The Test in Social Studies has a new syllabus

In 2021, Competence Norway became part of the Directorate for Higher Education and Competence. Among other things, this has meant that the training in social studies has been given a new curriculum - a new content.

The previous curriculum was from 2012. A lot has happened in Norway in 11 years, but there has also been a development in the knowledge of how to learn. Therefore, new methods and working methods have emerged that will contribute to better learning. There are also new learning goals, ie new requirements for what to learn.

If you want to [S|30|practice for the Social Studies Test], then of course we can help you. We have updated our assignments so that they fit with the new curriculum.

You must be able to do this for the Social Studies test

Here is the list of topics for the Social Studies test, with our comments. Remember that different topics can be emphasized differently by different teachers and in different places - but that is completely natural because no two students are the same either.

School and education

You should know how the education system in Norway is structured. It includes primary school, secondary school, high school, and folk high school, but also high school. You should know something about your duties and rights, both as a student and as a parent of a student.

Working life

Knowledge of working life is important because most of us spend a lot of our lives there. What you are entitled to, notice period, trade unions, and what kind of tasks the boss can give you, it is wise to know something about. Especially the rules about working hours, overtime and holidays, many experiences that the employer does not know so well, so it is important to be up to date yourself.

Critical thinking and digital judgment

In the Social Knowledge Test, you must know something about what it means to think critically, including being critical of what you read or see (source criticism), what rules apply to your personal information (GDPR), and what kind of photos you are allowed to share on social media. Taken together, this is called digital judgment. We help you develop digital judgment using the [S|30|Exercise for the Social Studies Test].

New in Norway

When you come to Norway, you get many rights and obligations, depending on which country you come from and why you come here. In addition, there are many relationships with Norway that can work a little differently than it has done in your home country. At the Social Studies test, you can be asked questions about just this.

Family life

You must have knowledge of how a family works, how Norwegians live together, what it means to get married, separate, and divorce. You must also have knowledge of the age of majority, gender equality, and other matters concerning the family. In Norway, family is not just a private matter - but also something society cares about.

Leisure time

Norwegians may be world champions in volunteer work. But what does that really mean? And why do we have so many voluntary organizations? You should also know something about organized leisure activities and other offers you can use in your free time.

Health

It is good for society that you are healthy. It allows you to contribute to the community. Therefore, the state has many support schemes that can help you function in the best possible way. Here you will also learn about the relationship between hospital, GP, and pharmacy, vaccines, and how to behave if you are at work and get sick.

Personal economy

You should have knowledge of setting up a budget. You should know something about what consumption is normal and what can lead to overconsumption. Some Norwegians struggle with gambling addiction. It is important that you learn what makes the economy go awry.

The right to a free and independent life

Often you can use the same word in different countries, but then the word really means something else. In Norway, violence can just as easily be psychological, meaning that you bully someone. It does not have to mean that you are physical, like when you hit or kick. It is important that you know where the boundaries go. Here you will also learn about circumcision and female genital mutilation, freedom of speech, and arranged marriages.

This is Norway

Norway is an elongated country, with mountains, valleys, lakes, fjords, and flatlands. You should know the most important geographical features in Norway, such as Galdhøpiggen (Norway's highest mountain), our neighboring countries, the role of various means of transport such as trains, planes, and cars, and much, much more.

History

Norway's history begins a long time ago - a very long time ago. We have been in union with both Denmark and Sweden. We have found oil in the Norwegian Sea. We have been Vikings. All this, and much more, has led us to become the people we are. You should know a little about Norway's history and how it has affected us as a people.

Human rights and democracy

Norway is a constitutional democracy, where we elect our politicians. We have legislative, executive, and judicial power. You will learn about the Norwegian party system, how the UN's human rights are and how you can participate in elections and influence politics.

Sustainability

Gro Harlem Brundtland led a commission many years ago, which was to look at how the poverty problem and the environmental problem could be solved. The answer was sustainable development. Society must develop in a direction that allows us to leave the earth to the next generation in a slightly better condition than when we got it. In Norway, we also have a very special law, which gives us the right to public access. That means you can go almost anywhere you want, whenever you want. That way you can get out in the mountains and go beautiful walks, or ski in fresh powder snow. You must have knowledge of the right of public access and what responsibility you have when you travel in nature.