Well-being

At Herlufsholm, we create an environment where students feel safe, are academically challenged, and develop both personally and socially. Our work is based on fostering a culture where both students and parents feel comfortable reaching out if negative interactions arise that could develop into bullying or inappropriate behavior.

Well-being is a central part of our work, and we are proud to have achieved top rankings in the national well-being surveys over the past three years. This is a clear indicator that our students thrive, and it motivates us to continue focusing on a healthy and supportive learning environment.

 

About the well-being survey

Each year, the Ministry of Children and Education conducts a survey on student well-being and learning at the country’s upper secondary schools. The results are published on www.uddannelsesstatistik.dk.

We are pleased with the high level of well-being at Herlufsholm, and we will continue to work hard to maintain and further develop the strong sense of community and student well-being.

In line with the evolving challenges of society, we are continuously working to adapt our initiatives to best support our students. Our skilled well-being team develops its own models to promote well-being and prevent issues before they arise.

Our health and well-being staff adhere to relevant health ethics guidelines and handle sensitive personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable legislation.

 

 

True learning thrives on well-being

At Herlufsholm, we prioritize the well-being and development of our students within a community-oriented framework. We value kindness, consideration, and respect for diversity, and every student is assigned an adult they can approach – such as a homeroom teacher, mentor, or academic advisor.

The school has established TeamTrivsel, which promotes well-being through conversations, development programs, preventive initiatives, and counseling. All 1st-year students participate in the Wellbeing Ambassador Program, and the 9th-grade students assist the new 6th graders in feeling comfortable and safe as they start school. TeamTrivsel also participates in parent meetings, providing information and contact details.

These initiatives support our vision of educating students who demonstrate consideration, respect, and inclusivity.

 

Well-being initiatives at the school level

Throughout the school year, we collaborate with a range of external partners, and the events may vary from year to year. TeamTrivsel creates an annual plan each year to ensure that the school continues its successful well-being initiatives. The annual plan includes a wide range of diverse actions and activities to reach as many students as possible. TeamTrivsel develops the school's anti-bullying strategy in collaboration with the student council.

 

Activities across the classes

We have a wide range of traditional events, balls, café evenings, and activities that the students eagerly look forward to. The school strives to provide students with great and memorable experiences that also help create a unique sense of community. For example, school plays, Fugleskydning, Cross-Day for the entire 1st-year class, sports day, cabin trips, expeditions, participation in conferences both domestically and abroad, and a selection of extracurricular activities.

 

The Eextracurricular Program

The Extracurricular Program offers a variety of activities for students after school hours. KEA stands for the Herlufsholm Award, which is a mandatory 2-year individual program for upper secondary students. In this program, each student sets a goal that goes beyond the ordinary. It must be challenging, developmental, and exciting.

 

Well-being initiatives at the group level

 

The boarding teacher

On each dorm, there is a boarding teacher or substitute who is available around the clock. The boarding teacher plays a central role in the lives of the boarding students, working to create a safe, open, and inclusive environment. This is achieved through dialogue with the students, with a focus on the culture, social relationships, and interactions throughout the residence. The boarding teacher aims to foster a familial community where diversity is embraced and there is a sense of support for one another. They help bring together the group of students living on the same residence, ensuring that everyone feels part of a community. This is done through activities such as movie nights, excursions, communal meals, and more. The boarding teacher prioritizes the well-being of each student, focusing on both their personal growth and overall well-being. To support this, the school has allocated time for boarding teachers to hold individual meetings with students, focusing on the development of both their academic and personal competencies.

 

Well-being ambassador program

Since 2021, Herlufsholm has had a special program for students who wish to contribute to making their class and the school an even more vibrant community for all. A small group of students from each class volunteer as well-being ambassadors, with the aim of enhancing the sense of unity within their class. The training includes courses in language use, communication, networking, initiating activities, self-control, and handling resistance.

 

Focus on the class

We emphasize creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, ensuring that there is always an adult nearby that students can approach. The class teacher/mentor holds the overall responsibility for the well-being of the class. Every student has a scheduled weekly "Advisory Hour," dedicated to working on well-being and fostering a sense of community within the class.

 

Well-being initiatives on an individual level

 

Mentor

All IB/STX students are assigned a mentor. The mentor focuses on the individual student's well-being and development within the school community – both in close-knit groups, within classes, and on the student residences. The mentoring team works to foster a sense of community where students are considerate of and inclusive toward each other. If a student experiences disagreements or conflicts, they can turn to their mentor for support.

 

Team Trivsel

All staff members in TeamTrivsel are available to support students who are experiencing difficulties in school life or struggling with well-being. This could include feelings of anxiety, exam worries, loneliness, discomfort with presentations, concentration issues, sleep problems, racing thoughts, and more.

The school's MiLife coordinator, who is part of TeamTrivsel, aims to provide all students in the lower school with a strong foundation based on self-awareness and an understanding of others. The MiLife coordinator helps develop students' personal well-being, which then contributes to the social development of the class. Specific initiatives include conflict resolution courses for 6th and 7th grade, well-being activities, the implementation of the WEB program (Where Everyone Belongs), conversations with students in difficulties, and conflict mediation between groups or students. The MiLife coordinator also offers supervision to colleagues and works with students who have low self-esteem.

 

Nurse

The school nurse lives on campus and can be consulted by phone during opening hours, but is also available to assist with urgent issues around the clock. Students may be admitted to the school's infirmary when they are ill and unable to stay in the student residences, for the sake of both the sick student and the others. The nurse handles the daily care and treatment of boarding students, including admissions, emergency care, referrals to doctors or other professionals, prescription medication orders, and more. The nurse also takes care of minor injuries or provides over-the-counter medication to all students, and supports students who are experiencing well-being issues. This is done in collaboration with parents, teachers, boarding teachers, TeamTrivsel, and the school leadership.

 

Student counselors (IB/STX)

The academic advisors at Herlufsholm work closely with IB and STX students to support their academic development, personal growth, and well-being. They offer guidance on course selection, university applications, career planning, and handling academic challenges. The advisors are a key point of contact for students who need help navigating the various aspects of their educational journey, from study techniques to balancing academic and personal life. Additionally, they work in collaboration with mentors, teachers, and other staff to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive.

 

Mathematics advisor