International
Primary School
in Norway

A primary school student doing a lab experiment with beakers

For students embarking on their educational journey in Norway, Sandnes International School welcomes children from the age of six into our primary school program. Our educational trajectory mirrors the nation’s commitment to continuous learning. While there are both public and private schools in Norway, SDIS stands out by offering a balance between academic excellence and overall growth as an authorised International Baccalaureate school.

With the Primary Years Programme (PYP), our mission is to nurture not just independent learners but also global citizens who carry the spirit of international mindedness. Our PYP framework is intricately designed to foster these qualities, and we invite you to explore the unique facets of our approach that contribute to the making of well-rounded individuals.

Two kids are learning about geology by cooking in the SDIS primary school in Norway.

The Purpose and Goal of Primary School

SDIS provides primary school education for students aged 6 to 12 years old through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). So, the purpose of primary school education in Norway is to develop children’s literacy and numerical skills, along with the transdisciplinary PYP curriculum framework that offers authentic learning experiences. The PYP stimulates students to acknowledge information, conceptual understandings, skills, and personal characteristics as a whole.

Therefore, Sandnes International School is 100% committed to following its Primary Years Programme. We want to make sure that all learning activities are engaging, relevant, and, at the same time, challenging for students in order to develop students into inquirers.

Two kids are learning about geology by cooking in the SDIS primary school in Norway.

International Primary School Education in Norway

We at SDIS believe that children thrive on success, and we focus on developing a positive educational climate where the successes of each child are celebrated based on the IB’s Primary Years Programme (PYP). The transdisciplinary themes of the PYP equip students with genuine learning experiences that are not limited to traditional areas of study. As a result, all of our primary school kids are encouraged and challenged to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world circumstances.

The Primary Years Programme is an international framework that focuses on addressing the following needs:

  • Social
  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Cultural
  • Academic

Sandnes International School offers the Primary Years Programme from Grade 1 to Grade 6 with diverse and engaging classes and projects. Our focus here is to develop internationally open-minded individuals, and we use an inquiry-based approach to all learning patterns.

A primary school student looks at a table, and on the table there are reading glasses, a clock, crayons, books, and an apple.

The Right to Go to Primary School

Norwegian schools are among the most prestigious in the world, and in recent years, institutions such as SDIS have grabbed centre stage due to their creative approaches to preparing young people for the next stages of their education.

In Norway, all children are required to start attending primary school at the age of 6. The emphasis in primary school is on developing children’s key abilities that will aid them later in life.

SDIS strives to foster innovative education and prepare students for an active life through the PYP education framework, where they will develop into responsible persons with a strong emphasis on academic, personal, emotional, and social growth.

You can review our admission policy and contact us for more information about our primary school curriculum.

What We Do in Primary School

As one of the international schools in Norway offering primary and lower secondary education following kindergarten, we place a strong emphasis on developing abilities and traits that enhance children’s intellectual and emotional skills. Our goal is to shape our students into:

  • Inquirers: By cultivating their curiosity, we create skills that will increase their interest in conducting research.
  • Knowledgeable Intellectuals: We assist students in developing conceptual understanding across a wide range of disciplines.
  • Critical Thinkers: We help students examine difficult problems and take responsible action by employing critical and creative thinking.
  • Global Communicators: Since SDIS is an English-speaking school, our students are able to express themselves in multiple languages.
  • Open-Minded Individuals: We appreciate the culture of Norway, and diversity is our greatest asset as well.
  • Caring Learners: The SDIS emphasises empathy, compassion, and respect for all students.

Our Approach to Primary School Education

As an IB World School and member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, we recognize the significance of traditional subjects like language, mathematics, science, the arts, and physical education in our curriculum. Aside from that, we acknowledge the value of students making connections and acquiring essential skills. As a result, student-initiated action is an important component of our PYP curriculum. We urge children to go through the process of choosing, taking action, and reflecting in order to acquire problem-solving abilities that will benefit them in the future.

FAQs

What skills will my children acquire in SDIS’ PYP?

Besides focusing on traditional subjects, we put a strong emphasis on making your child a thinker, inquirer, and problem solver that will help them thrive in any situation in later life.

Is primary school mandatory in Norway?

Yes, all 6-year-old children are obliged to get a primary education.

Do I get free transport if I enrol my child in SDIS?

SDIS has two school buses operated by Kolumbus for all grades. All Grade 1 students at Sandnes International School will get free transportation if the distance between home and school is longer than 2 km.