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Secondary school

General section

Chapter 18

Appendices

18.1

Appendix 1 - Overview of laws and regulations 2012, relating to the upper secondary education level

Children’s Act No. 76/2003,

Act on Environment, Hygiene and Safety at Work No. 46/1980,

Act on Continuing Education No. 27/2010,

Upper Secondary School Act No. 92/2008,

Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights for Women and Men No. 10/2008,

Act on Disabled People No. 59/1992,

Act on the Protection of Personal Data and the Processing of Personal Data No. 77/2000,

Act on the National Archives of Iceland No. 66/1985,

Administrative Law Act No. 37/1993,

Information Act No. 50/1996.

 

Regulations on:

  • Fee-charging authorizations for public upper secondary schools No. 614/2009,
  • student enrollment no. 1150/2008,
  • assessment and supervision in upper secondary schools No. 70/2010,
  • Evaluation Committee for Preschool, Primary and Secondary School Teachers No. 241/2009,
  • Assessment Committee for Academic and Career Counselors No. 160/2010,
  • Study leave for teachers and administrators of upper secondary schools No. 762/2010,
  • students with special needs in secondary school (in progress),
  • students with special needs in primary school No. 585/2010,
  • the right of students in upper secondary schools to instruction in Icelandic No. 654/2009,
  • Municipal specialist services for pre-school and primary schools and the Student Protection Council in primary schools No. 584/2010,
  • the organization and work of professional councils no. 711/2009 and no. 1007/2009,
  • Preschool, primary and secondary school start-up fund No. 242/2009,
  • Staff and organization of upper secondary schools No. 1100/2007,
  • functions and procedures of the Upper Secondary School Exemption Committee No. 669/2010,
  • journeyman examination no. 698/2009,
  • Recognition of private schools at secondary school level No. 426/2010,
  • Workplace learning and vocational training No. 697/2009 and 1103/2009.

 

18.2

Appendix 2 - Descriptions of upper secondary school graduations

Here are summaries of descriptions of upper secondary school completions. Three types of completions are defined, namely upper secondary school diplomas, vocational qualifications and matriculation examinations. Other final exams and additional studies at upper secondary school are collective names for various completions that do not fall under the aforementioned types of completions. Some completions can be defined at different levels of competence, others not.

 

High school diploma

The scope of studies leading to an upper secondary school diploma depends on the qualification criteria of the programme, but shall always be between 90-120 credits. The completion of the programme can be defined at qualification level one or two. If there is a desire for a programme intended for students with intellectual disabilities to conclude with an upper secondary school diploma, the same rules regarding scope apply.

The upper secondary school diploma is intended to meet the emphasis that students enjoy compulsory education until the age of 18 and that upper secondary schools offer education that suits the needs of each individual. It is also intended to meet the needs of students who do not plan on completing their studies in another way. Thus, a school can either link the upper secondary school diploma to the completion of a defined study programme or link it to other participation of students in the school, which is tailored to their individual needs. However, the final objectives of the study programme must in all cases be clear.

 

Skill level 1
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program includes general preparation for continued studies or jobs in the business world that do not require great specialization and are carried out under the direction or supervision of others.
ORGANIZATION. The program may include academic studies, artistic studies, and/or vocational studies and may be organized as a comprehensive program or be linked to school programs in various ways. It may include job introductions or on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 90-120 upper secondary school credits.
RIGHTS. After completing an upper secondary school diploma at the first qualification level, an individual is given the option of unskilled jobs or further studies at upper secondary school.
Skill level 2
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by a relatively short specialization, which is primarily aimed at professional preparation for further studies or jobs that require the employee to be able to demonstrate responsibility and independence within a certain framework and/or under the supervision of others.
ORGANIZATION. The program may include academic studies, artistic studies, and/or vocational studies, be organized as a comprehensive program of study, or be connected to the school's programs in various ways. It may include on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 90-120 upper secondary school credits.
RIGHTS. After completing an upper secondary school diploma at the second qualification level, an individual is given the opportunity to work in jobs that do not require extensive specialized knowledge, advanced studies, or assessment into upper secondary school programs.

