Emphasis is placed on students learning to take responsibility for their own learning and getting used to good working habits as soon as possible. Students’ sense of responsibility develops as they are given the opportunity to choose subjects and make decisions about their own learning in a way that is meaningful to them. They can do this within the limits that their age and maturity allow. Students in compulsory school are expected to make such decisions, right from the start of their schooling. Responsibility only grows as students become accustomed to making decisions and sticking to them, both decisions that the student makes alone and in consultation with others. The same applies to the learning methods that they adopt, but it is essential that students have as much choice as possible about them at all ages. Students should have the opportunity to use different methods in their learning and be trained equally in working on their own and in collaboration with others. They do this by choosing subjects within the limits set by the official goals of the curriculum in individual subjects and areas of study, whether they are found in the National Curriculum Guide or in the school curriculum of the relevant school. Students also have a choice of subjects and areas of study according to the Compulsory Education Act and the reference timetable, especially at the junior high school level.

It is important that students not only have responsibilities towards their own studies but also towards their entire conduct and behavior at school. This applies to various aspects of their interactions with peers, staff and numerous others with whom they interact inside and outside of school. Students are responsible for their conduct and interactions in light of their age and maturity. Students must obey the instructions of teachers and staff of primary schools in all matters concerning the school, follow school rules and follow general rules of conduct in interactions with staff and classmates. When setting school rules, it is important that students participate in the creation of school rules and that their views are taken into account and that their support for the established rules is thus obtained. Parents’ views must also be sought when school rules are set and provisions on responses to violations of school rules are determined. In this way, good morale, a positive school atmosphere and democratic upbringing of students are promoted.

The school curriculum shall describe in more detail the factors that the school considers most important in creating a good school atmosphere in the school. It is necessary that a consensus is created about a positive school atmosphere and that all those connected to school work have a part in shaping it. It is important that students, in accordance with their age and development, realize that they are responsible for how the school atmosphere is created, what it consists of, and that each individual is part of a larger whole for which they are responsible together with others.

Students should be able to express their opinions about anything that happens at school, whether it concerns their studies, well-being, environment or social circumstances. It is legitimate for their opinions to be taken into account, depending on their age and maturity and the nature of the matter.

A student association is an important forum for students from the beginning of primary school to express their views and work on their interests. Students are represented on the school council, and it is important that they seek out the views of their fellow students and have the opportunity to follow up on their interests in the school council. The school council’s procedures must be aimed at enabling students to take an active part in its work.

This means that staff meet the academic and social needs of students and care for them with care. Staff do this by regularly reflecting on their work, seeking new ways, acquiring new knowledge and thus demonstrating a constant effort to learn and do better. It is important that staff show consideration for students, parents and colleagues in all respects.

School administrators, teachers and other staff are responsible for promoting a positive school atmosphere and morale in all school activities, with student welfare and safety as guiding principles. School administrators should strive to promote positive communication and mutual trust among all in the school, taking particular account of the age and maturity of students in this regard.

School staff shall emphasize student discipline and self-discipline, good manners, positive communication, willingness to compromise, tolerance and courtesy. Emphasis shall also be placed on strengthening students’ self-image, enhancing their self-respect and respect for others, their property and the environment.

It is important that staff maintain the utmost confidentiality regarding the welfare of children in all communications with them, their parents and staff both internally and externally. Staff must maintain confidentiality regarding matters of which they become aware and which concern students or their parents and must be guided by the best interests of the students. This confidentiality does not, however, extend to incidents that must be reported to the police or child protection authorities by law.