Upper secondary schools in Östergötland have had to switch to a digital open house for curious and potential students to visit instead during the pandemic.
A complement that is not the same as physical visits, points out several high schools that SVT Öst has spoken to.
- We have had both physically and digitally open houses.
We have shown the school via our website, but I prefer to meet all students physically, says Rebecca Nilsson, principal at Drottning Blanka's Gymnasieskola in Norrköping.
She adds that digital open house is good for those interested who otherwise can not get to school.
In Linköping, a digital fair was held for other upper secondary schools during the autumn of 2021.
Hear Rebecca Nilsson explain more in the clip above about how their high school worked to show off their presence.
"Not much interest"
- There have not been so many traditional visits.
We have had digital - unfortunately, you could say, says Tor Andersson, head of the upper secondary school admissions department in Linköping.
Some upper secondary schools, before the autumn restrictions, were able to receive curious students at the schools, while others had to cancel after they were introduced.
- Our experience from last year's digital open house, showed that there was not much interest in the way to see a school you are curious about, says Fredrik Gustafsson, expert on children and the education administration in Åtvidaberg municipality.
Relieved restrictions - new opportunities
Since the government announced eased restrictions from the ninth of February, there may be room for some schools in the county to flex on physical school visits.
- I hope we can offer it for the students who want to come, says Rebecca Nilsson, principal at Drottning Blanka's Gymnasieskola.