Tomorrow, we all begin our Christmas holiday. For our IB2 students, however, the concept of a true break becomes increasingly elusive from now until the exams in spring. The IB Diploma Programme is both ambitious and demanding, and this becomes particularly evident for IB2 students during the autumn months.

 

We recently conducted a student well-being survey, where many students expressed challenges in balancing homework, assignments, and exam components. Each student has their own unique combination of subjects, making it incredibly difficult to distribute the workload evenly. This pattern repeats itself every year: By Christmas, many IB2 students feel somewhat drained. To address this, we are introducing new initiatives aimed at reducing the mental pressure.

 

Having numerous large deadlines looming can weigh heavily on one’s mind. To reduce this, we aim to scaffold the writing process better and shorten the periods spent working on individual assignments. Practically, this will include introducing dedicated writing days at school, where teachers will be present to guide and support students. We will experiment with various approaches and gather feedback from students to identify the most effective methods.

 

Despite the challenges, the survey also highlights the strong sense of community among our IB students. They truly look out for one another. Today, I witnessed IB2 students organizing a Secret Santa exchange. They put so much thought into finding meaningful and personal gifts for each other.

 

We have the best students in the world, full of initiative and care for one another. 

 

Exciting Times for IB1 Students! Our IB1 students are starting to bond well as a group. Recently, they chose their topics for the Extended Essay (EE). This marks the beginning of an improved timeline for the EE process. Meanwhile, our IB2 students are wrapping up their EE journey while managing numerous other responsibilities. Our goal is to ensure that the entire EE process is completed by the summer break between IB1 and IB2. This adjustment aims to ease the workload and reduce some of the pressure in IB2.

 

Mathematics and Physics Achievements Every year, we host The Georg Mohr Competition, which selects Danish participants for the International Mathematical Olympiad - named after the Danish mathematician Jørgen Mohr (1640–1697), the competition honors his proof of the Mohr–Mascheroni theorem. The first round took place before Christmas, and qualifying students will advance to the second round in the new year.

Some of our students have also excelled in the Physics Olympiad. Andreas from IB1 achieved an impressive 5th place—an extraordinary accomplishment! His outstanding result among Denmark’s brightest young physicists earned him a spot at the upcoming training camps. These camps will determine who will represent Denmark at the International Physics Olympiad, held from July 17–25 in Paris.

 

Creativity and Activity in IB1 There is a vibrant energy among the IB1 group. They are playing badminton, table tennis, football, and even trying their hand at cheerleading. They are also showcasing their creativity—playing music, singing, dancing, and contributing to the school’s annual Winter Festival.

 

 

All the best,

 

 

 

As the year draws to a close, the days are growing shorter, and the warmth of holiday lights is beginning to brighten our neighborhoods. At school, it’s clear the students are ready for a well-deserved break. After a busy and productive first term, they’ve earned some time to rest and recharge their batteries.

 

The upcoming school break and the new year offers the perfect opportunity for reflection. Encourage your child to take stock of their performance and effort in Term 1. This is a time to celebrate their successes—no matter how big or small—and to identify areas where they can grow. With fresh energy in January, they’ll be ready to tackle challenges head-on and make strides toward their goals.

 

When we return in 2025, we’ll begin looking to the future with the next phase of their academic journey: preparing for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Teachers will present detailed overviews of each subject, student ambassadors will share some of their experiences, and the pre-IB students will evaluate their interests, strengths, educational goals ultimately ending in the selection of their IB subjects in February. This is an exciting time that sets the foundation for their further education pathways. We look forward to seeing the dedication and hard work that our students always bring to these important decisions.

 

As we move into Term 2, it’s important to remember that promotion to the IB depends on consistent effort and performance. While most students are on track, others may need to focus on strengthening their results to meet the requirements. With determination, the right support, and a commitment to improvement, I’m certain the students will rise to the challenge and put their best foot forward.

 

Finally, as we step into the holiday season, I wish you and your family peace and joy. This is a time to relax, reflect on the year, and recharge for the opportunities ahead. Remind your child that: yes, sleep is essential, but so is staying active—whether through sports, walking, or creative hobbies.

 

Have a wonderful holiday season!

 

Best wishes,

Maria Friis Lindinger

Pre-IB Coordinator

https://imgflip.com/i/vnkb3

If you know of any young people getting ready to choose a youth education, or of families relocating to Aarhus, please do share our video. You can also find our new IB brochure a little further up in the newsletter. 

 

Theo, IB2.

Hadiya, IB1

As IB2 heads into the winter holidays, marking the end of 2024 as well as the conclusion of a period during which we busied ourselves with the Extended Essay, we find ourselves looking back. By now, everyone has completed their essay with the final viva voce meeting, which gave us one last opportunity to reflect on what has happened, what we have learned, and, most importantly, what experiences and skills we can carry into the future.

