The new upper secondary school
Two upper secondary school pupils welding. Photo: Nina Gergi
There are several major reforms being introduced in the new upper secondary school in the autumn of 2011:
- The time allocated to general theory on vocational programmes has been reduced. Instead, the time allocated to vocational subjects will increase.
- Local scope allowed for measures such as starting local courses and specially designed programmes is now subject to stricter conditions.
- Entrance requirements for upper secondary school have been changed. Pupils must have achieved a minimum of a pass grade in Swedish, English and mathematics and at least nine other subjects to be eligible for the preparatory programmes for higher education. To be eligible for the economics programme, the humanities programme and the social science programme, a minimum of a pass grade is required in geography, history, religious studies and social science. For the natural science programme and the technology programme, a minimum of a pass grade is required in biology, physics and chemistry. To be eligible for vocational programmes, pupils must have a pass grade in Swedish, English and mathematics and at least five other subjects.
- Two new qualifications have been introduced: a preparatory qualification for higher education and a vocational qualification.
- The programme structures have been changed. The humanities and economics programmes have been reinstated. In addition, the former media programme has been incorporated into the social science programme and others.
- Five introductory programmes have replaced the former individual programme.
