The international section of the Bernadotte School, "The Little House", is an international school in Denmark which offers education from pre-school to 9th grade (age group 6 – 15 years).
For more information please click any of the underlined entries:
· Class Hours
· Projects
· Projects
· Languages
· Mathematics
· Computers
· Science
· Practical / Creative subjects (‘P’)
· Drama
· Camp School
· After-school Activities
· Music School
School Fees and waiting list
Education is about human possibilities and therefore needs vision. However, educators often tend to become too fascinated by ideas, that is, preconceived schemes or notions – conservative or progressive – of what children should be like, thereby overshadowing the reality of what they are. In this sense, idealism is the cardinal sin of educators.
Educational quality certainly means academic achievement, but not exclusively. It also means creative and social achievement in the broadest sense. This ideal can only avoid being idealistic, in the negative, dogmatic sense of the word, if it is approached in a democratic atmosphere of mutual respect among children and adults, and within the framework of a democratic organizational structure. In the context of schools, the single most important precondition for this is the ability to “see” reality. “Blind” teaching is bad teaching. The kind of vision most called for is therefore not a vision of “a land that we dream of,” not “somewhere over the rainbow,” but a vision of the world that we live in.
The pedagogical and educational principles and methods with which we work must always be set in relation to reality, and only then do the labels of a progressive or alternative schooling have meaning. Here we touch upon what was the inspiration in the formation of Bernadotte School: The courage to face reality in all of its reflections and expressions.
Per Rahbek
School Leader
Bernadotte School was opened in 1949 by a group of parents who were motivated by the same ideas which led to the establishment of the United Nations: the prevention of future conflict by the promotion of international understanding.
Educationally, the school had very clear aims from the beginning: a desire to break away from the rigidity and authoritarianism of traditional schooling, and to put into practice the new ideas of child-centered pedagogy. Though the school has developed and adapted a great deal since those days in response to the varying demands of modern society, the guiding principles have held fast and still help to create a learning environment which we feel is very special: an environment which both students and teachers enjoy because everyone can contribute to it in their own way.
Bernadotte School is a Danish school with an international, English-speaking section called The Little House. It is important to note that we are Danish and not an American or British international school, and that our working methods, philosophy and the general ambience of the school will reflect this difference.
The Scandinavian tradition of openness, tolerance and freedom of mind shows also in its educational systems. Knowledge and learning are seen as tools which enhance the individual’s understanding and appreciation of life, rather than being a checklist of academic goals which can be pursued in isolation. It is our experience that the skills and strengths which our system fosters stand the student in good stead for any academic study undertaken in later life.
The school is run democratically, as it would not be in keeping with the school’s aims to reserve decision-making for a chosen few. Parents, students and teachers all have influence in the running of the school, both on a day-to-day level, and in liaison with each other through their respective representative bodies.
Bernadotte School’s international section, The Little House (TLH), accepts children of all nationalities, from 6-15 years of age. The classes in TLH: E1, E2, E3, E4 and E5 (E stands for ‘English’), are combination classes of usually 18 students. Each group covers the equivalent of two grades, which means that a student attends each “E” class for two years. Children are placed according to age. Students entering E1 must turn 6 years old by 1 October of the year they are to start.
The “E” classes are set up as follows:
| Group: | Grades: | Age: |
| E1 | K - 1 | 6 - 7 |
| E2 | 2 - 3 | 8 - 9 |
| E3 | 4 - 5 | 10 - 11 |
| E4 | 6 - 7 | 12 - 13 |
| E5 | 8 - 9 | 14 - 15 |
| 10th grade | 15 - 16 |
With the exception of the oldest group, E5, and 10th grade, TLH is based in our own building, allowing us to maintain a ‘family’ atmosphere, in which both children and teachers have the opportunity to work closely together. However, TLH children do mix with the children from the Danish section for Practical Workshops, French, German and school activities. The children from both sections also have the opportunity to meet and play during recess, as we share the same school grounds.
15-16 year-olds can qualify for Bernadotte’s 10th grade, which integrates students from TLH and the Danish section, as well as children from other schools. Instruction in 10th grade leads to 10th grade Danish State Exams, which qualify the student to go on to further education at a Danish institution or The International Baccalaureate Programme. You are welcome to contact the school should you be interested in 10th grade for your child.
In all classes, there are various ways in which parents can play influential roles in their children’s education and follow their progress. There are group parents’ meetings where families can discuss the plans, activities and problems of each class, and consultations with parents concerning each child. Families and teachers liaise closely with each other, conferring regularly either on the phone, email, or by personal contact.
