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Secondary Education in Scandinavia:

Denmark, Norway, Sweden

AACRAO Annual Meeting Philadelphia April 2012

Presenter: LesLee Clauson AACRAO International Education Services

[email protected]



Scandinavia



DENMARK



Educational Ladder: Denmark



Grading: Denmark (Old system in use through August of 2007;

new system as of September 2007) Danish Mark

Explanation of the Mark Equivalent ECTS Mark

Old Scale (00-13)

Suggested US Grade

12 An excellent performance, displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material with no or only a few minor weaknesses few minor weaknesses

A 13, 11 A

10 A very good performance, displaying a high level of command of most aspects of the relevant material with only minor weaknesses

B 10 B+

7 A good performance, displaying good command of the relevant material and some weaknesses

C 9, 8 B

4 A fair performance, displaying some command of the relevant material but also some weaknesses

D 7 C+

02 A performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance (Lowest passing grade)

E 6 C

00 A performance which does not meet the minimum requirements for acceptance (Failure)

Fx 5, 03 F

-3 A performance which is unacceptable in all respects (Failure)

F 00 F



Primary and Lower Secondary Education: Denmark Primary and lower secondary education are governed at the national level (Ministry

for Youth and Education) by the Folkeskole Act, which provides a framework for schools’ activities. However, there is considerable freedom at the local level.

The Folkeskole is a free, public school system with a comprehensive (un-streamed) curriculum.

Students receive their compulsory education at the Folkeskole: grades 1-9 (typically ages 6-16).

A 10th grade at the Folkeskole is optional; it is geared toward students who need to strengthen their academic background or explore possible post-compulsory educational opportunities.

Instruction at the Folkeskole is not an examinations-based system; failure is almost non-existent. Rather, students are promoted with their age cohort .

After completing grade 9 or 10, Folkeskole students sit for a school-leaving examination; the final certificate is the Afgangsbevis.



Upper Secondary Education: Denmark Four different academic upper secondary programs offered:

Studentereksamen (STX): Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination. o School type = Gymnasium. o Requires completion of grade 9 for admission. o Takes three years to complete. o Academic in nature, covers a broad range of subjects in humanities, natural

science and social science. o All subjects are placed into three levels, A, B, or C

A-level subjects are the most academic, and are allotted a minimum of 325 instructional hours

B-level subjects are allotted a minimum of 200 instructional hours C-level subjects are allotted a minimum of 75 instructional hours

o Compulsory subjects include (letter in parentheses indicates at which level the subject must be studied): Danish (A), English (B), a second foreign language (B or A), History (A),

Classical Studies (C), Physics (C), Physical Education (C), an artistic subject (C), Mathematics (C), Religion (C), Social Science, and two of the



following: Biology, Chemistry or Natural Geography (C) (as a general rule, however, most students must complete Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Natural Geography at B-level)

o Each student must also choose electives and a specialized study program, which is a package consisting of three subjects. There are a number of different specialized study programs offered, depending on the school type.

o Each student completes a total workload of 2470 hours of 60 minutes each. Students are also expected to do homework (written assignments, research, etc.).

o The STX leads to higher education.

Højere Handelseksamen (HHX): Higher Commercial Examination. o School type =Handelsskole (business school/college). o Requires completion of grade 9 for admission. o Takes three years to complete. o Focuses on business and socioeconomics subjects, as well as foreign languages

and other general (academic) subjects. o Compulsory subjects include (letter in parentheses indicates at which level the

subject must be studied):



Danish (A), English (A), a second foreign language (B or A), Business Economics (B), Marketing (B), International Economics (B), Contemporary History (B), Mathematics (C), Commercial Law (C), Social Science (C).

o Each student must also choose electives. o Each student completes a total workload of 2470 hours of 60 minutes each.

Students are also expected to do homework (written assignments, research, etc.).

o Leads to higher education. o There is also an intensive one-year HHX program for students who have

already completed an STX or HF program.

Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX): Higher Technical Examination. o School type =Teknisk Skole (technical school/college). o Requires completion of grade 9 for admission. o Takes three years to complete. o Focuses on technological and scientific subjects, as well as general (academic)

subjects. o Compulsory subjects include (letter in parentheses indicates at which level the

subject must be studied):



Danish (A), Technical Science (A) (choices include Construction and Energy, Design and Production or Process, Food and Health), English (B), Physics (B), Chemistry (B), Mathematics (B), Technology (B), Biology (C), Communication/IT (C), Social Science (C) and History of Technology (C).

o Each student must also choose electives and a specialized study program, which is a package consisting of three subjects. Students also write a specialized study project.


o Leads to higher education.

