Page 13 - Educational-Iceland

The duration of upper secondary school programmes is between one and four school-years.
The number of pathways available varies a bit from one year to the next but around 80
pathways are on offer each year, the great majority of them vocational pathways.

Some schools offer what is called “a general programme”, which is specifically for students
who have not completed the necessary pre-condition in Icelandic, English and mathematics
to be able to continue studying. These students combat various forms of learning difficulties
and the length of the programme varies according to the students’ individual needs. Some of
these students need assistance in a single subject but are able to attend regular classes in
others, while others need counselling and assistance in several subjects. Many are dealing
with problems such as dyslexia, physical or psychological disorders (e.g. ADHD), history of
substance abuse and lack of discipline. The main objective with these general programmes
is that students become gradually capable of moving into other programmes. It is however
obvious that many students are not able to do so and will need individual support throughout
their lives.

Upper secondary schools can be divided into two main types; those that offer some sort of
vocational education and training and those who do not (grammar schools). Graduates from
3. Guidance in upper secondary schools the latter can enter universities but do not have direct rights to certain jobs.

Schools offering vocational education and training base almost all their educational offers on
Upper secondary education is the responsibility of the state but there are a few private periods at a workplace as well as at the school. The length and the share of the workplace
schools, which receive public subsidies. training differs from one pathway to another.

The Upper Secondary School Act number 92/2008 allows for varied admission requirements The schools can be divided up into the following categories:
to different programmes according to course demands. Anyone who has completed l Comprehensive schools, offering both general and vocational education and training.
compulsory or equivalent education or is 16 years old can access upper secondary school, Graduates with general education (who hold the Matriculation exam) can enter
where the state is obliged by law to offer him/her at least two years of education, even universities. Those who graduate with vocational education and training can be divided
though they are not obliged to take it. into two groups: those with legally recognised certified qualification and those who do not.

12 13