30 Jan Brighter days, summer school and an app that hits
The days are gradually getting longer and it's noticeable when the sunlight is still present when the school day ends around 3-4pm. The extra time of daylight energises you and makes you want to go outside even if it's still bitterly cold.
At the same time, there are plenty of exciting things to look forward to at the school. Registration for the summer school has just opened, and now everyone can secure a place for a summer filled with academic challenges, new experiences and fun adventures.
With the arrival of spring, the end-of-term exams are approaching and students are excited about the upcoming cultural studies trips. You can read about all this - and much more - in this week's newsletter.
Happy reading
Without the USA - an app that hits the spot
Four years ago, Jonas Pipper attended Ranum Efterskole College. It was corona time, so there wasn't much time for travelling to distant countries. On the other hand, there was time to immerse yourself in all the things you really enjoyed - and maybe that's one of the reasons why Jonas and his friend have now had great success with their app Uden USA. The app can scan products through the phone camera and tell you whether the item is American or not, while suggesting four alternatives from European manufacturers.
The idea came about 10 months ago, inspired by Trump's statements about buying Greenland and the subsequent boycott movement “Boycott Trump”. The two young men spent a month developing the app and have since continuously updated it with new items. Today, the app has more than 81,000 downloads worldwide on the iPhone, and there are even about 600 users in the US, where the app also suggests European alternatives.
Jonas emphasises that it's especially his way of making videos about the app that has caused the download numbers to explode. This is something he has definitely taken with him from his time on the media programme at Ranum Efterskole College, where he geeked out on film and video techniques.
Huge kudos to Jonas and his mate - this is impressive work and a great example of how creativity and curiosity can lead to something great!
More than 4200 visitors at the efterskole exhibition in Roskilde
We were overwhelmed by how many families visited our stand at the efterskole exhibition in Roskilde. Although we participate in many fairs both at home and around the world, we are always impressed by the great interest and the many good conversations with you. Thank you for visiting us!
This coming weekend we'll be at the trade fair in Aabenrå on Saturday and Sunday, 31 January and 1 February, from 10-16 in Sønderjyllandshallen. We look forward to meeting even more of you.
“The more you know, the more you care” - Our Nepal team experienced this first-hand!
On Monday, Ronisha and Lone from the Danish-Nepalese Society visited our Nepal Culture class and shared their knowledge about Nepal's culture, unwritten rules and everyday life. It was a particularly rewarding experience as Ronisha is from Nepal herself and has lived in Denmark since 2019. She was able to give the students a broad perspective on both the differences and similarities between the cultures - and not least explain how the students should best behave with the Nepali families they will be staying with in March.
The students asked questions, actively participated and got a unique insight into everyday life in Nepal. Now the team is excitedly counting down to their big trip.
The cultural journey and teaching is part of Ranum Efterskole College's work with ESG+D - our approach where students learn to understand the world, reflect on societal challenges and develop responsibility.
AFS trade fair in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
This week our Head of Education Matthew Danaher and International Administrator Birthe Petersen have been in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to strengthen the co-operation with our AFS department and spread the word about Ranum Efterskole College in Asia. At conferences and fairs, our school was met with great interest - we were the only European school represented - and it was inspiring to feel how we as a school are part of a larger international community, which is also one of our core values.
Next week, Matthew and Birthe will continue their journey to Singapore, where they will attend meetings and give presentations in co-operation with the Danish Seamen's Church. The trip is an important part of our work to strengthen international connections and raise the profile of Ranum Efterskole College throughout Asia.
Experience rhythmic a cappella with Syng Selected at Ranum Efterskole!
On 8 February, the renowned rhythmic a cappella choir Syng Selected will visit the school and invite you to an afternoon of exuberant music in the main hall. The choir consists of 33 of Denmark's most talented young singers aged 18-30 and has performed both nationally and internationally - from Israel and the USA to Germany and Sweden.
The concert offers a diverse programme with everything from youthful joy to existential themes, arranged by past and present conductors as well as the choir's own songs. It will be a magical afternoon you won't want to miss!
Ticket prices:
Adults: 100 kroner
Students, children, pensioners: DKK 60
Tickets can be purchased at the door via MobilePay.
Find your summer school adventure!
Registration for Ranum Summer Camp is now open!
Would you or someone you know like a summer with new friends, great experiences and a strong international community? At Ranum Summer Camp, you'll develop both professionally and personally - and make memories for life. You choose your own subjects and can customise your stay to suit you. Every week we go on exciting excursions around Denmark and end the week with a festive theme night.
We offer several different camps to suit all interests: surf camp, diving camp, wakeboard camp, dance camp, grandparents camp and our international summer school with participants from all over the world.
Read more about all our different camps and find the one that suits you best here: https://www.ranumefterskole.dk/sommercamps/
Final exams are just around the corner
Week 8 marks the start of this year's final exams, but before that, students are practising and testing like crazy. Students spend their lessons honing skills, revising theory and solving problems - especially in maths, where concentration is at its peak and heads are almost buried in books.
End-of-term exams give both students and teachers a good overview of how far you've progressed in your subjects and what you need to work on for the rest of the school year. Although it can be intense, it's also an opportunity to show what you've learnt and feel progress in the subjects you've worked hard on.
Headmaster's column
Dear reader,
”Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
One of Nelson Mandela's most famous quotes - and to some, one that may sound like a cliché. Especially if you don't know the history of apartheid, racism and the struggle Mandela was at the centre of. But the quote holds a deep truth: His unwavering belief that knowledge and education can bring personal development, social change and ultimately reconciliation.
This is exactly what we are working with these days in the cultural subjects. The students are building knowledge and understanding of the continents we will be visiting in March. We are moving into complex themes - especially around sustainability and the living conditions under which many people live. In the favelas of Brazil. In the poorest regions of Nepal. Places where schooling and knowledge are not a matter of course, but a privilege that can change both life and society.
That's why travelling is no longer just distant destinations on a world map. Because as we learn more, we also start to feel more. The more we know - the more we care. It's no longer just words, but an experience. An experience that helps us ”wash our eyes” and look beyond the tourist's gaze - and perhaps catch a glimpse of life lived in a world that is markedly different from our own. And that's where meeting others also becomes an opportunity to better understand ourselves.
Have a great weekend
It happens:
Calendar
Crea weekend - 07.02.26 - 08.02.26
World Pulses Day - 10.02.26
Term tests - 16.02.26 - 19.02.26
Student party - 27.02.26
Cultural travelling 07.03.26 - 22.03.26
Easter holidays 02.04.26 - 06.04.26
Friends weekend 11.04.26 - 12.04.26
Songkran (Thailand) 13.04.26
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