Looking back on my own journey, I began researching potential topics through many insightful conversations with my dad, trying to find something that would ignite my interest and still be feasible within the scope of a school project. And at one point, we stumbled upon an experiment called a "Cloud Chamber"- a contraption that creates an environment of “supersaturated isopropanol vapor”, which makes subatomic particles visible to the naked eye. Intriguingly enough, what started as just an idea eventually evolved into an adventure on a scale I could never have imagined.

Let's just say there was a reason, that the experiment won a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1927. The process of building an experiment as such, sure wasn't without its challenges.

The Extended Essay can lead you in unique directions, for me my whole research question changed halfway through. Initially, focused on particle physics and the behavior of nuclear atoms, shifted towards the optimization of the setup and its “Peltier Elements”. Though with the help of my supervisor and the meetings we held, I was gradually pushed forward, into the right direction with which I could be proud of.

You should know that your teacher is vital in this process, so be sure to consider this factor when making your decision about which subject to choose to write in. For me, my EE Supervisor, Yevhen was a huge help in critically planning the next step, especially when it came to deciding on the main theory that I should form my research question around.

If you have an exciting idea you're passionate about, don't hesitate to pursue it! You can always approach your teachers for advice or assistance, and take the time to explore different options to ensure you have everything you need to bring your idea to life. Investigating the various possibilities available to you can reveal new avenues for making your vision a reality.

 

 

The Extended Essay (EE) is a compulsory part of the IB Diploma Programme, and as an IB1 student, I will soon begin this process. The idea of writing a 4,000-word research paper on a specific topic initially feels overwhelming. However, I see it as an opportunity to challenge myself, grow academically, and reflect on my abilities.

As someone who relies on structure, I believe preparation is key. Researching your topic thoroughly and having a backup plan are essential steps. My subject choices are Physics as my first priority and Chemistry as my second. I feel confident in science subjects, and I think the EE will be manageable with a clear focus on an experiment. I’ve chosen Physics because I enjoy the subject, and pursuing a topic you love is crucial. Additionally, I’m considering aerodynamics for my future studies, making this project a valuable starting point.

The best advice I’ve received is not to procrastinate. Delaying work only adds stress to your future self because in the end you r the one doing it. Staying organized is another important tip—it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Through the EE, I hope to improve my research and analytical skills while building confidence in tackling academic challenges

 

Previously I taught different subjects in IB at another school for 6 years, when my husband and I decided to move to our summerhouse close to Aarhus, - hence I started searching for an IB School, and fortunately saw an opening at AGT. Initially I applied to be a reading & writing counsellor – but the school also needed a teacher for Pre-IB Danish B, STX German & Danish. I like the international environment! 

 

AGT is an open-minded school. I like the way teachers collaborate and talk very openly and calmly about the challenges– and good & bad experiences we have in the classrooms. The school is not too big, you get to know a lot of the students and also have the chance to teach both IB, STX and HF. The community in school is strong -  you feel that instantly. 

 

Beginners Language – and especially Danish in Denmark is always interesting because the students can use it immediately in their daily life outside school as well. Furthermore, the progress is fast. As a reading & writing counsellor, I work very close with the students individually. I really like this close connection – and to see how they grow, gain confidence and improve academically with sometimes just a bit of help. 

 

Which of the learner profile attributes is your favourite and which could you yourself improve on?
I have several favourites and acknowledge the importance of all attributes, but being open-minded is one I would emphasise. The global society is becoming increasingly unequal and fragmented, which makes it even more important to understand and tolerate cultural differences and being open to change. In Denmark we are not very good at welcoming foreigners or new ways of life. I believe we could be much better at this, which is why open-mindedness is probably the most important attribute.

 

I don´t know if everything with chocolate is an answer to that question, but I really love chocolate. I lived in Brussels for 7 years, Belgian chocolate is the best – and it certainly made me addicted….

I teach three subjects – German, Danish, and Danish as a foreign language. I love to teach Danish as a foreign language mostly because I can see students progress quickly. The purpose is to learn to communicate both orally and written. While both are challenging, most students will be able to have conversations in Danish and also to write shorter messages. The Danish language is very difficult as the pronounciation is like having a big potato in your mouth 😊 The Danish language has a lot of silent letters and nothing is regular! But still, if you can go out and use the things you learned in class on a daily basis, it makes sense and you gain more motivation. We often go on excursions out into society to learn about the Danish culture. The photo below is from a schooltrip to Copenhagen – a visit to DAC [Dansk Arkitektur Center] to see an exhibition about society and colours. The students had to prepare a presentation about the exhibition with focus on colours in the Danish society compared to the students' home countries. I learnt that we really don’t have many colours in DK compared to a lot of other countries!

