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Vardafjell Videregaende Skole

Norway, Haugesund

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Norwegian, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 16 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1946
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, SEN focussed
Taught languages Norwegian, English, Spanish, French, German
Typical class size 27
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Vardafjell Videregående Skole is located at Spannavegen 25 in Haugesund, Norway. The school educates students aged 16 to 18 and offers the IB Diploma Programme, a bespoke curriculum, and SEN-focused support. The academic pathway includes Studiespesialisering, IB, Medier og Kommunikasjon, Påbygg to general admission, and Tilrettelagt opplæring. The school traces its roots to Haugesund Handelsgymnasium (1946) and Handelsskole (1961) and moved to its current site in 1980, with campus upgrades since. Notable facilities include a modern research building (2020), a dedicated science area, a language laboratory, and an expanded sports hall (Vardafjellhallen). The curriculum is complemented by seven youth enterprises in Entrepreneurship and Business Development, and an International Class prepares students for IB in English across subjects. Peer mentoring and student leadership are active within a vibrant school community. The school fosters global awareness through international exchanges and project work, with opportunities for student collaboration across disciplines and pathways worldwide.

Spannavegen 25, 5531 Haugesund, Norway

The Essentials

Vardafjell Videregaende Skole has typical class sizes of 27, instruction in Norwegian, English.

Location
Spannavegen 25, 5531 Haugesund, Norway

Stages
Vg1–Vg3 (upper secondary)

Country affiliation
Norway

School day structure
Arrival times on first day: Vg1 at 09:00 outside the school; Vg2 and Vg3 at 12:00 in the canteen. School term starts Monday, August 17, 2026. Information meetings: Vg1 August 24 at 18:00; Vg2 August 25 at 18:00.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school offers breakfast to students in the canteen. Porridge is served in the canteen from Tuesday to Friday between 07:45 and 08:05.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Rogaland County Municipality (Rogaland fylkeskommune). The school operates on behalf of the county municipality.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee to apply for a place at Vardafjell videregående skole. Admissions are handled through the regional inntak system for Rogaland.

Tuition fees (by year group and term)

- Vardafjell videregående skole does not charge tuition for Vg1, Vg2 or Vg3. The school is a public county (Rogaland) upper secondary school and follows the principle that public secondary education is provided without tuition for the student. There are no regular per-term or per‑year tuition invoices for standard study programmes.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- For standard classroom instruction there is no recurring tuition billing. When optional or individually charged items occur (see “Other costs” below), those charges are billed per activity or service and will have the payment deadline stated on the specific invoice or order confirmation. Schools and approved vendors commonly use invoices or vendor payment pages with standard payment terms; any instalment (avbetaling) agreements are entered separately with the vendor and require an adult to sign where applicable.

- The county PC-purchase scheme (PC-ordningen) for incoming Vg1 pupils has published ordering windows and deadlines; orders placed through the scheme follow the vendor's billing and delivery schedule and may offer one-off payment or instalment options under an electronic agreement. Exact ordering dates and deadlines for the 2026/27 scheme are published by the county.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Vardafjell videregående skole operates as a day school and has no boarding/internat provision; there are no boarding fees. Students and parents should plan for day‑attendance arrangements.

Other costs and fees

- Optional PC/Mac purchase (PC-ordningen): Incoming Vg1 pupils may purchase a discounted laptop or Mac through the county's PC-ordning. That purchase is optional; the purchase price is linked to the county's subsidy arrangement (set relative to the equipment stipend from Lånekassen), and payment is made to the vendor (Eplehuset/Elkjøp) under the vendor's terms. Payment options and any instalment arrangements are handled by the vendor under the county agreement.

- Study trips, excursions and individual equipment: Where a particular activity requires individual equipment or optional travel/overnight arrangements outside the mandatory curriculum, students may be asked to pay a contribution for food, personal equipment or non‑mandatory parts of a trip. Mandatory parts of the curriculum must not be made conditional on payment. Charges for excursions or specialised materials are billed per activity.

