Rygaards School in Hellerup – the oldest international school in Denmark, which this year celebrated its 105th birthday – has an excellent reputation for academic excellence and nurturing the gifts and aspirations of the whole child.
“We have a completely contemporary feel and are the only school in Denmark that is a member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and is therefore fully accredited by a British inspectorate as well as a Danish one,” said Nigel Fossey, the head of Rygaards International Secondary School.
He said that his school has an excellent reputation in Copenhagen for high academic standards and that its students consistently achieve outstanding results in their examinations.
Truly international
Shirley Jacobsen, the head of Rygaards International Primary School, said that Rygaards is a truly international school with over 60 different nationalities represented in its student body.
“Although we are a Christian school, our student body embraces all faiths and cultures,” she said. “We believe that every child has the potential to transform the world. This is the guiding philosophy of the school’s founder.”
All about respect
Instruction at Rygaards encourages every child, regardless of age, gender, race or religion to show respect for each other and for the environment. The school’s basic values are reinforced through assemblies, educational trips and visiting speakers.
“Our school has a reputation for being a welcoming, warm community where both students and parents feel at home,” said Jacobsen. “We have experienced, enthusiastic teachers who prepare stimulating and enjoyable lessons. Our teachers get to know each child and create an inspiring learning atmosphere where each student is valued and is provided with aspirational learning opportunities.”
Rygaards’s location at an 18th century manor house surrounded by nature in Hellerup provides an inspirational home for 1,000 students who come from all over Denmark and around the world.
International involvement
The student body, which ranges in age from 4-16, is an integral part of the local and international educational community.
“We take part in COBIS events like the debate and poetry competitions,” said Fossey. “Starting next year, we will be taking part in the international Duke of Edinburgh Award.”
Within Denmark, he said that Rygaards takes part in the Catholic games and a range of sporting competitions within the Danish International Schools Network (DISN).
“Every year, we raise money for a particular project for other Assumption schools around the world,” added Jacobsen. “Last year, we funded a playground for a school in the Philippines, and some of our older students also help at the Mother Teresa Soup Kitchen for the homeless in Copenhagen.”