 

Hello! My name is Khadija Andersen, and I'm currently in IB2.

 

I was diagnosed with dyslexia during Pre-IB after a school-administered screening. Since then, the school has provided support that has greatly improved my educational experience.

 

I have access to AppWriter, a platform that assists with reading and writing through features like context-based word suggestions, text-to-speech, OCR scanning, and a PDF reader.

Additionally, I use Nota, which offers PDF and eBook versions of the books we read in class, making it easier for me to access and engage with the material. Since I study English and Danish literature A, these tools are particularly helpful as they enable me to manage texts in both languages more effectively, making reading and writing assignments far more manageable.

 

For exams, students with dyslexia are accommodated with extra time, the option to use a computer for writing, and a separate room to reduce distractions. We also have access to a dyslexia counselor for additional support with homework and managing our time whenever needed. These resources and accommodations have made a significant difference in my education. They help me feel more confident and secure, especially as I prepare for upcoming exams, knowing I have the tools and time to perform at my best.

Pre-IB serves as a preparation program for students before transitioning to the IB program. While it may appear less demanding, it still requires self-discipline and dedication to meet its standards. Students come from different educational systems worldwide and may feel either ahead or behind depending on their background educationally. This highlights the importance of respect and empathy, as we all bring different backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs to the school. One way Pre-IB schools learn about cultural understanding is through events like Cultural Global Competition Day. The event aims to celebrate internationalism and encourage learning about various cultures in an engaging, interactive way. Activities include quizzes on global issues and international music, games involving spices and foods, a world map puzzle, and traditional Danish folk dancing. These events not only enrich our understanding of global cultures but also help us connect with classmates, build friendships, and create a supportive community.

 

Isabela: From my perspective as someone who has been in Denmark for nine months, I could immediately tell it was something completely different from what I was used to my whole life. It can be challenging at first to adapt and feel comfortable. However, over time, I began to realize that these differences make the experience unique and interesting. You get to meet people from diverse backgrounds and traditions, making every day an opportunity to enrich your knowledge about Denmark and other cultures around the world. 

 

Trixia: I’ve lived in Denmark for six years now. I've learned to experience its diverse culture and the bittersweet journey of connecting with people while adapting to the new environment. Despite challenges like the high cost of living and the language barrier, Denmark offers free education and emphasizes social activities, making life as an international student both enjoyable and rewarding in this welcoming country.

 

 

 

We asked three of our students the following question - and gave them a task:

 

 

What is your name and nationality (or nationalities)?

 

Select two IB Learner Profile attributes and explain how you apply them in your daily school life.

Buvan, IB2: My name is Buvan, and I am from India. The IB learner profile is a guiding star for students, and it is a useful set of attributes that all IB students must possess to be able to get the most out of this course. Out of all the important aspects from this profile, I would like to elaborate on my two favourite ones. IB students are encouraged to be “risk-takers”. To have the ability to be venturous is very beneficial throughout our lives. There are times when we must abandon our comfort zones and try something new. When you try skiing for the first time, your ski buddy has to let go of your hand so that you can swiftly glide through the snowy slopes, all by yourself. Like a hawk to a small mouse, we have to pounce on opportunity and worry about the risks later.

We are also expected to be skilled communicators. Expressing your ideas and thoughts are valuable skills in this modern, connected world we live in. Whether it be someone from Ohio, or from Oman, the IB prepares you to be able to communicate in this multi-cultural environment. During my time in this very school, there were many international events and I found myself in the thick of it all. And how can one express themselves comprehensively in such a vividly heterogenous setting? With effective communication, of course, and with it, we can stimulate better harmony and unity among us all.

 

Phontida, IB1: HI! My name is Phontida. I was born and raised in Thailand, but stepping outside of my comfort zone and moved to a new country, being Open-Minded has been one of my biggest strengths, especially now in IB1, my first year at AGT. Being in IB, I am constantly surrounded by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds so being open-minded has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective and broadened my understanding of the world. Just by actively listening with respect and refraining from judging a book by its cover, it allowed me to have deeper connection with my classmates, it helped me understand their point of view and overcome any preconceived notions I might have had about different culture.

Equally important to me in my daily school life is being caring. By showing respect, kindness and empathy toward the people I meet. I have been able to form a deeper connection and create a friendly and safe environment, where everyone feels valued and included. For example, simply by being caring and listening to others with respect, I have built trust and gained a better understanding of their cultures and values.

 

Naomi, pre-IB: 

We've started receiving small greetings from our former students, which can be seen on our social media. The next newsletter will focus on alumni, providing joy and inspiration.

Here you can find some of the greetings:

 

 

Dear student (and teacher this time ;)), if you've made it this far and you're reading this, you can come and grab a piece of chocolate from Maria or Malene 😂😂