When do kids start school in Norway? What are the school values? What is the typical «niste» and why is so much school work digital from a young age? And what’s up with the fact that even the Royal Family chooses public schools?
The Norwegian school system aims to provide all children with a good and equitable education, regardless of background or nationality. The core values of the Norwegian school is not discipline, we should say. (Some wish there would be more of that.) Instead, the schools put great emphasis on values such as equality, inclusion, democracy, and sustainability. The ideal Norwegian school should promote both academic knowledge and personal development.
Here is what to expect from the Norwegian school system:
Primary and Lower Secondary School: Grunnskolen - a Common School for All
In Norway, primary and lower secondary school (grunnskolen) is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 16. It consists of 10 grade levels, from 1st to 10th grade, and is completely free. The government covers all costs related to teaching, textbooks, and school materials. The goal of primary and lower secondary school is to provide all students with a broad and equitable education that prepares them for further studies or working life. A teacher can never ever beat a student in any way, shape or form, and the students have a lot of freedom in the Norwegian school system.
Primary and lower secondary school is divided into two main stages:
Primary Stage (1st–7th grade - Barneskolen): The focus here is on basic skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and social studies. Teaching is often more practical and play-based in the early years, gradually becoming more theoretical.
Lower Secondary Stage (8th–10th grade - Ungdomsskolen): At these levels, the subjects become more specialized, and students can delve deeper into various topics and choose some elective subjects. The students have been learning English as a second language since they were six years old, but now they need to add a third. Typically they can choose between Spanish, French or German.
At this time, especially in tenth grade, the youth also prepare for further education, whether it is upper secondary school or vocational training.
Subjects and Curriculum in Grunnskolen
Primary and lower secondary school follows a national curriculum called The Knowledge Promotion Curriculum (Læreplanverket for Kunnskapsløftet). This curriculum sets the framework for what students should learn in each subject. Some of the most important subjects include:
Norwegian (or Sami for Sami students) – included both bokmål and nynorsk, the two written languages of Norway
Mathematics
English
Natural Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics)
Social Studies
History
Physical Education
Music, Arts, and Crafts
In addition to academic subjects, students learn about values such as democracy, equality, and sustainability. This is an important part of Norwegian school culture.
The Typical School Day and the Academic Year
A normal school day in Norway starts around 08:00 and ends between 14:00 and 15:00, depending on the age of the students and the specific school. Younger students usually have shorter days, while older students may have longer days with more subjects. Breaks are an important part of the school day, with a longer lunch break where students often eat a packed lunch from home. It’s called «niste». Typically, it is sliced bread with some kind of spread, sliced meat, perhaps some fruit or a yoghurt. Some schools also offer free fruit to students during breaks. To put chocolate spread on the bread and/or put really unhealthy food in the niste is frowned upon. Or not allowed at all, period (except for special occasions).
Now, the kids in Norway have a wild amount of vacation, some would say. The academic year runs from mid-August to mid-June, divided into two semesters. There are several holidays throughout the year, including:
Autumn Break: Usually one week in October
Christmas Break: Approximately two weeks around Christmas and New Year
Winter Break: One week in February, often used for winter sports
Easter Break: Around one week, depending on when Easter falls
Summer Break: From mid-June to mid-August, giving students a long summer holiday
Schools also have various activity days, project weeks, and excursions, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience
Plus all the “red days”, official days off – like the 1st of May, 17th of May, and many others
Just another winter holiday. Photo: Freysta
Out-of-School Care (SFO)
For children in 1st to 4th grade, Out-of-School Care (SFO or AKS in Oslo) is often available before and after school hours. SFO should be a safe environment where children can play, participate in activities, and spend time with friends. This is particularly useful for parents who work and need childcare outside of school hours. Which is the great majority of Norwegian parents, mothers and fathers alike.
SFO is usually fee-based, but the cost varies depending on the municipality and the family’s income. Many municipalities offer discounts for multiple children or low-income families.
Adaptation for Foreign Students
If you and your family have recently moved to Norway, your child will be entitled to special education in Norwegian. This is called mother tongue instruction or bilingual education. It is designed to help students learn Norwegian quickly while maintaining their native language.
Schools offer Introduction Classes for newly arrived students, where they receive intensive Norwegian language training. These classes are tailored to the student’s age and educational background, ensuring they can integrate into regular classes as soon as possible.
In addition to language support, schools provide cultural orientation to help foreign students understand Norwegian society and school culture. Teachers and school counselors work closely with students and their families to address any challenges and ensure a smooth transition. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome and supported.
Also, it probably helps that kids all over have learned English from TikTok and such from an early age.
Collaboration Between the School and the Parents
In Norway, parental involvement is highly encouraged. The schools actively work to build strong partnerships with parents.
For instance, regular parent-teacher meetings are held to discuss the child’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. These meetings are an opportunity for parents to ask questions and share their perspectives.
In addition to formal meetings, schools use digital platforms like Skoleplattformen or Vigilo to facilitate communication between teachers and parents. These platforms provide updates on homework, school events, and the child’s academic and social development.
Parents are also invited to participate in school activities, such as class trips, cultural events, and sports days. Many schools have parent councils where parents can contribute to decision-making processes and help shape school policies. This collaborative approach ensures that parents play an active role in their child’s education.
Further Education – Videregående Skole
After completing 10th grade, most students continue to upper secondary school (videregående skole), which lasts for three years. Upper secondary education in Norway is divided into two main pathways:
General Studies (Studiespesialisering): This pathway prepares students for higher education, such as university or college. Students choose subjects based on their interests and career goals, with options like mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and languages.
Vocational Studies (Yrkesfag): This pathway focuses on practical skills and prepares students for specific trades or professions. Examples include healthcare, construction, technology, and hospitality. Vocational students often combine classroom learning with apprenticeships in workplaces.
Both pathways offer a combination of compulsory and elective subjects, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and personal goals.
After completing upper secondary school, students can apply for higher education or enter the workforce.
The Public School is Standing Strong
In Norway, the public school system is highly regarded, and there is a long tradition of even members of the royal family attending regular public schools. For example, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the daughter of the Crown Prince and Princess, attended Jansløkka School in Asker before switching to a private school for a few years. In 2019, she returned to the public school system and completed 10th grade at Uranienborg School in Oslo.
This highlights the trust in the public school system and shows that it is well-suited even for those with special needs or challenges. Also, there are very, very few private schools in Norway. There is no great tradition for it. Still, Norway has a higher level of general education than most European countries.
Unique Features of the Norwegian School System
Some things might be good to know:
Low Focus on Grades and Competition: Students do not receive official grades until 8th grade. The school places less emphasis on competition and more on individual growth and collaboration.
Strong Emphasis on Life Skills and Values: Values such as democracy, equality, and environmental awareness are integrated into the teaching.
Short School Day and Outdoor Activities: The Norwegian school day is relatively short, and outdoor activities are an important part of school culture.
Teacher-Student Relationship: Teachers often have an informal and trust-based relationship with students, and it is common to address teachers by their first names.
Few Homework Assignments and More Independent Learning: The school encourages independent learning and critical thinking.
Free Education: Primary and lower secondary school is completely free, including textbooks, and school materials. Often included: a laptop cpomputer to do the homework on.
Digitalization: The Norwegian school system is highly digitalized, and students often use computers and digital learning platforms.
Huge focus on mental health: Schools often have access to school health services and counselors who can help students with challenges.
There you go! And if you want to go safe with the niste, get yourself some brown cheese to put on the slices of bread. Doesn’t get more Norwegian than that (winking smiley). Have a great school experience in Norway!
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