Vocational Day - Gymnasiet i Paderup

Today I visited Paderup Gymnasium (secondary college) courtesy of the school and past Principal Karl Vibjerg. Karl opened the school as it's first Principal in 1979 and retired from there some 9 years ago. He is very proud of the school, its staff, students and facilities and from my observations deservedly so. The school caters for academic students across 3 forms from the ages of 17 to 19 or so (roughly equivalent to Years 11, 12 & 13) but is very different from Queensland schools. The differences are primarily related to the degree of freedom that is held by students and the more "University like" feel to the campus - no uniforms, first names basis, open space teaching with very significant use of technology, catered lunch for staff for small payment per month, one day off for staff each week for preparation, correction etc. (not including weekends) and so on. The place had a very nice atmosphere. The school did not cater, however, for any technical or commercial type subjects and so had a fairly narrow focus. Students were expected to complete three language subjects, Danish, English and one other. I was really pleased to see evidence of past Australian exchange students. Overall, a great morning.