Exam for professional qualifications

Professional qualifications are defined as the completion of a program of study that grants a certified professional qualification or qualifies students to take a journeyman’s examination in a certified trade. This completion can be defined as a level two, three or four qualification.

Skill level 2
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by a relatively short specialization that aims to provide professional preparation for jobs that require the employee to be able to demonstrate responsibility and independence within a certain framework.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as an internship and includes on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 60-120 upper secondary school credits.
QUALIFICATIONS. After completing the examination for professional qualifications at the second qualification level, an individual is given the opportunity for further study or jobs that require certified professional qualifications. Continuing education includes specialization within vocational training or assessment into other upper secondary school programs.
Skill level 3
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by specialized preparation for legally protected jobs that require the employee to be able to work independently, take responsibility for organizing and completing tasks, and evaluate their own work.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as an internship and includes on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 180-240 upper secondary school credits.
QUALIFICATIONS. After completing the third level qualification, an individual is given the opportunity for further study or jobs that require certified qualifications. Continuing education includes increased professional specialization and development in the workplace at the fourth level qualification, a supplement to the matriculation examination and studies at university level or assessment into other upper secondary school courses.
Skill level 4
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by increased specialization and/or expansion of specialization in relation to management, guidance, development and/or innovation.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as an internship or work-related program.
SCOPE: 30-120 upper secondary school credits.
QUALIFICATIONS. After completing the fourth-level professional qualification examination, an individual has the opportunity to pursue further fourth-level studies, opportunities for responsible positions in the business world, or jobs that require legally recognized professional qualifications. In certain cases, the studies can be assessed for admission to university-level study programs.

Matriculation Examination

The matriculation examination aims to prepare students for university studies in Iceland and abroad. The duration of the matriculation examination may vary between study programmes and schools, but the student’s contribution should never be less than 200 fin. In all cases, the completion of the course is defined at level three. The content of the matriculation examination depends on the study programme’s qualification criteria but also depends on the type of preparation the relevant study programme provides for university studies. The basis of the study can therefore include academic studies, art studies or vocational training.

Special rules apply to matriculation examination studies, in addition to provisions on the minimum number of credits. These relate to the qualification requirements in core subjects and other subjects, in addition to the rules that generally apply to the content and structure of study programmes leading to a third qualification level.

Skill level 1
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by specialized preparation for university studies. After completing the third level of studies, the student should be able to work independently, take responsibility for the organization and resolution of projects, and evaluate their own work.
ORGANIZATION. The program is usually organized as a book study but may include practical study, internships and/or art studies.
SCOPE: 200-240 upper secondary school credits.
ELIGIBILITY. After completing the matriculation examination, an individual is given the opportunity to pursue further studies at university level or to work in the business world that does not require legal professional qualifications. The matriculation examination does not automatically guarantee access to all university-level studies. Individual universities or university departments may set various special requirements that students must also meet, and in some cases students may be required to take an entrance exam.

Other final exams

Completion of study programs that do not end with a matriculation examination, a professional qualification examination, or an upper secondary school diploma is classified as other final examinations. These include a variety of study programs that are defined at qualification levels one, two, or three. The qualification criteria of the study programs indicate specialization that may fall under vocational studies, arts studies, literature studies, or general studies.

