What you need to know about the reopening of Norway's schools for older pupils
Schools for elder pupils opened on Monday, as did cinemas and sports activities for up to 20 people. Here's what you need to know.
When will older children return to school?
From Monday May 11, all schools in Norway are open, with pupils from year five (11-12 years old) and up all expected to be back in class by May 15.
In Oslo, students in year 10 of secondary school and the final year of upper secondary mostly returned to school on Monday, with the other students arriving on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Will all classes take place at school?
No, for pupils from year five and up, classroom teaching can be combined with distance learning if that is necessary to meet current infection control guidelines.
Schools can also reduce students hours, to make sure that too many students are not crammed into the school at the same time.
According to Norway's Directorate of Education only subjects which require physical presence, such as physics, music and sports, necessarily need to take place on school premises.
Will my children have to take their end of school exams?
No. All exams from year ten and up have been cancelled.
What changes will there be at the school?
Norway's Directorate of Education recommends that classes for year 5 to year 7 pupils are divided into cohorts with a maximum of 20 pupils, and one teacher, who are supposed to mix as little as possible with other cohorts, although if necessary they can be a few pupils larger.
The size of the cohort should also be limited by the size of the room where teaching takes place. If the room is too small to ensure a distance of at least one metre between pupils, the cohort must be smaller.
When should I do as a parent?
Most schools will have arranged staggered arrival times for students, so if you drop off and pick up your child, you should be in contact with the school about times.
If your child walks to school by themselves, then you should make sure they leave home at the right time.
You should talk to your child about the importance of maintaining social distancing even during break times.
When should I keep my child home?
If you child shows any potential symptoms of coronavirus, has a temperature, a cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to school. If someone in your household has been diagnosed with coronavirus, then your child should stay home.
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When will older children return to school?
From Monday May 11, all schools in Norway are open, with pupils from year five (11-12 years old) and up all expected to be back in class by May 15.
In Oslo, students in year 10 of secondary school and the final year of upper secondary mostly returned to school on Monday, with the other students arriving on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Will all classes take place at school?
No, for pupils from year five and up, classroom teaching can be combined with distance learning if that is necessary to meet current infection control guidelines.
Schools can also reduce students hours, to make sure that too many students are not crammed into the school at the same time.
According to Norway's Directorate of Education only subjects which require physical presence, such as physics, music and sports, necessarily need to take place on school premises.
Will my children have to take their end of school exams?
No. All exams from year ten and up have been cancelled.
What changes will there be at the school?
Norway's Directorate of Education recommends that classes for year 5 to year 7 pupils are divided into cohorts with a maximum of 20 pupils, and one teacher, who are supposed to mix as little as possible with other cohorts, although if necessary they can be a few pupils larger.
The size of the cohort should also be limited by the size of the room where teaching takes place. If the room is too small to ensure a distance of at least one metre between pupils, the cohort must be smaller.
When should I do as a parent?
Most schools will have arranged staggered arrival times for students, so if you drop off and pick up your child, you should be in contact with the school about times.
If your child walks to school by themselves, then you should make sure they leave home at the right time.
You should talk to your child about the importance of maintaining social distancing even during break times.
When should I keep my child home?
If you child shows any potential symptoms of coronavirus, has a temperature, a cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to school. If someone in your household has been diagnosed with coronavirus, then your child should stay home.
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