Sami Curriculum in Sweden

Sami education in Sweden has a unique history, evolving from traditional practices to a more structured system within the Swedish public school framework. Sámi schools, formerly known as Nomad or Lapp schools (before 1977), operate alongside the standard primary school system. These schools are governed by the same national curriculum as other primary schools, with additional provisions for Sami language and culture.

Sami Schools (Sameskolor):

Five state-run Sami schools exist in northern Sweden, located in Karesuando, Kiruna, Gällivare, Jokkmokk, and Tärnaby. These schools are open to children whose parents identify as Sami. Each school offers boarding facilities, although not all students live there. The Sami Education Board (Sameskolstyrelsen) oversees these schools and associated activities, promoting Sami-oriented education and language preservation.

Curriculum:

The Sami curriculum covers grades 1-6 (ages 6-12). After completing Sami school, students transition to the final three years of compulsory education in a regular Swedish school. The curriculum includes standard subjects like Swedish, mathematics, and English, supplemented with Sami language instruction, traditional crafts, reindeer husbandry, and cultural studies. Sami language instruction is particularly emphasized in Years 1-3.

Historical Context:

Historically, Sami education was primarily oral and practical, with children learning through daily activities within their families and communities. Formal education for Sami children began with missionary schools, followed by state-run boarding schools. These boarding schools, while aiming to provide education, faced criticism for separating children from their families and culture. Reforms in the 1960s led to the establishment of the current Sami school system, which strives to balance standard education with Sami language and cultural preservation.