Indhold
What is a Folk High School?
The folk high schools call it learning for life...
The folk high schools are a unique part of the Scandinavian culture. Today there are approximately 80 folk high schools in Denmark. Studying at a folk high school is not part of formal education, but rather a way of personal development. A stay at a folk high school is a good way of getting to know Danish mentality.
A folk high school is like a small community, where students are together 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students study, eat, sleep and spend their spare time together, they also share duties such as cleaning and cooking. Students are obliged to participate actively with enthusiasm in all the lessons and other common activities. Absence is accepted only under special circumstances.
The relation between teachers and students is closer and based on equality
As folk high schools are non-formal educational institutions, there are no exams. The relation between teachers and students is closer and based on equality.
Folk high schools improve creativity, self-knowledge, body and intellect, musicality, enthusiasm, sense of humour and personal courage.
Each folk high school offers different courses. Some schools have specialised in sports, art, music or philosophy, while others offer a wide range of subjects. There are mandatory common activities too such as lectures, morning assemblies, excursions and meetings. Instead of exams many of the courses end up in a performance, concert, exhibition or project week which the students themselves have planned and organised in co-operation with their teachers.
Most of the folk high schools are, like Vallekilde, situated in the nature, far from the
noise of the cities. This helps bringing people together – which is one of the core benefits of folk high schools. Living together improves tolerance and understanding of each others’ cultures, values and views of life, besides lifelong friendships are bonded here.
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