As described above, there are many ways in which parents can get involved (and, indeed, are expected to get involved!) in the school life of their children. On another level, regarding TLH, and the school as a whole, there are also opportunities for parents to make a contribution and affect the development of Bernadotte School in a very real way. The school’s highest authority is the General Assembly, which is comprised of all the school’s parents. They are responsible for electing the five parent members of the Board of Directors, who, in collaboration with the school leaders, attend to the economic running of the school. The Parents’ Council, which is made up of representatives from each class, works together with the Board of Directors and the Teachers’ Council in making important decisions which affect the running of the school.
We place great emphasis on the development of social skills in our children. They are encouraged to solve conflicts through discussion and negotiation. By fostering self-reliance in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competition, we aim to develop responsible, caring people, with an understanding of human values based on personal experience.
In the same way, our primary method in studying a particular topic is not the repetition of facts, but the nurturing of skills. We prefer to use each topic as a starting point for practice in critical thinking and independent work rather than as an end in itself. For the same reason, we stress the value of general knowledge, to enable the student to understand the world not as a series of isolated phenomena, but as a network of which he or she forms a part.
We attach great importance to the value of creative as well as academic skills; creativity, not as a separate entity, but as a way in which one relates to all that one does and a quality which enhances the type of thinking required in any learning situation.
At Bernadotte School, marks are first given in the 8th grade, which is the first year of E5. In the second year of E5, 9th grade, the children who qualify for the Danish State Exams are tested in English, Danish, French or German, Mathematics, Science, History, Biology, geography and Civics/Social Studies. Children who have not gone through the Danish System, or who have not attended our school from age 6, are issued full reports which serve in lieu of the Danish State Exams. Both methods of evaluation enable students to either continue further education at a Danish institution or to join an International Baccalaureate programme. Students, who attend 10th grade, can qualify by passing the 10th grade State Exams. For children who transfer to schools in other countries, a written report is issued.
The school is rooted in the Danish educational tradition, and The Little House offers a Danish curriculum as a framework. In addition, we include a strong international aspect in out curriculum. This combination is what gives us our unique profile: an independent English-speaking Department, within a Danish school. We use teaching materials from the USA and Great Britain.
Class Hours
The major part of the school week is spent together with the class teacher in class hours. Much of this time is spent on project work, as described below, but the class teacher is free to take a flexible approach to meeting the needs of the group. This may take the form of separate skills sessions, discussions, briefings on current affairs, or trips outside school. Class hours are also the time where the class teacher and the children address the social functioning of the group. We do not hesitate to take ‘time out’ to discuss social issues should the need arise.
Projects
Although the following subjects: Literature, Geography, History, Biology and Civics/Social Studies are taught to the older classes in the traditional subject-oriented way, project work is the cornerstone of our teaching methods. In life outside of school, subjects are rarely encountered in isolation, but have to be understood in relation to each other. In our project-oriented work, every opportunity is taken to explore the links between subjects and to underline their relevance to everyday life. Several of these projects are undertaken throughout the school year, with the topic for each project used as the starting point for brainstorming, investigation, research and learning appropriate to each age level.
Languages
English is our teaching language and is integrated into everything we do. Separate sessions of grammar work, language skills and creative writing are nevertheless regularly undertaken. Generally speaking, the children use English as a common language in their own interaction as well.
Danish as a Second Language is taught in all groups.
A choice of French or German is offered in the oldest groups, for the children who are the equivalent of 7th, 8th and 9th grade. These are the same age groups as in other Danish schools, where children study French or German for three years as part of their qualification for entrance to Gymnasium (Senior High School). Some of the TLH students study French or German together with Danish students of the same age, while some have their own group.
Mathematics
Our textbook system is based on the British System. When children reach the 9th grade, the Mathematics lessons take place in Danish, with Danish textbooks, in preparation for the Danish State Exams. However, students are encouraged to work and improve for their own sake, and are encouraged to help themselves and each other whenever possible. This approach allows children to treat achievement in the subject as a matter of personal satisfaction.
Mathematics projects are also undertaken from time to time, to give the children first-hand experience of how math relates to practical situations and tasks.
Computers
The school uses a range of programmes to assist students in all subjects. We have a computer room in the school, where a whole class can work on a project together. There are PCs in TLH library, with Internet connection. In addition, the library in the Danish section has four internet machines, which are open for use by all the children. The school is at present experimenting with various models for integrating computers in the classroom.
Science
The starting point for science teaching in the younger groups is what goes on in the world around them, the most important features being investigation, observation and experimentation, in other words, a ‘hands-on’ approach. Beginning with what is concrete and measurable, they meet topics which are based on what can be seen, felt and experienced. In E5, science topics are geared for the Danish State Examinations and incorporate subject matter within the areas of physics, chemistry and general science.
