Welcome to the International Secondary School

It is our belief that every child has the potential to change the world and it is this philosophy that drives us in everything that we do. High academic standards are a given, and there are high expectations of all the students. Academic success is a key focus, and we offer the opportunity to study towards rigorous external examinations at age 16. These provide a strong foundation for further public examinations, and students receive considerable support and guidance in choosing the right 16-18 courses after leaving Rygaards. However, we pride ourselves on our approach to learning and although examinations are important, so is the joy and fun of learning. Considerable attention is given to the individual learning paths of our students and we endeavor to educate the whole child, both in the classroom and beyond.  We teach them to reflect, enquire, be innovative, problem solve and challenge. The international market is a competitive one and the preparation we make to ensure all our students are ready for a global world beyond school is something we take very seriously. Success can be presented in many different ways in young people and we do our best to find the potential and allow it to grow.

Teachers take great pride in focusing on the individual needs and aspirations of every young person; and our students are expected to play an active role in the life of Rygaards School. We provide a multitude of extra-curricular activities, including the International Duke of Edinburgh Award, Model United Nations competitions, participation in school sports competitions across Denmark, theatrical and musical performances as well as art programmes. Our students are also offered the opportunity to travel on school trips across Europe and residential expeditions further afield, including Operation Wallacea and an annual Ski Trip to Italy. There is also a thriving and active Student Council, which comprises students from both the Danish and International Departments. Each year we elect a President and Vice President of the student council who represent the student body and give them a voice in the running of their school.

We are very proud of our international character and students are expected to study either French, German or Spanish in addition to Danish. Our school comprises over 80 nationalities and a key date in our school calendar is UN Day. Our graduates go on to study at some of the best universities in the world and have carried with them the ethos of caring for others and an enjoyment of life into the wider community.

The secondary school caters for students aged 11-16 and has approximately 250 students, with two classes in each year group. Students continue their learning journey from Primary School into Key Stage 3 (Years 7,8 and 9) and take the National Curriculum for England. Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) sees the beginning of the students’ IGCSE journey. The IGCSEs are examinations which are set and marked externally by the the Cambridge and Edexcel Examination Boards. Students are able to shape their own curriculum in years 10-11 and are given guidance to ensure that their balance of subjects are broad and balanced.

We are very proud to have a team of dedicated and knowledgeable subject teachers, who are experts in their fields and care passionately about the academic and personal progress of your children. Furthermore, students are supported by class teachers, who provide additional pastoral support and a first point of contact for parents.

We aim for every student to be well-equipped with the tools for them to lead happy, productive and fulfilling lives, instilled with the Assumption values and a growth mindset to enable them to be confident, transformational citizens of the world.

I very much look forward to welcoming you to Rygaards. Please do come and see us for yourself.

Sincerely,
Brad Baudach
Head of Rygaards International Secondary School