Garðaskóli

At Garðaskóli, young people are invited to participate in a diverse social life and learning environment that is suitable for each individual. The school boasts strong professional teaching in both academic and practical subjects. Subject directors oversee the work in the largest departments and direct the work of professional teachers, but teaching is based on their close cooperation. Traditional school work is regularly broken up, for example with "Gagn og gaman" theme days in the fall and various events at the school such as plays and educational presentations.

Students in the 8th grade are in a class system that supports them socially while they are adjusting to the work methods and school atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on giving students ample time during their first year at school to adjust to the work methods and school rules. Art and craft subjects occupy a large place in the 8th grade timetables.
The classes are mixed, with an attempt to have a similar number of students and gender mix in all supervised classes. Support for learning and behavior is mostly provided within the classrooms.

After completing the 8th grade, students can choose a course of study from a wide range of courses at the elementary school level, in compulsory and elective subjects, theoretical studies and practical. Those students who can and want to have the opportunity to accelerate their progress towards the matriculation examination by taking upper secondary school courses taught at Garðaskóli in close collaboration with Fjölbrautskólann in Garðabær.

In grades 9 and 10, students' choices increase and their schedules are tailored to each individual's interests and academic needs. Such individualization is possible thanks to the school's group and travel system, which is structured in a similar way to the course system of a comprehensive school.
Students are divided into study groups within each subject according to their preferences and abilities in the study. In English, Icelandic and mathematics, students are divided into trips according to the abilities they are aiming for. The same areas of study are covered in all trips, but the tasks, working methods and learning materials may differ. In fast-paced methods, the aim is to achieve greater and more diverse abilities than in slow-paced methods, but the goal is always to meet students where they are and strengthen their basic skills and abilities for continued study.
Within each subject, certain criteria are set for the placement of students on the trips. A team of subject teachers places students on trips in each subject, and the students' position in relation to the proficiency standards at the end of the year determines the placement. The placement of trips is reviewed when necessary.

In general, the trips can be described as follows:

The motto of Garðaskóli isFREEDOM – RESPONSIBILITY – WELL-BEING – SUCCESSWe believe that each of us should have the freedom to express ourselves and develop our talents, and we emphasize that everyone takes responsibility for their own learning, behavior, and contribution to the school community. When freedom and responsibility are in balance, it contributes to well-being, which is a prerequisite for everyone to achieve success in accordance with their own strengths.

Garðaskóli is a caring and ambitious community. Strong emphasis is placed on good cooperation between all parties and supervising teachers play a key role in communication with homes. Students, staff and guardians are mobilized for various types of confidential work. These jobs are carried out in committees and councils that are appointed at the beginning of each school year and are responsible for the progress of certain projects in the school's work and cooperation with the local environment. Active participation of students in a democratic society is built through targeted training of students in conversational skills and critical thinking; and by giving them a place in a society where all parties are listened to and ways are constantly sought to make a good school even better.

Johann Skagfjord Magnusson,
principal
johannmagn@gardaskoli.is

Asta Huld Henrysdottir,
assistant principal
astahuld@gardaskoli.is

Gudný Þóra Friðriksdóttir,
Head of Support Services
gudny@gardaskoli.is

Hjordis Eva Olafsdottir,
the faculty board of student affairs and ÍSAT
hjordisolaf@gardaskoli.is

Hjordis Gudny Gudmundsdottir,
Head of Student Affairs
hjordisgu@gardaskoli.is

Hjortur Jonsson,
office manager
hjorturjo@gardaskoli.is

Kristjana Fjóla Sigursteinsdottir,
Head of Student Affairs
kristjana@gardaskoli.is

Arndís Þorvaldsdóttir, secretary/chairman

Guðjón Örn Björnsson, secretary/chairman and representative on the school council

Guðrún Yrsa Richter, treasurer

Kristmundur Carter, co-director and liaison with Grunnstoð

Sigurjón Oddsson, co-director

Unnur B. Johnsen, treasurer