Curriculum structure, subjects, teaching hours, methods, and materials in Iceland’s compulsory school. 

1. Curriculum, subjects, number of Hours 

The Ministry of Education and Children issues the National Curriculum Guide for compulsory schools (Aðalnámskrá grunnskóla). The current guide was published in 2011 (general section) with subject-area chapters added in 2013 and was amended in 2024 following the first phase of implementation of Education Policy 2030. 

The curriculum is built around six fundamental pillars (grunnstoðir): literacy, sustainability, health and welfare, democracy and human rights, equality, and creativity. These pillars are interrelated and form the foundation for all school activities across all grades. 

Core subjects defined in the National Curriculum Guide include: Icelandic (or Icelandic as a second language, or Icelandic sign language), mathematics, English (from grade 4), Danish or another Nordic language (from grade 7), natural sciences, social studies, arts and crafts, physical education, religious studies, life skills, equal rights affairs, and information and communication technology (ICT). 

The National Curriculum Guide sets minimum teaching hours per subject and grade level. Schools have flexibility to allocate additional hours within the national framework. From the outset of compulsory education, pupils have opportunities for choice regarding topics, learning methods, and elective subjects. Distance education and web-based learning may account for part of pupils’ schoolwork. 

2. Teaching methods and materials 

Teachers have professional autonomy in choosing their teaching methods. The Compulsory School Act and National Curriculum Guide emphasize pupil-centred approaches, active learning, cross-curricular methods, and a balance between academic and practical education. Article 24 of the Compulsory School Act highlights emphasis on self-consciousness, social awareness, physical and mental welfare, and the integration of play into learning. 

ICT is integrated as a cross-curricular competence rather than a standalone subject. Schools increasingly use digital tools and platforms. The 2024 curriculum amendments placed additional emphasis on cultural literacy, multilingualism, financial literacy, coding, and responding to the needs of a growing number of pupils with diverse linguistic backgrounds. 

Teaching materials are provided free of charge to pupils. The Directorate of Education and School Services (Miðstöð menntunar og skólaþjónustu)  publishes and distributes educational resources.The directorate has presented quality criteria to support authors, editors and others involved in the creation of learning materials for the Icelandic school system. They are based on the current Act on Learning Materials, the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools and the Education Strategy until 2030. Schools and municipalities also have discretion to select additional materials.  

There is no national homework policy. Homework practices are at the discretion of individual schools and teachers, consistent with each school’s working plan.