Citizen in Denmark - Ny i Danmark

Learning is a life-long processGeneral educationDenmark has a tradition of general education* which is asold as Danish democracy itself. It goes together with a beliefthat a well-informed population is an important prerequisitefor a well-functioning society.Everyone has access to life-long learning. Not just within theconfines of the educational system but also by attendingfolk high school or night school*, following educationalprogrammes on the radio or on TV, or by doing coursesat work.Compulsory educationDenmark has a policy of nine years’ compulsory education.Children are to be taught from the age of seven. Most children,however, start in a pre-school class when they are six.Collaboration and participationThe Danish education system is founded on a high degreeof freedom and co-determination. From the earliest classesall the way through to university, students can participatein decision making relating to school and education. Andteachers expect them to do so.Teaching not only places emphasis on academic knowledgebut also on the student’s ability to develop communicativeand collaborative skills. Right from pre-school class, teachersteach children in groups and encourage them to solvetasks together.At institutions of higher education, students often work togetherto solve assignments and meet privately in study groups.SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONMost people continue their studies afterthe nine years of compulsory education.After nine years of primary and lower secondary school, itis up to the individual to decide whether they want pursuefurther education. Having said this, there are fewer and fewerjobs for people without an education so the vast majority ofyoung people take a business education or upper secondaryeducation. Followed by a short-, medium- or long-termperiod of further study.73