Námskeiðsins

Námskeiðsins is an Icelandic educational system that encompasses primary and secondary education. It typically begins at the age of 6 or 7 and continues till students are 16 or 17 years old. The system is divided into several stages, each with its unique curriculum and duration.

The first part of námskeiðsins is what is called samaðalnámskeið, which translates to "comparative education" or "common education". This stage is compulsory for all Icelandic students and lasts around 4-5 years. During this period, pupils attend a single school, which provides a broad-based education in subjects such as language, mathematics, biology, and social studies.

Following samaðalnámskeið, students enter into tvenndráðar námskeið, which means "twelve-year education". This stage of námskeiðsins is further divided into two sub-stages: the 7th to 10th grade and the 11th and 12th grade. During these years, students specialize in certain subjects and have a greater degree of freedom to choose their courses.

Students who complete the 12th grade gain access to Icelandic universities or vocational education and training institutions. The curriculum for námskeiðsins is set by the Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, which regulates the subject matter, duration, and calendar of the educational system.