About the Norwegian Partners

Elvebakken videregående skole is an upper-secondary school located in the centre of Oslo. Started as a vocational/technical school in the 1920's on the industrialized banks of the Aker River, a total rebuilding and renovation was completed in 2005 to suit contemporary needs. Extensive use of glass in construction and the use of open landscapes for classrooms and offices are in keeping with the school's ideals of cooperation and transparency in teaching. Modern architecture along with the creation of a Math & Science Centre in a neighbouring building has given the school the flexibility to meet ever changing needs.

Elvebakken is a state-run school with a current enrolment of 1200 students and a staff of 120 teachers. Students start at the age of sixteen and follow a three-year program. Courses offered include technical studies within Arts Design & Crafts, Media & Communications, or Electronics as well as General Studies. The compulsory core subjects for General Studies are maths, physics, natural sciences, physical education, Norwegian, English, and foreign languages. Electives include a wide range of subjects such as Sociology, History & Philosophy, Enterprise & Business Development, Economics, Mandarin Chinese, and Technology & Research.

Elvebakken has been a forerunner in the use of information and communications technologies (ICT). Even before the use of ICT was proscribed by the national curriculum, Elvebakken was early to embrace new technologies through participation in pilot projects involving digital teaching resources. In addition to the ordinary schoolbooks, each Elvebakken student receives their own Mac or digital notebook at the beginning of the school year. Much of the teaching utilizes digital materials coordinated through an online communications platform. An extensive wireless network insures that students and teachers alike have reliable access to online resources at school. Students may take their portable equipment home for afterhours and weekend use. Most classrooms are equipped with smart boards and the school is also experimenting with such things as electronic reading boards and SMS notification.

Elvebakken has established a minority's counsellor to service the special needs of the twenty percent of the student body that belongs to minorities. The largest language minority groups are Somalis, Iraqis, Pakistanis, and Kurds. The Comenius project's topics of intercultural dialogue, immigration, and the challenge of living peacefully together is, therefore, of particular interest to Elvebakken.

Interactive Map - Click on "Bird's eye" and then the "X" to see our school and to wander around Oslo.

Our presentation on the importance of international dialogue (Italy 2009)

Intercultural Dialogue: Norway

A guide on how to read and interpret films effectively:

Norway: How To Read A Film