A Year of Courage, Purpose and Memories

The Courage to Follow Your Own Path

Upper Secondary School is a time when young people begin to find their own direction. It is a time of academic challenge, new friendships and opportunities to explore interests, talents and ambitions – both inside and outside the classroom.

The 2025–26 school year was a particularly special one. Not only did we move into new surroundings on the second floor of NGG’s new school building, but we also began a new chapter filled with new learning environments, new traditions and new opportunities for our students.

An Upper Secondary School with a View

With the move to the new school building, the Upper Secondary School gained its own dedicated space on the second floor, complete with study areas, lounge spaces, kitchen facilities, a new café and a large rooftop terrace overlooking both the surrounding area and the Øresund.

The new surroundings quickly became a natural gathering place for students. Here, projects are developed, exams are prepared for, card games are played during breaks and new friendships are formed. While the students are still making the space their own, the floor is already buzzing with activity, energy and student life.

Academic Excellence with a Global Perspective

At NGG, learning is closely connected to the real world. Students engage with current issues, collaborate with companies and universities, and participate in competitions and projects that extend far beyond the curriculum.

This year, NGG was once again re-certified as a Science and Talent School, recognising the strong academic environment and the many enrichment opportunities available to students.

Several students distinguished themselves at both national and international levels. Amanda represented Denmark at some of the world’s largest science competitions for young researchers, while other students participated in Lundbeck’s DrugHunters competition, working on future solutions in medicine and scientific research.

The year also included guest lectures, company visits, election debates, research projects and experiments – ranging from climate research and wetland studies to chemistry rocket launches and entrepreneurship with international perspectives.

Experiences That Become Memories

One of the most valuable parts of Upper Secondary School is the experiences students share beyond the classroom.

As tradition dictates, the 2.g students travelled to Greenland. In a year when Greenland attracted significant international political attention, the trip became especially relevant and thought-provoking. Students experienced the island’s breathtaking nature, unique culture and the social and political issues shaping life in the world’s largest island. Once again, the trip demonstrated how study tours can create learning experiences far beyond the classroom.

For Grade 10, the study trip to Berlin was one of the highlights of the year. Community, history and culture came to life through a week filled with new impressions and memorable shared experiences. Visits to landmarks such as the Olympic Stadium provided students with a deeper understanding of European history and the stories that continue to shape our world today.

The HF students concluded their final year with a shared journey through Copenhagen, where they presented historical and cultural topics along the way. It was a fitting conclusion to a strong year and a farewell to the final HF cohort at NGG.

Music, Sport and Community

Upper Secondary School life is about much more than academics.

At Music Academy, students once again created music, performed at school events and worked alongside professional musicians. One of the highlights was a studio recording session with instructor Mikkel Schnettler, where students experienced professional music production first-hand.

SportsCollege also enjoyed another eventful year filled with training camps, ski instructor training and sporting achievements. The year concluded with yet another group of newly certified ski instructors, while students continued to challenge themselves physically and mentally through sport, travel and teamwork.

A Milestone Year for the IB Diploma Programme

This school year marked an important milestone for NIS as our IB Diploma Programme became fully established and operational. For the first time, we have a complete Diploma Programme running, and next year our students will sit their first IB examinations – a significant moment in the continued development of international education at NGG.

Building the programme has been a true team effort. Over the past year, we have assembled an outstanding group of teachers, bringing together extensive IB experience, including IB examiners and workshop leaders, alongside the enthusiasm and pioneering spirit needed to create something truly special. Together, they have laid the foundations for a Diploma Programme that combines academic excellence with a strong sense of community and individual support.

International Mindedness in Action

A defining feature of the IB Diploma Programme is its international outlook, and throughout the year students have had many opportunities to engage with the wider world.

One of the highlights was the programme’s first overnight trip to Geneva, where students visited CERN, the Red Cross Museum and the United Nations. The trip provided valuable insights into science, diplomacy and international cooperation while bringing classroom learning to life.

The year also saw the establishment of Model United Nations at NIS, led by teacher Adrian AFI. Open to students from Year 10 to Year 12, the initiative quickly gained momentum and culminated in participation at the Stockholm International School MUN conference. Our students represented NIS exceptionally well, earning several honourable mentions and even winning Best Delegate awards within their committees.

Students also enjoyed a variety of day trips and enrichment activities, including attending a performance of The Great Gatsby, participating in a local election debate alongside Danish B students and joining Biology and Physics students for a screening of Project Hail Mary.

Developing Learners for the Future

At NIS, academic success is only part of the story. A central focus of the Diploma Programme is helping students develop as learners, thinkers and individuals.

The IB Core plays a vital role in this process. Through Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay, students are challenged to reflect, question, research and engage with the world around them. These elements help prepare them not only for examinations but also for future university studies and life beyond school.

The programme also offers unique subject pathways, including Computer Science and Design Technology, providing opportunities that are not widely available elsewhere in the region. Combined with personalised guidance on subject choices, university applications and future aspirations, the Diploma Programme aims to help every student discover and develop their individual strengths.

As we look ahead to the first IB examinations next year, we do so with great pride. The foundations have been laid, the community is growing, and we are excited to see where the next chapter of the IB Diploma Programme at NIS will lead.

A Year of Reflection and New Opportunities

For Grade 10 students, the year was characterised by both academic growth and personal reflection as they prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.

Through literature, cultural studies, project work and presentations, students explored a wide range of topics. Visits to the National Gallery of Denmark, work on the OSO project and preparations for examinations provided opportunities to deepen their knowledge while reflecting on their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

The Berlin trip was undoubtedly one of the year’s highlights, but equally important was seeing how students grew throughout the year, both academically and personally. With a clearer understanding of future educational pathways and their own ambitions, they are now ready for the next chapter.

The Little Blue Hearts

One of the year’s most touching traditions came from the school’s youngest learners.

Shortly before the examination period, Upper Secondary students received small blue hearts decorated with encouraging messages from the youngest children in the school. Filled with drawings, kind words and good wishes, the hearts were designed to bring smiles and confidence ahead of the exams.

It is a small tradition, but also a powerful reminder of something special about NGG: the youngest and oldest learners are all part of the same community.

Last Day of School and New Beginnings

The year culminated in the traditional last day of school celebrations. The day began with a shared brunch, creative costumes and the classic sweets, before water fights and festive activities took over.

In the evening, the celebrations continued with the graduation gala, where students danced Lanciers on the rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding area – a beautiful new setting for one of the Upper Secondary School’s most cherished traditions.

For some students, the school year marks the end of one chapter. For others, it is the beginning of a new one. What they all share are the experiences, friendships and lessons they will carry with them into the future.

A New Digital Gathering Place

The year also brought a more unexpected change. NGG Upper Secondary School’s Facebook page was closed, leading to the launch of a new profile.

We hope that current students, alumni, parents and friends of the school will help build this new online community. While the platform may be new, the purpose remains the same: to share the stories, experiences and people that make NGG such a special place.

Looking back on the year, one thing stands out above all else: the courage to follow your own path. The courage to explore, ask questions, challenge yourself and seize new opportunities. It is precisely that courage that has defined another memorable and eventful year at NGG.

Looking Back on the Year: