A single word graces the entrance of Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium: “Perseverando”. This motto encapsulates the school’s core belief. It means “through perseverance”.
Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium, often called BK, is more than just a school. It is a private day and boarding school in Bagsværd near Copenhagen. Established in 1908, BK has a rich history. It began in a rural area near Bagsværd Lake. Over time, the area became urbanized. The school expanded through construction and acquiring nearby properties.
BK’s founder believed IQ is less important than effort. Headmaster Jimmy Burnett Nielsen once said that what you put in is life-changing. He emphasizes praising students for hard work. This encourages them to take on more challenges. Learning to get up after being knocked down is vital at Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium.
The school serves primary and secondary students. The term “gymnasium” signifies an academically focused secondary school.
Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium challenges the constant testing culture. Nielsen believes schools focused solely on grades can foster risk aversion. Two-thirds of BK’s high schoolers engage in extracurriculars. These activities include poetry society or talent workshops. These allow students to work without the pressure of grades.
Since 2010, Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium rose in rankings. It became a top 10 school in Denmark. It even secured first place among Danish boarding schools. Awards and accolades reflect this success. These include the Science School of the Year in 2014. Also, a BK teacher won Science Teacher of the Year in 2016. These awards came from Unge Forskere, Denmark’s biggest science fair. Maja Louise Hansen, a former student, addressed the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in 2016. She was recognized for her awards in the Young Scientists competition. Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium received the Novo Nordisk Foundation teacher award in 2017. This is Denmark’s highest distinction of its kind.
The key to BK’s success is working with subjects outside the classroom. This approach cultivates inquisitiveness. It enhances classroom learning. Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium recognizes the importance of computer coding. They see it as a new essential language. The school is developing a program to teach coding to all students. This ranges from ages five to 19. Understanding how programs run will be increasingly important.
At Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium, learning is joyful because it is challenging. Students are told they can learn anything with effort. They may not know it now. But they will know it tomorrow through hard work.
Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium prepares students for the future. It fosters perseverance and a love of learning. This ensures they are ready to face any challenge.