- Course-specific materials and tools (vocational subjects): For some vocational subjects there can be costs for personal protective equipment, specialist tools, uniforms or consumable materials that are necessary for the course but are considered individual equipment. These costs are assessed per programme and billed or requested when required.

- School uniform: There is no general school uniform or uniform fee for public upper secondary schools in Norway; any programme‑specific clothing or protective gear required for practical subjects is charged only as individual equipment when necessary.

Refund information

- Purchases made through the county PC-ordning follow standard consumer rights: warranty obligations and the statutory right of withdrawal (angrerett) and vendor refund rules apply according to the vendor's terms and Norwegian consumer law. Refunds or cancellations for purchased hardware are handled by the vendor under those terms.

- Refunds for optional activities or items paid directly to the school or to a vendor are governed by the specific activity's or vendor's payment and cancellation policy. There is no tuition refund requirement for core instruction because no tuition is charged.

Fee payment options

- PC-ordning purchases: payment is made to the contracted vendors (Eplehuset or Elkjøp) using the vendor's payment methods; instalment (avbetaling) options are available through the vendor but require an adult's electronic agreement for the credit arrangement.

- Other charges (excursions, individual equipment, course tools): these are ordinarily collected by invoice or directly by the external vendor or organiser; typical payment methods are bank transfer, card payment through the vendor's payment page, or school invoice systems. The county and schools publish the specific invoice address and payment instructions for billed items.

Summary (practical points for parents)

- There is no application fee and no tuition fee for any year group at Vardafjell (Vg1–Vg3). Plan instead for occasional, programme‑specific costs (optional PC purchase via the county scheme, excursions, individual equipment for practical subjects, or optional activities), which are billed separately and follow the vendor's or school's stated payment terms. The PC scheme offers specific ordering windows and vendor payment/instalment terms for Vg1 pupils.
Academics

Vardafjell Videregaende Skole teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, SEN focussed for students aged 16 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers Studiespesialisering (General studies specialization), IB – International Baccalaureate, Medier og kommunikasjon (Media and Communication), Påbygg til generell studiekompetanse (Supplementary studies for general university admission), and Tilrettelagt opplæring (Adapted education).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school fosters an inclusive learning environment both academically and socially. A buddy system helps new Vg1 students integrate from day one, reducing loneliness and isolation. Student-led activities include Elevrådet (Student Council), Internasjonal komité (International Committee), Elevenes miljøkomité (Students' Environment Committee), and Elevmentor (Student Mentors). The school uses the Drømmeskolen model to strengthen the psychosocial learning environment, with Elevmentors drawn from upper classes to support younger students and build relationships with staff. This approach aims to enhance belonging, participation, mastery, motivation to succeed, and overall well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school works for an inclusive learning environment academically and socially. The goal is to give all students equal opportunities to learn and develop regardless of prerequisites. Students who need individually tailored instruction will be linked to classes, groups, workshops, or other practical settings to provide an individualized program. The main aim is to deliver tailored instruction that leads to a final qualification usable in work and society.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered, and the school has been an IB World School since 2003. The IB Diploma Programme provides university and college admissions recognition in Norway and abroad, and includes more practice of spoken and written English. An International class (Vg1) – bilingual foundation year offers 20–30% of education in English, typically in Natural Sciences, Geography and Social Science; the class emphasizes global issues and includes visits from people with international backgrounds.

Mental Wellbeing
The School Health Service provides advice and guidance on health matters and can refer students to a doctor, PPT or other agencies. The health nurse has office hours at the Guidance Center (Room 105) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 08:00 to 15:00, with drop-in or by appointment. The service aims to promote mental and physical health, foster good social and environmental conditions, and prevent illness and injuries. The nurse collaborates with the student, family and other services as needed and maintains confidentiality. Students may discuss personal issues related to home, school or friends, including sleep, stress, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, self-harm and more; the service is free of charge.

