Daily Life in Upper Secondary

Our Secondary 10 and 11 students are based in the heart of the city centre of Odense, at Slotsgade 15. It is a short walk away from the main campus. Together with S8 and S9, the Years 7, 8, and 9 from Henriette Hørlücks Skole are also located here. Buildings open at 8:00 and the first lesson of the day starts at 8:10. Most school days have eight lessons and end at 14:45 or 15:30. 

Newly Renovated Science Labs and a Technology Makerspace

In February 2020, we completed refurnishing the Slotsgade chemistry, physics, and biology labs. These new labs contain state-of-the-art equipment for conducting experiments and provide a learning environment where the learner is at the centre of all activities. 

Slotsgade is also home to the new design & technology makerspace, offering creative work spaces for interactive learning.

We have invested in a wide variety of tools and materials, as well as a 3D printer and laser cutter. OIS students study design & technology from P4–S9, and art & design as an elective in S10 and S11. Our methodology is based on design-thinking and our students work with a range of materials and techniques. We pick up coding skills and experiences by integrating robots and ICT as well. 

Daily Life 

Lessons are 45 minutes long and organised into two-lesson modules. We have breaks between each module. Students in S10 and S11 have 33 lessons per week.  

Students are provided with their own lockers inside the classroom.   

Morning Assembly

Most mornings start with an assembly. The Monday–Thursday assemblies are lead by Henrik Jørgensen, the owner and principal of our school Danish school, Henriette Hørlücks Skole. On Fridays, OIS gathers the international community of students for a separate, international, morning assembly in English.   

Lunch 

Students eat with their classmates in their classroom. Most students bring a packed lunch. We do not have a refrigerator, microwave, or a canteen.  

Students in S8–S11 may leave campus and go to a nearby supermarket to purchase their lunch. Unhealthy foods, such as soda, crisps, and cakes are not allowed.    

After the Last Lesson 

There is a youth centre at Østre Plads which is run by Odense Municipality and is free of charge. The wide range of activities help children develop their creative and athletic talents—everything from cooking and styling hair to dancing and playing board games. The centre is open until 21:00 Monday–Thursday and until 17:00 on Fridays. 

Cycling 

Denmark is known for its cycling culture, and Odense is routinely hailed as the best bicycle-friendly city in the country. For students ages 12 and up, it is not uncommon for classes to cycle off campus for a class outing, pending parental permission. Please note that bicycle helmets are mandatory if biking on a school trip. 

School Supplies List 

In Secondary, students need to bring the following items every day:   

  • a laptop which can handle Microsoft Office programmes (a free download is provided),  
  • a fully-equipped pencil case including two black or blue pens,
  • a compass, protractor, ruler, and triangle,
  • a scientific calculator (Texas Instruments TI 30XS, MultiView is recommended, but if you have doubts, consult with your maths teacher),
  • a packed lunch, morning break snack, and a water bottle,
  • students should have access to a printer at home for their assignments