School we visited today was the school specialized in children with behaviour problems, not good social background, bad attitude to school or adults or those who failed at other schools , Ungdomsskole (Christianfeldvej 8A, Haderslev 6100).
Lasse Johanson (head of the department) introduced a basic idea and principles of the school to us. His speech started with him unexpectedly jumping on the table to show us and illustrate one very wise thought which is very important at the school we just were: “Another view point creates a different focus. When one chooses a different view point, one sees other persons in new light.” (L. Johanson). In other words regular schools aim their focus on pupils from one point of view which creates a certain frame and those who cannot fit to this frame therefore have troubles, Ungdomsskole is trying to focus on its students from different perspective than the regular schools to give those children a chance to develop.
After this introduction Jasper (one of the teachers) took the floor and told us details about the differences between Ungdomsskole and common schools and their pupils.
Ungdomsskole has two classes and in total 30 pupils. Children who got to this school are kids with difficult background, low self-esteem, negative attitude to school system and teachers, experiences with drugs and alcohol and usually unsuccessfully tried a lot of school before etc.
Therefore the aim of this school is to change their attitude to school, teachers and grown-ups, to break bad habits and offer another opportunity for them or at least they try to do it so however it is very difficult sometimes.
I and Laura visited English lesson with James (teacher of English, Art… and very nice person). There are usually about 6 students at the lesson but today there were only two girls, Caroline and Simone. Simone was very shy to talk in English but Caroline´s English was very good and she told us about her hobbies which were horses. She seemed as an ordinary teenager without any serious troubles or something but actually she tried six school and one year spent at home before she got there. James led lesson in very relaxed mood which is necessary for these kids. It was based on discussion although they also use written exercises to train in grammar and vocabulary.
After this lesson there was lunch for everybody us included, which was very nice surprise. Lunch was prepared by pupils in a cooking class.
And finally I would like to say also something about EGU class led by David, the second class at Ungdomsskole. This class if for pupils from 16 to 20 and is something between school and trainee jobs. The main purpose of this class is to prepare children either for further education or for jobs. During the first year weeks are divided into two activities. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are trainee days, students work in a company to get experience in work. Tuesdays and Thursdays are schools day.
The second year of EGU is only working, trainee.
Usually about 60% of students are successful in further education or finding job after being at this school. Although it is not 100% still it is a great success.
I am very gratefull and happy that I could visit this school and experienced something different from common schools.
M
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