Safeguarding
All students have the right to a safe and healthy school environment. Students and guardians can report concerns via the electronic reporting channel or speak with a staff member. After reporting, the school contacts the student and develops an action plan to ensure a safe environment. The school is responsible to help, and if necessary the matter can be escalated to Statsforvalteren (County Governor) for oversight. School employees have duties to maintain a safe environment and to respond appropriately; the school follows procedures to ensure a safe learning environment.
Parent Experience

History
Vardafjell videregående skole traces its roots to the town's Handelsgymnasium from 1946 and to Handelsskole from 1961, and moved to its current premises in 1980. The school opened on 5 September 1946 as Haugesund Handelsgymnasium, driven by the local business community to establish this education in Haugesund. In 1961 the Handelskole joined, and the school was renamed Haugesund Handelsgymnasium og Handelsskole. With the Reform 94 changes to upper secondary education, the division between the upper school and Handelsgymnaset was abolished, and in 1977 the name changed to Vardafjell videregående skole, offering general studies and commerce/office programs. In January 1980 the school moved to the current Spannavegen premises; for the 50th anniversary in 1996 a history book was published. The Handel og Kontor program disappeared with Reform 94; in 2001 the school began offering the Sales and Service track, which was transferred to Haugaland videregående skole in 2005/2006. At the same time the school started a Medier og Kommunikasjon program, and in 2004 the IB program (International Baccalaureate) began. The facilities were upgraded in the 2000s, with a new library and counseling offices in 2006/2007, a redesigned reception, expanded student cantine, and a new staff dining room. In autumn 2020 a brand-new science building (realfagsrom) was completed, the Vardafjellhallen sports hall was expanded, and from autumn 2022 a new library and offices for counselors and the school nurse were added.

Community
On Vardafjell, we prepare our students for future challenges in a positive and active school environment. We offer a broad study program with an international focus, and our staff work to ensure each student has the best possible school day. Our values are engagement, togetherness, and a love of learning, guiding students and staff alike. We emphasize a safe learning environment with strong relationships among all, and we actively support student voice and initiative through student council work, mentoring, and committees such as the International Committee, Environment Committee, and Library Committee. The school offers Studiespesialisering, IB International Baccalaureate (international studies), and Medier og Kommunikasjon. The campus features well-kept facilities including a student canteen, a library area with a quiet reading room, a language lab, and rooms for science and other subjects. In 2020 a new science building was completed to support technology and research-based teaching, and the Vardafjellhallen sports hall was expanded; from autumn 2022 a new library and counselor and nurse offices were added.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has well-kept and attractive premises with its own student canteen, a library area with a quiet reading room, a language laboratory, and dedicated rooms for science subjects. A new research building adjacent to the school was completed in 2020, offering new opportunities for technology and research-based learning. A new sports hall was completed for the 2020–2021 school year, in addition to the existing Vardafjell Hall. From autumn 2022 there is a new library and offices for counselors and the school nurse.

Sports Facilities
From the 2020–2021 school year, a new sports hall was added, in addition to the existing Vardafjell Hall.

Academic Facilities
There are dedicated rooms for science subjects, a language laboratory, and a new research building adjacent to the school completed in 2020, providing opportunities for technology and research-based teaching. A library is part of the facilities, and in autumn 2022 a new library and offices for counselors and the school nurse were introduced.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student council work and mentoring activities are in place for student involvement. Other student committees include the International Committee, the Environmental Committee, and the Library Committee. These groups provide channels for student voices and leadership.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Seven youth enterprises operate at Vardafjell this year, run as part of the Entrepreneurship and Business Development 1 course, with one enterprise linked to the Medierfag pathway. The enterprises are student-led, with the teacher overseeing the program having nearly twenty years of experience and having been named Rogaland's Entrepreneur Teacher of the Year in 2023. This setup provides practical, real-world learning in business development and product ideas created by the students.

