Læreplanene

Læreplanene are the official curricula for primary and secondary education in Norway, developed and maintained by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (Utdanningsdirektoratet). They set the learning goals, content, and assessment criteria for each subject and grade level, ensuring a common framework across the country while allowing schools some flexibility to adapt to local needs. The curricula are organized by educational stage—grunnskole (primary and lower secondary) and videregående skole (upper secondary)—and by subject areas such as Norwegian, mathematics, natural sciences, social studies, foreign languages, arts, and physical education.

The first nationwide curricula were introduced in the 1970s, replacing a more fragmented system of local syllabi. A major reform in 2006 emphasized competence-based learning, focusing on what pupils can do rather than solely on knowledge acquisition. Subsequent revisions in 2015 and 2020 refined the competence approach, incorporated digital competence, and strengthened cross‑curricular themes like sustainability and inclusion.

Each Læreplan includes learning outcomes, essential knowledge, core skills, and assessment guidelines. Teachers use these documents to plan instruction, design learning activities, and evaluate student progress. While the curricula are legally binding, schools can supplement them with additional resources and pedagogical models, and municipalities may develop local plans that align with national standards.

Revision processes involve extensive consultation with teachers, subject experts, students, parents, and unions, and are guided by the Ministry of Education and Research. Criticism has arisen over the pace of change, the complexity of competence descriptions, and concerns that frequent updates may strain teacher workload. Nonetheless, Læreplanene remain central to Norway’s effort to provide a coherent, equitable, and future‑oriented education system.