Arts and Cultural Education in Iceland : Professor Anne Bamford

The number of pupils with a foreign mother tongue has increased but still represents a very
small percentage of the total of pupils, compared to the general pattern in Europe. In the
autumn of 2008, 2,069 pupils have a foreign mother tongue, or around 4,7% of all pupils. Polish
speakers are the largest foreign group in schools, with the majority of these living outside the
capital area.
There were 5,101 teaching staff members in autumn 2008 and 9.5 pupils per full-time
equivalent teacher. This is a low pupil teacher ratio and the number of pupils per full-time
equivalent teacher has decreased each year. For example, in autumn 1998 there were 13.3
pupils for each full-time equivalent teacher. On average there are 18.4 pupils in each class and
the average class size increases with the higher age of pupils. The average class size is smallest in
the 1st grade (16.5) while the largest classes are in the 9th grade, with 19.7 pupils on average. 9
In terms of class sizes specifically in the arts, woodwork and textile are likely to be taught as half
classes (around 12 or less pupils), alternating for different times throughout the year. Music and
visual arts may also be taught this way.
In a general sense, the arts and cultural scene is very energetic and people in Iceland (in and
outside the arts and cultural field) are highly supportive of the arts. People are inclined to value
the arts and give financial and voluntary support to a range of arts activities. As this comment
suggests, there is a strong sense of community around the arts; “Everyone is putting so much in
and continue to be committed to it throughout their lives.” The following table (Figure 1.4.2)
summarises the main benefits of living in Iceland, in terms of art and cultural education as
summarised from all the focus groups during the research.
Figure 1.4.2 Perceived strengths of the ‘arts scene’ in Iceland
Benefit
Frequency
Freedom/flexibility 16
Local choirs 2
Close and active networks 4
Active community (grassroots) support 7
Dialogue between communities 1
Plenty of possibilities to try things 1
Strong amateur arts groups (e.g. Theatre, art, music) 2
Dividing the class so we teach half classes 1
Good quality facilities 3
Teachers have freedom 2
School principals are keen to try new things 1
Music schools 15
Arts grants 7
Craft 6
A history of literature 6
Accessibility of education for all 6
Quality of life 2
A small world for creative ideas to flourish 6
9 http://www.statice.is/Pages/444?NewsID=2990
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