Arts & Creative
The Medier og kommunikasjon pathway covers text, photography, film, sound, new media, and graphic design, teaching students to craft messages, choose appropriate expressions, and design layouts. It also includes opportunities to explore entrepreneurship. Students can establish their own youth enterprise with peers as part of this pathway.

Cultural & Language
Vardafjell offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as an option in Vg2 and Vg3, with preparation for IB starting in Vg1 via an International Class. IB instruction is conducted in English across most subjects, and students select six subjects for Vg2 and Vg3, including Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and an Extended Essay; some IB courses can be taken online, and the Diploma is internationally recognized for study worldwide.

Social & Hobbies
There are seven youth enterprises active at Vardafjell this year, with ideas and products developed by students and supervised by experienced teachers. Students lead the ventures, and the program supports practical enterprise development and collaboration among peers.

Community & Service
Vardahjelpen is a peer-tutoring program that meets every Tuesday after school for students to work on assignments, receive help from staff and fellow students, and socialize; free meals are provided and no sign-up is required. The program welcomes students from all years and backgrounds, reinforcing community support within the school.

Leadership & Professional
The student council (Elevråd) is elected as a representative body for all students and advises school committees and the principal; a chair and deputy are elected from the council, with other board members chosen from representatives across all year groups. The council forms committees for events and welfare initiatives, including Vardafjell-lekene, and there is at least one representative from each class on the council. The school also hosts around 25 student mentors who support new Vg1 students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Breddeidrett (wide sports) is an optional second-year subject that can be started in Vg1 and continued in Vg2 or Vg3 to increase physical activity during the school day. Vardahjelpen also contributes to wellbeing by providing social and academic support after school, helping students feel connected and supported at school.
Languages

Language Provision
Engelsk 1 (Vg2) and Engelsk 2 (Vg3) are offered. Fremmedspråk includes Fransk nivå III, Spansk nivå III and Tysk nivå III (all at Vg3). Kommunikasjon og kultur 1 (Vg2) and Kommunikasjon og kultur 2 (Vg3) are provided.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and an International Class (Vg1) bilingual foundation year.

Immersion Programs
International Class (Vg1) is a bilingual foundation year.
Admissions

Admissions
Intake to Vardafjell: Rogaland intake allocates students to upper secondary schools. Vardafjell receives notification on August 7 about who the autumn new students are. We look forward to welcoming those offered a place with us. After intake is finished, Vardafjell sends an SMS to all students asking which mathematics course you prefer and whether you want broad sports or extra emphasis on science in the Forskningsklassen. You can read more about taking an extra subject here. We look forward to the school start on Monday, August 17. Attendance times: VG1 at 09:00 outside the school; VG2 and VG3 at 12:00 in the canteen. Parents are warmly welcome to information meetings: VG1 on Monday, August 24 at 18:00; VG2 on Tuesday, August 25 at 18:00. PC arrangement for upper secondary schools: All students in Rogaland upper secondary schools should have a laptop for use in schoolwork. New VG1 students can buy a PC/Mac with a discount. Flying Start: On August 11, 2026, Flying Start at Vardafjell, where you will meet the new school, some of the teachers, and perhaps new classmates. The offer is free, and lunch is served. More information and registration are available from the Rogaland site. Aktuelt: Open evening at Vardafjell vgs: Tuesday, December 2 at 18:30 for VG1 and 10th graders with parents. Vardahjelpen – student helps student; every Tuesday at 15:05 students can stay after school to work on assignments and receive help. Ungdomsbedrifter på Vardafjell: Seven ungdomsbedrifter operate this year. See all current items. Sentralbordet: Main line 52 70 99 10; Opening hours: Monday – Friday 08:00–15:30. Kontakt oss: Vardafjell videregående skole, Spannavegen 25, 5531 Haugesund; eDialog (secure digital submission, login required); Organization number: 971 045 698; Find us: Spannavegen 25, 5531 Haugesund; See on map.
School Events
The school has not added events
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