide quality education in an international setting that adequately prepares children for further study and life here in Denmark. We will open a school that fosters curiosity, develops resilience and connects with community.” Everyone welcome First priority for places will be given to non-permanent residents on the islands, thus safeguarding a place of education for their children. And the pool of prospective parents does not end there, as many internationals are already
based on the islands working at local companies, as well as Danes seeking a more worldly education for their children. To get a taste of the school, prospective students and others are invited to attend its activitybased Summer Programme during the weeks of 19-23 July
and 26-30 July. Open to all children who have completed grade 0 up to and including grade 6, it will be a chance to make friends and sample the school’s international environment and bilingual everyday life.
ADVERTORIAL
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
13
Marie Rønde is 19 years old and has just finished her first year studying anthropology at the University of Copenhagen.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
She is Danish-American and grew up in both Houston, Texas and Copenhagen. She graduated from International School in Hellerup in 2019 after receiving an IB Diploma. In the summer of 2015 she attended Copenhagen International School’s summer program for creative writing. Did you enjoy the experience of being at summer school? I did enjoy it because it was fun, free learning without the agenda of getting a specific grade – rather learning something purely because you find it interesting. It taught me that learning through passion, rather than simply ‘going to school’, makes it much more fun. Did it feel more like a relaxed summer activity or an intense academic experience? Relaxed and fun – a great time with friends. Do you think summer school is for everyone? I think it is not for a specific type nor would a specific type dislike it. If there is a class with a subject they enjoy, then there should be something for everyone. Would you recommend summer school to someone else? Yes!
IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND WHETHER SUMMER SCHOOL IS WORTH IT, AS WELL AS WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES, A FEW FIRST-HAND TESTIMONIES ARE CRUCIAL. BY ANNA MARYAM SMITH Oskar Groot, 20, is a waiter and film student in Copenhagen. He is Danish, but has been an expat for most of his life – living in Japan for two years, the UK for ten, and finally finishing his IB diploma at Herlufsholm School in Denmark. He attended Herlufsholm summer school twice – at the ages of 13 of 14.
14
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
sports outside in the sun, going for long walks, canoeing, trips to the beach, art lessons, a trip to Copenhagen and, of course, spending lots of time with friends.
What did you attend summer school for? I attended summer school to practise my Danish. After many years abroad, I had become slightly out of touch with my mother tongue. Other than that, I also chose to go to the summer school because of its sports and creative activities, and because I could spend time with some of the friends I already had, while making new friends within the group.
After many years abroad, I think that it is only natural that one becomes slightly disconnected from their home country. I was [in Denmark] every summer, and when I was there we were only in our summerhouse – far away from everything else. The summer school gave me a chance to make friends and go to school in my home country. I got to go and explore my own country with a group of friends. I therefore think that it helped me to reconnect with my roots and rediscover my home country from a new perspective.
Did you enjoy your summer school experience? I only have fond memories from my time at summer school. It was a great couple of weeks, packed with fun. Memories include playing
Did it feel more like a stressful academic experience, or more like a relaxed and fun summer activity? It felt a lot more like a fun summer activity than a
stressful academic experience. As I recall, we only had three hours of lessons during the day. The rest of the day was filled with all sorts of summery activities and creative projects. Do you think summer school is for everyone? What types of people do you think would enjoy it? Conversely, what types of people do you think wouldn’t enjoy it? I definitely think that the summer school appeals to a broad group of teenagers. I think that it is especially designed for people looking to make new friends, and fill a long summer with a meaningful couple of weeks. I always used to get the summer blues when I was younger, when I would miss my friends dearly halfway through the summer holiday. But because I went to an international school, people were all over the planet, so I couldn’t see anyone. I think that was part of the thrill for me: it was the first time I could be away from my family during the summer holidays. I don’t
think I would have enjoyed it as much if I was not open-minded and willing to try new things. I think it is essential to arrive with a ‘this will be fun’ attitude for the experience is to be fun. If you come with a good attitude, the school provides great care and attentiveness from the teachers, extraordinary facilities, and a myriad of possible experiences, within a safe and comfortable space. Would you recommend summer school to someone else? I would definitely recommend the summer school to anyone considering it. After the first year, I decided to go again. A couple years later I decided to finish my high school at the very school I had gone to summer school at. This year I will be returning to the very same summer school as a member of the hard working staff, and I am looking forward to trying to give the students as positive an experience as I got when I was there.
International School of Hellerup (ISH) is thinking outside the box this summer, offering children a whole range of different English-language camps, from two embracing analogue photography to three others calling on all explorers! Disney theatre, giant hunts, and exploring might sound like a description of the latest children’s action movie starring The Rock, but it is actually what kids will be taking part in at the ISH summer school program this year. These are just a few of the activities covered in ISH’s six week-long, thematic workshops for students (ages 7-12) between Weeks 26 and 31, which include three Explorer Camps (sport, space and nature), a Young Chefs Camp, a Giant Hunt Camp, a Disney Theatre Club and an Analog Photography Camp – among others. Camps to suit all needs Along with the Summer CAMP program, ISH is also offering a Summer CARE program for children (ages 4-10) with
PIXABAY
CALLING ON ALL EXPLORERS! daily activities based on their interests, such as arts and crafts and educational games. Parents and students may mix and match the student’s enrolment from week to week in either CARE or CAMP to suit their interests and busy schedules – both of which run for six weeks from June 28 to August 6. Both programs are delivered in English and offer an active, engaging and fun sense of adventure in a positive, safe learning environment. The summer program is open to all children, including ISH students, students from other schools and children visiting the Copenhagen area. “What makes our program unique is that it runs for the whole summer and that we offer a wide array of exciting thematic CAMPS,” enthuses ISH summer school co-ordinator Chiara Giani. Pictures and pitchers Though the tried, trusted and returning Art, English and Music camps have been very popular in the past, Chiara and ISH are
proud to be launching a number of new camps this year, including Young Chefs and Analog Photography. The activities vary according to the group’s age, needs and preferences. Weather permitting, the children spend as much time outdoors as possible, visiting different playgrounds, parks and forests. Though the program encourages activity outdoors, ISH last year established precautionary corona measures.
“We have re-designed some of the CAMPS in order to limit the field trips to the school’s surroundings, thus avoiding the use of public transportation . We have also limited our groups to a maximum of ten students per teacher,” explained Chiara. “Although these are tough times, we still offer a summer full of fun and social interactions for the youngest!”
ADVERTORIAL
SUMMER SCHOOLS 2021 GUIDE
15
Danish Summer School
Learn Danish and Make Friends From All Over the World
Summer School
Family Summer School
The Summer School program is a unique experience
The Family Summer School program is a shorter stay
for children and teens aged 10-17. The experience of
in Denmark for children aged 6-9 and 10-13 and
spending 17 intensive days in Denmark at Summer
their parent(s)/grandparent(s). The program offers
School builds the children’s Danish roots... and
engaging classes, activities, and excursions to give
friendships for life. They spend their vacation weeks
participants insight into the language and culture of
learning Danish and gaining familiarity with the culture
Denmark. Family Summer School 2021 is scheduled for
and society of Denmark.
10-18 July.
Summer School 2021 is scheduled for 7-23 July.
Learn more at sommerskolen.dk