Denmark's strategy for lifelong learning

It is also the Government’s aim to ensure a better transition to basicschool by clarifying objectives in legislation regarding child day-care.Compulsory basic schoolExcellent basic skills and competences are a vital basis for acquiring newknowledge and skills and engaging in learning though out life. TheDanish Folkeskole (primary and lower-secondary school) has many goodqualities and pupils like going to school. However, it is a major challengethat one in six children leave school with insufficient reading skills andthat the academic level of the Danish Folkeskole is not quite as high as inother countries with which Denmark usually compares itself.It is the Government’s aim:ffffThat all pupils shall have excellent academic skills and knowledge.That the Folkeskole shall provide pupils with knowledge and skills,promote creativity and independence and prepare them for furthereducation.That the pupils shall be among the best in the world in four basicsubject areas: reading, mathematics, science and English, andThat all young people gain knowledge and skills which provide themwith the basis for actively taking part in a globalised world.Reforms in the Danish Folkeskole include in particular the followinginitiatives:f A new clause stating the objectives of the basic compulsory school –that is to prepare for further education – and stressing proficiencyand the pupils’ familiarity with Danish culture and history.f The culture of evaluation is being strengthened throughimplementation of national tests and personal pupil plans arebeing introduced.f The final exams are made obligatory and the number of subjectsincluding exams is being expanded.A world-class education system 13