Skill level 1
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program includes general preparation for continued studies or jobs in the business world that do not require great specialization and are carried out under the direction or supervision of others.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as academic, artistic, or vocational, and may include job introductions or on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 30-120 high school credits, but up to 240 credits for students with intellectual disabilities.
RIGHTS. After completing studies at the first qualification level, an individual is given the option of unskilled jobs or further studies at an upper secondary school.
Skill level 2
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by a relatively short specialization that focuses primarily on professional preparation for further study or jobs that require the employee to be able to demonstrate responsibility and independence within a certain framework and/or under the supervision of others.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as academic, artistic, or vocational, and may include on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 60-120 upper secondary school credits.
ENTITLEMENT. After completing a second-cycle education, an individual has the opportunity for further study or employment opportunities in the business world, and depending on the qualification criteria of the program, the level of specialized jobs available. Studying after the second cycle requires greater specialization within vocational education or assessment into other upper secondary school programs.
Skill level 3
Symptoms of a stroke
CONTENT. The program is characterized by specialized preparation for specialized vocational training and/or art studies. After completing the third level of studies, the student should be able to work independently, take responsibility for the organization and resolution of projects, and evaluate their own work.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as academic, artistic, or vocational, and may include on-the-job training.
SCOPE: 150-240 upper secondary school credits.
QUALIFICATIONS. Upon completion of studies at the third qualification level, students are given the opportunity for further studies or jobs that require certified professional qualifications. Continuing studies include increased professional specialization and development in the workplace at the fourth qualification level, a supplement to the matriculation examination and studies at the university level or assessment into other upper secondary school programs.

Additional studies at secondary school

The fourth stage includes studies that take place either within or at a secondary school or university. Completion of studies at the fourth stage is characterized by increased specialization and/or expansion of specialization in relation to management, guidance, development or innovation.

Skill level 4
Main characteristics
CONTENT. The program is characterized by increased specialization and/or expansion of specialization in relation to management, guidance, development and/or innovation.
ORGANIZATION. The program is organized as either a book study, an art study, or a vocational study. Additional studies to upper secondary school are defined at the upper secondary school level and the program shall be defined in upper secondary school credits. Prerequisites for study programs with a completion of studies at this level are generally graduation from the third cycle.
SCOPE: 30-120 upper secondary school credits.
ENTITLEMENT. After completing a fourth-level education, an individual has the opportunity to pursue further fourth-level education or to take on more responsible jobs in the workplace. In certain cases, the education may be credited towards university-level study programs.
18.3

Appendix 3 - Core subject competency criteria

The core subjects of upper secondary education are Icelandic, mathematics and English. All study programmes shall generally require that students acquire at least a level of competence equivalent to the description of the first level of competence in the core subjects. When planning study programmes, the competence criteria of the programmes may include a requirement that students must achieve greater competence in the core subjects.

Below are descriptions of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that characterize each competency level in core subjects.

18.4

Icelandic

18.5

Mathematics

In terms of the description of mathematics, it is pointed out that it is not expected that all knowledge, skills and competences of mathematics will be achieved at each level, but rather that work should be done with those learning elements that underpin the competence standards of the relevant programme of study. In this way, it is possible to work with specific aspects of mathematics up to a higher competence level.

A description of the knowledge, skills and abilities that characterize mathematics at proficiency level four is also included. The reason, among other things, is that study programs that prepare students for science studies at university level often teach mathematics up to proficiency level four.

18.6

English and other foreign languages

The description of the knowledge, skills and abilities that characterize English at different proficiency levels applies to all foreign languages. It is important to keep in mind that the proficiency levels describe the knowledge, skills and abilities that characterize students, regardless of school level. Thus, students in primary school who learn a Nordic language or English are at proficiency level one, as are students in upper secondary school who learn a new language. The difference is that students may take different lengths of time to acquire the skills that characterize each proficiency level.

In 2006, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science published a translation of the European Language Portfolio previously published by the Council of Europe (http://www.menntamalaraduneyti.is/nyrit/nr/3931). The Language Portfolio includes, among other things, a self-assessment framework that describes competence in listening, reading, writing and speaking, in relation to communication on the one hand and narration on the other. The description of the students’ competence is presented in six levels called A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

The language portfolio criteria that characterize levels A1, A2 and partly B1 can be incorporated into the description of knowledge, skills and competence at the first proficiency level.

The language portfolio criteria that characterize levels B1 and B2 can be incorporated into the description of knowledge, skills and competence at another proficiency level.

The language portfolio criteria that characterize level C1 can be incorporated into the description of knowledge, skills and competence at the third proficiency level.