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF): Higher Preparatory Examination. o School type = Gymnasium or adult education centers o Introduced in 1967, this type of program is aimed at youth and adults who

have left the education system and wish to return. It focuses on theoretical and practical skills.

o Requires completion of grade 10 for admission, or completion of grade 9 and maturity gained through employment, travel, etc.



o Takes two years to complete if followed full-time. An adult student may also complete it on a single-subject basis over a longer period of time.

o Covers a broad range of subjects in humanities, natural science and social science.

o Compulsory subjects include an introductory course, a workshop course, and project periods, as well as (letter in parentheses indicates at which level the subject must be studied): Danish (A), English (B), Mathematics (C), Physical Education (C), a practical

or musical subject (C), Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Geography (C), Culture and Social Sciences: History (B), Social Science (C) and Religion (C)

o Each student must also choose electives and complete a major written assignment.


o The HF leads to higher education.



Vocational Education: Denmark EGU (Erhvervsgrunduddannelsen) – Vocational Basic Training

o Targeted at young adults who did not complete compulsory education, are unemployed, and/or are academically weak

o Vocational training alternates with school instruction for typically a total of 2 years.

o This training is geared toward employment and does not require examinations nor lead to the award of a formal qualification.

VET (Erhvervsuddannelser) – Initial Vocational Education and Training o Targeted at students who come directly after completing basic school

education, as well as adults with prior vocational experience. o Vocational, company-based training (apprenticeship) alternates with school

instruction (2/3:1/3) for a total of 2-5 years, with the most typical duration being 3-3 ½ years.

o Upon successful completion, trainees are awarded a journeyman’s certificate or similar (Svendebrev).

o Some programs qualify trainees for admission to certain types of short-cycle higher education programs.



o Vocational subject areas include: Motor vehicle, aircraft and

other means of transportation

Building and construction Construction and user

service Animals, plants and nature Body and style Human food

Media production Business Production and

development Electricity, management

and IT Health, care and pedagogy Transport and logistics

o Note: Beginning with the 2010/2011 school year, a new program is being offered to students: the EUX. It is a general upper secondary education (STX) program which VET (see below) students can attend while completing their VET program. Not all VET programs will offer this option. The EUX leads to higher education.



Sample Documents: Denmark



Resources: Denmark Electronic Danish Agency for Universities and Internationalisation, The Danish Education System

http://www.en.iu.dk/danish-agency-for-international-education/education-in-denmark

Eurydice: National System Overviews on Educational Systems in Europe and Ongoing Reforms - Denmark, July 2010

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/national_summary_sheets/047_DK_EN.pdf

Ministeriet for Børn og Undervisning [Ministry for Youth and Education] http://eng.uvm.dk//.

UddannelsesGuiden, Ministeriet for Børn og Undervisning (Information about educational programs available in Denmark. In Danish only.)

http://www.ug.dk/ Print Denmark, PIER World Education Series Country Report, 1995.



NORWAY



Educational Ladder: Norway



Grading: Norway

Indigenous scale Suggested U.S. grade 6 seks A 5 fem B 4 fire C+ 3 tre C 2 to D 1 en F



Primary and Lower Secondary: Norway School type = Grunnskole: grades 1-10 (ages 6-16)

Primary and lower secondary schools are governed within a federal framework (National Curriculum) by the municipalities. County authorities operate upper secondary education.

Compulsory education lasts 10 years: grades 1-10 (typically ages 6-16). Prior to 2003, compulsory education was 9 years in duration (ages 7-16).

After completing grade 10, Grunnskole students sit for a school-leaving examination; the final certificate is the Vitnemål fra Grunnskolen

Subjects studied in the Grunnskole include o Norwegian o Mathematics o Social Science o Christianity, Religion and Ethics

Education (CREE) o Arts and Crafts o Natural Science

o English (compulsory from grade one)



o Foreign Languages/ Language

In-depth Studies

o Food and Health

o Music

o Physical Education

o Student Council Work

o Optional Program Subject



Upper Secondary and Vocational Education: Norway Since 1976, Norway has a uniform system of upper secondary education that coordinates general and vocational studies. Academic studies lead to the

Vitnemål for videregående opplæring (Certificate for Upper Secondary Education) School type = Videregående skole (Upper secondary school) (generally ages

16-19) Requires completion of grade 10 for admission. Takes three years to complete. Academic in nature, covers a broad range of subjects in humanities, natural

science and social science. Three levels:

Vg1

Vg2

Vg3 Three tracks (students may choose):

General Studies

Sports and Physical Education

Music, Dance and Drama



Compulsory subjects in all tracks include:

Norwegian, Religion and Ethics, English (and other foreign languages), Social Studies, Geography, History, Mathematics, Natural Science Physical Education.

The Vitnemål for videregående opplæring leads to higher education.

