1978: Article in Danish Newspaper: Author Unknown
The Sønder Jylland Rundt
The Southern Jutland newspaper Sønder Jylland Rundt (Around Southern Jutland) which was published on the 8th of October 1978, carried the following announcement.
South Jutland’s Council and Aabaek in Aabenraa are holding a meeting on Monday 16th October 1978 at Folkehjem entitled Alternative Education. The speakers will include Minister K. Helveg Petersen and Rector John Aitkenhead who is in charge of a special school in Scotland.
The following introduction does not identify an author:
Scottish Special School Can Teach Danes Something
Kilquhanity: A small farm is the basis for the school. There are cows here being milked and butter and cheese are produced. There are also pigs, poultry and a single pony. The animals and garden are looked after by the pupils with the assistance of an adult. The pupils take part in the daily routines, cleaning and cooking etc. The work is tailored to the age and development of the pupils without differentiating between work for boys or girls.
. . . Music isn’t taught as it is in mainstream Danish schools. The pupils make their own instruments and record their own music. In one case this has resulted in a record being produced and sold. We are not talking about ordinary woodwork classes; the woodwork ‘classroom’ is more like a workshop where various activities can take place. Work with drama gives pupils the opportunity to express themselves in different ways.
Pupils live with their teachers in ‘family groups’ so as to obtain ‘the discipline found in a good home’. It is worth noting that corporal punishment has never been used in the schools’ history. This is not exceptional in Denmark but apparently it is in Great Britain (in the 1970’s)
‘We began without a defined educational system,’ says John Aitkenhead. ‘We had a life philosophy. We were against war, violence, corporal punishment, uniforms and authorities. We were for peace, love, life, nature and of course freedom and perhaps society. Some dilemma!’
‘But we had a school and it meant that we had to translate our theories into practice and that has saved us.’
John Aitkenhead personally feels that his affinity with agriculture has been more meaningful in his work with children than his teacher training. In the beginning the school leader was participating in the farm’s activities but as the number of pupils grew he realised that it was chalk dust and not wheat that collected in his pockets.
‘Someone once said that ‘true’ culture brings people together which is contrary to today’s academic culture which segregates people. I agree with this and believe that any school where all forms of art are practiced – dance, drama, painting, ceramics, poetry and music – and really enjoyed and used creatively, will experience a glimpse of that kind of organised community spirit which could unite society again.’
