ESC: Volunteering at Balleskolen in Silkeborg

Balleskolen, Silkeborg is a public primary school with approximately 600 students (aged 6 - 16 years) and 60 employees. The school consists of an educational section for all students, an after-school program for the youngest students, and a youth club for middle school students. It is one of the largest schools in the municipality. The students come from the local area and with various social backgrounds. They bring different experiences and skills, which we aim to unite in a strong community. Many children from the local area participate in sports and other activities in the afternoons and evenings. The school has a strong musical profile, featuring, amongst other things, a brass band, a big band, an annual theatrical concert and a weekly morning gathering where students and staff come together to sing songs. We operate an open-plan learning environment where students from three classes in the same year share a “house” together. The “house” consists of three rooms without doors and with a joint common area. Typically, all students receive presentations together, after which they work across classes on various activities. We prioritize community spirit and ensure that students of different ages collaborate. In August, we will commence a character development project aimed at fostering ethical and social skills among our students.