Vocational studies lead to the award of the o Vitnemål fra den lærlingskolen (certificate with a svennebrev [Journeyman’s

Certificate] or fagbrev [Craft Certificate]) o Nine tracks:

Building and Construction Design, Arts and Crafts Electricity and Electronics Health and Social Care Media and Communication Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry Restaurant and Food Processing Service and Transport Technical and Industrial Production



Four levels: o Vg1 (in common with academic streams) o Vg2 (in common with academic streams) o Vg3 (vocational specialization + apprenticeship) o Vg4 (vocational specialization+ apprenticeship)

or o Vg 1, Vg2 and Vg3 (+ supplemental subjects to qualify for admission to higher

education)



Sample Documents: Norway



Resources: Norway Electronic Ministry of Education and Research

http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kd.html?id=586 Education – from Kindergarten to Adult Education, Ministry of Education and Research

http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KD/Vedlegg/Veiledninger%20og%20brosjyrer/Education_in_Norway_f-4133e.pdf

Eurydice: National System Overviews on Educational Systems in Europe and Ongoing Reforms - Norway, July 2010

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/national_summary_sheets/047_NO_EN.pdf

Print Norway, PIER World Education Series Country Report, 1994.



SWEDEN



Educational Ladder: Sweden



Grading: Sweden

Pre-1994 scale Suggested Indigenous Scale U.S. Grade 5 Highest A 4 Above Average B 3 Average C 2 Below Average D 1 Lowest Passing E

Post 1994 scale Suggested Indigenous Scale U.S. Grade A - Mycket Väl Pass with A godkänd (MVG) Special

Distinction B - Väl godkänd (VG) Pass with B

Distinction C - Godkänd (G) Pass C F - Underkänd Fail (not shown F

on transcript)

Post 2011 scale Indigenous Scale Suggested U.S. Grade A A B B+ C B

Indigenous Scale Suggested U.S. Grade D C+ E C FX F F F



Primary and Lower Secondary Education: Sweden School type = Grundskola: grades 1-9 (ages 7-16)

Compulsory education lasts 9 years: grades 1-9 (typically ages 7-16).

Primary and lower secondary curriculums are determined at the national level. The municipalities are responsible for providing and operating schools at the primary and secondary levels.

Subjects studied in the Grundskola include o Swedish o English o Mathematics o Practical Arts o Social Sciences o Natural Sciences o One additional foreign language

The total number of curriculum hours over the nine years = 6,665. The municipality/school decides on the distribution of hours and in what year a subject is introduced.

The final certificate from Grundskola is the Avgångsbetyg.



Upper Secondary Education: Sweden School type = Gymnasieskola (Upper secondary school) (generally ages 16-19)

Requires completion of grade 9 for admission.

All programs take three years to complete.

Compulsory subjects in all tracks include: o English o History o Physical Education and Health o Mathematics o Science o Social Studies

o Swedish or Swedish as a Second Language

o Religion o Arts and Crafts o Electives specific to the chosen

program

There are 18 national study programs (as of 2011; prior to 2011 there were 17) at the upper secondary level. Six prepare students to study directly after graduation at a university; 12 are vocational in nature and prepare students for employment, for direct entry to a vocational university college, or with extra courses, to a university.



Upper secondary study programs (as of 2011) are: o Art, Music and Drama* o Business Studies* o Humanities* o Natural Science* o Social Science* o Technology* o Business and Administration^ o Care and Treatment^ o Childcare and Recreation^ o Construction and Installation^ o Electrical and Energy^ o Handicraft^

o Hotel and Restaurant^ o Industry Engineering^ o Natural Resources^ o Restaurant and Food^ o Sanitary, Heating and Property

Maintenance^ Vehicle and Transport^ * Leads to university study ^ Leads to employment, study at a vocational university college, or with extra courses, to university study

The vocational track can also be completed as an apprenticeship/study program.

The final school-leaving credential is the Slutbetyg (Leaving Certificate)



Sample documents: Sweden



Sweden: Resources

Electronic Eurydice: National System Overviews on Educational Systems in Europe and Ongoing Reforms - Sweden, July 2010

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/national_summary_sheets/047_SE_EN.pdf

ENIC-NARIC, Sweden National Education System http://www.enic-naric.net/index.aspx?c=Sweden

Skolverket (Swedish National Agency for Education) http://www.skolverket.se/.

National Agency for Education, Programme manual: Programme goal and structures, core subjects, subject index for upper secondary school

http://www3.skolverket.se/ki/eng/pgm_eng.pdf Svensk-Engelsk Ordbok för utbildningsområdet (Swedish-English Dictionary of Educational Terms)

http://www.programkontoret.se/Global/material/ordbok_utbildningsomradet_slutversion2008.pdf

Print Sweden, PIER World Education Series Country Report, 1995.