Name:
Mark:
WRITTEN COMPREHENSION
Read the magazine article and answer the questions that follow.
1
Choose the correct answer. (4 x 2 = 8 points)
1 The school architect was inspired by … .
a Danish cities
b futuristic buildings
c a house with a huge staircase
d traditional places
2 According to the article, the school’s teachers are like … .
a philosophers
b bosses
c instructors
d coaches
The School with No Classrooms
I Upon arrival at Ørestad Gymnasium in Denmark, it is obvious, even at first glance, that this is not your
typical secondary school. The building has no inner walls and it favours open studying environments
instead of traditional classrooms. This is to encourage interaction and communication amongst students
and teachers. The staircase, which is positioned in the centre of the school and is easily noticeable to
everyone in the building, is the focal point of the building. Here students constantly interact with one
another. In addition, it keeps students in shape.
II The inspiration for this ultra-modern building came from an unusual source. Despite its futuristic
appearance, architect Kim Herforth Nielsen actually wanted the school to remind people of a mountain
village. While the staircase is a very public area, there are lots of smaller private areas, too, like the
squares and narrow streets of an old-fashioned village.
III The school’s aim is to challenge traditional ways of teaching. The teachers aren’t instructors but trainers,
who guide students as they search for information themselves. The Roman philosopher Seneca said,
“Even while men teach, they learn.” This saying has become fact at Ørestad Gymnasium. The school
emphasises that learning is a two-way process. Teachers and students inspire each other by sharing
knowledge. Naturally, some students can find the approach overwhelming. Not everyone is comfortable
when the onus is on them to acquire new skills.
IV Innovative schools in the past have been accused of failing their students. Although they usually
succeeded in producing creative adults, those students sometimes lacked necessary academic
qualifications for a future career. Ørestad Gymnasium avoids this problem because it has a rigorous
syllabus and strong connections with the media and communication industry, ensuring that its graduates
will be able to prosper in the workplace.
V Although it’s unlikely that one-room schools will become the norm around the world, educators in other
countries should compare their methods with the Gymnasium to see what they can learn to prepare their
students for 21st century life.
