07 Nov The world has been in focus with international student visits, cultural subjects and Ukraine on the school timetable
The week has offered musical experiences, international visits and important choices for the students - and the Christmas spirit is beginning to spread at Ranum. In short, it's been a week filled with inspiration, energy and great experiences - read on to get a glimpse of what's been happening at the school.
Happy reading!
AFS students from India, Argentina, Thailand, Uruguay & Indonesia
This week we welcomed a large group of AFS students from India, Argentina, Thailand and Indonesia. They will be staying with us for the next four weeks and will be a part of everyday life at Ranum - both in classes, in the contact groups and in their free time. At the assembly on Thursday, the entire group stood up in front of all the students and introduced themselves individually. We look forward to getting to know them better and to the many cultural encounters and experiences they bring with them!
One of the students from India presented the school with a special gift on behalf of the principal of her home school - a beautiful piece of Indian mandala art created by the school's art students and art teacher. The gift symbolises the universe and spiritual growth and we are very grateful for it.
Welcome to three new trainers
We welcome three new teachers at Ranum. On the left is Thomas, who was born and raised in Tasmania, but has Danish roots through his mother. He has just completed his teacher training in Aarhus this summer and is now ready to throw himself into teaching English and maths. Clara and Anton are both student teachers and will be with us for the next six weeks as part of their internship programme. We look forward to having you as part of the community!
Ukraine on the school timetable
Journalists Anne Haubek and Thomas Ubbesen visited our social studies and politics classes today. They talked about the war in Ukraine and gave the students an insight into what everyday life looks like for ordinary people in the middle of the conflict.
The students gained an understanding of how a war close to Denmark affects people on all levels, and Anne and Thomas shared powerful and thought-provoking stories from life in a war zone.
During the presentation, the students were also challenged to take a stand themselves: Before the lecture, they had to answer yes or no to whether they would go to war if the same situation arose in Denmark - an impossible question that got them thinking. After the presentation, they answered the question again to see if their opinion had changed.
It was an inspiring and educational experience that gave the students plenty of food for thought.
The culture subject process is now over
This week marked the end of the cultural subjects process and the students have now voted for the last time. The final democratic vote has been counted and we are doing everything we can to fulfil the students' wishes. However, as some subjects have been particularly popular, some students may get their second or third choice. A big thank you to both teachers and students for their commitment, curiosity and good discussions over the last three weeks.
Life of a busker concert
On Thursday evening, the duo Life of a Busker performed an atmospheric intimate concert in the banqueting hall. It was the fourth year in a row that they visited Ranum Efterskole, and once again they managed to create a close and musical experience for the students.
UWC presented further education opportunities for Ranum students
UWC Denmark stands for “United World Colleges” and works to unite people, nations and cultures through education. They stopped by Ranum Efterskole to present their worldwide school community and give students an insight into the possibilities of studying at one of UWC's 18 schools on four continents. It gave the students great inspiration to develop their global perspectives as an extension of the school year they have already chosen here at Ranum Efterskole College.
Vivarium aquarium trade fair in the Netherlands
A group of teachers and students from the Coral Restoration course are currently in the Netherlands for the Vivarium Fair, a major trade fair for aquariums and terrariums.
At the fair you can experience presentations, workshops, competitions and exhibitions with animals and plants from the aquarium and terrarium world.
Students will have the opportunity to gain inspiration, learn about rarer species and latest trends, and meet others with the same interest from around the world - and of course have fun in the shark suits purchased for the trip! Teachers will have the opportunity to network, spread the word about Ranum and of course expand their own horizons for new species and knowledge.
It will be a professional and exciting experience that we look forward to hearing much more about when they return home to Ranum.
We're ready for Christmas weekend and grandparent visits
Saturday is all about Christmas with this year's big Christmas fun day, where students can make Christmas decorations for both the school and their rooms and help transform Ranum into a true Christmas wonderland. The boxes of decorations from previous years are brought out and the atmosphere is already at its peak. On Sunday we invite the whole 650 grandparents welcome to a cosy day with the students. The Christmas spirit has really hit Ranum - and it can clearly be felt and seen in the video below.
Headmaster's column
Dear reader,
The darkness of November has fallen as students from Mexico set up candles and skulls to celebrate and remember their dead on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On top of a frightening Halloween week, it seems almost harmless, yet it raises many questions among students - and challenges taboos about our views on death.
The intercultural community was also significantly strengthened when 22 new guest students from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Argentina and Uruguay visited us on Sunday.
Even though it brings new life to the school, in November there are always students who struggle because 1TP5Life can also hurt when the ”masks” fall. We warn about it in the speeches at New Student Day, and we talk about it throughout the autumn. But it's now that more parents are facing a tough test in the task of holding on to the fact that a efterskole year lasts - all year - with ups and downs. Unfortunately, not everyone has succeeded, and the school, friends and contact group have lost several students since the autumn holidays.
Parents who find it difficult to explain that things will be okay again - in December and especially with skiing and city breaks on the horizon - are encouraged to seek help from contact teachers, house fairies and youth coaches at school. We are ready to help make young people more resilient, and that comes from adversity, co-operation and persistence from parents.
The cultural subjects election has gone beyond expectations, and the students have voted with their stomachs, heads and prioritised finances, friends and big dreams. In the coming week, all applications will be read and we will send the results to the parents for final confirmation of the student's choice.
We do what we can to brighten up November and December. This coming weekend we will be decorating the entire school for Christmas, and on Sunday around 650 grandparents will visit the school to see their 365 grandchildren. We have shortened the programme from last year, when we first held Grandparents' Day and served roast duck on Thanksgiving Eve. This year, the grandparents will bring their own cake, and there will be a gigantic cake table for everyone to enjoy. In addition to coffee and cake, there are also three community gatherings with singing, presentations and speeches.
Grandparents are also welcome to join us Performance and Family Day on 29 November, where there will be a musical, Christmas market and presentations on the upcoming cultural subjects.
Have a great Friday and weekend!
It happens:
Calendar
Christmas cosy weekend - 08.11.25
Grandparents Day - 09.11.25
Viewpoint character - 10.11.25
Sibling Weekend - 15.11.25 - 16.11.25
TEBO - 18.11.25 - 20.11.25
Performance week - 26.11.25 - 28.11.25
Thanksgiving - 27.11.25
Family day - 29.11.25
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Sincerely yours
Ranum Efterskole College
And have a great autumn holiday!