Practical / Creative subjects (‘P’)
As mentioned earlier, the creative subjects are seen as a vital part of the school’s approach to education. Students in E3-E5, choose from a variety of workshops-called ‘P’ which stands for ‘Practical-productive’. At present, the following workshops are offered: Art, Wood and Metal, Choir, Music, Pottery, IT (computers) and Textiles. In these workshops, the mixed groups of Danish / TLH children are helped towards their own creative goals, rather than being given a ‘course’ of instruction. Once again, students are encouraged to be self-directing. Depending on the age group, students attend one or two ‘P’ workshops per week, making their choices at the start of the school year and after Christmas.
E1 and E2 have their own ‘Little P’, in which most of the ‘P’ subjects are offered in one workshop.
Drama
Once a year every class in the school prepares a class play (“fællestime”). The class play is treated as a project. Over a period of several weeks, the class writes the script, finds props and costumes, paints scenery and rehearses, before performing in front of an invited audience. Families are, of course, invited! A high level of co-operation and commitment is required, and the translation of creative enthusiasm into practical realities is a great challenge for the students. The drama lessons involved in the preparation of their ‘fællestime’ enhance language skills and personal confidence in a very real way. This is always one of the most difficult, yet most rewarding projects of the year.
Camp School
Every other year, Camp School takes place in May. Camp School is one of the most important activities at our school, and all children are expected to attend. Depending on the age and ambition level of the group, a camp school might be an overnight stay in a summerhouse, or a week’s adventure with tents and backpacks. Whatever the style of the camp school, the challenge of living together, cooking, and sharing accommodation creates new social situations for the students, and makes for an exciting and productive learning experience. Camp school is funded by an amount allocated by the school, and parent contributions.
The oldest class, E5, often travels abroad if the project has the backing of the parents.
After-school Activities
The youngest children in Danish schools have a relatively short day compared to schools in other countries. On average, children in E1 and E2 will finish at 13:00 or 13:45. The school has an after-school program, staffed by specially-trained play-school teachers, who work together with class teachers of the children involved. There is an extra fee for this arrangement. Many parents enquire about after-school sports and other activities. In Denmark, there are extensive youth programs run in each local area, offering not only sports but a variety of other activities as well, including supplementary education. This can also be a good way for a child to make friends locally.
Music School
The parents run a Music School, in which professional instructors offer private tuition on school premises after school hours. This is paid for separately, and can be applied for at the start of the year. Information about this is sent out to all the school’s children at the start of the year, when children can book places individually or in small groups, to learn, or to continue learning, guitar, drums, piano, saxophone, singing, and so on.
There are no formal entrance requirements. Children are admitted based on an interview in which all parties – child, parents and school – ensure that Bernadotte is the right school for the child concerned.
As of 1st of January2013
School Fees: paid out over 12 months
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per annum
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per month
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For the 1st child:
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21.660,-
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1.805,-
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For the 2nd child:
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16.260,-
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1.355,-
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For the 3rd child:
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9.960,-
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830,-
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all values are in DKR
Playschool fees: paid out over 11 months
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per annum
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per month
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For the 1st child:
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14.940,-
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1.245,-
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For the 2nd child:
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11.220,-
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935,-
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For the 3rd child:
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6.900,-
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575,-
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all values are in DKR
Schoolfees are subject to change by decission of the Board of the school
When a place is offered and accepted, a deposit of DKR 2.000,- per family is required to be paid. No placement is considered booked until this has been paid.
There is an annual materials fee of DKR 500,- per child.
Parents’ contribution to Camp School costs is at present a maximum of DKR 400, - per child.
The Danish Government offers a partial refund of transport costs to and from home, depending on the age of the student and the distance from school. We can assist with these and other practical arrangements.
There is a waiting list for all classes in The Little House. If you are interested in having your children enrolled at our school please click here to acces the electronic formular to use for getting on the waiting list.
If you do not yet have a Danish CPR-number please fill out the form, print it and send it by ordinary mail
If you experience problems in the process of electronic transfer of the formular to the school (some combinations of internet browser and an older version of Adobe Reader can cause problems) please print the formular and send it by ordinary mail.
There is a DKR. 250,00 waiting list charge and it should be paid according to instructions on the formular.
| Address | Bernadotteskolen |
| The International School in Denmark | |
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Hellerupvej 11
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| DK - 2900 Hellerup |
| Homepage | www.bernadotteskolen.dk |
| Main office | Telephone: | (+45) 39 62 12 15 |
| Fax: | (+45) 39 62 27 40 | |
| E-mail: | kontoret@bernadotteskolen.dk |
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English-speaking ection
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Telephone: | (+45) 69 89 81 37 |
| tlh@bernadotteskolen.dk |
Nearest S-Train Station: Hellerup, just 5 min. away.
Please contact Coordinator for the English-speaking section, Alastair Robertson, for an appointment or for further information.