No Timetables, no lesson plans — Why Heltberg, Oslo trusts students to design their own learning journey

At Heltberg School -Oslo, Norway -  we take a unique approach: no timetables, no rigid lesson plans. Instead, we ask students, "How will you spend your time meaningfully? What challenges will you undertake to prepare for your exams?"

Reflecting on the past school year, we’ve gained even more faith in our vision. We see that by giving students ownership of their learning, our approach is actually working.

We’ve identified three types of challenges our students embrace:

1️⃣ The Dream Challenge: 

Imagine a student so immersed in their project that time disappears. Whether it's unravelling the mysteries of black holes or designing a sustainable community, their enthusiasm is contagious. 

They don't just meet curriculum goals—they exceed them because this isn't just schoolwork; it's a journey of discovery. You can see it in their eyes when they say, "I can't wait to dive back into this!"

2️⃣ The Strategic Challenge: 

This is where students show their savvy side. Picture someone who’s spent weeks on their dream project, like researching how ancient trade routes influenced modern economics, and then realizes they haven’t tackled their geography goals. 

Instead of dropping the ball, they get creative. They map out those routes in detail, blending their passions with purpose. It’s about thinking smart and making connections that matter.

3️⃣ The Gun Point Challenge: 

Sometimes students encounter topics they find especially difficult or less engaging, like a complex maths problem or unfamiliar grammar rules. But with exams approaching, they rise to the challenge. 

They focus, use targeted strategies to break down the material, and master the essentials. It’s not always their favourite task, but it’s a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability.

The lesson for us teachers:

By giving them the space early on to follow their dreams and make their own choices, we’ve learned not to panic if certain goals aren’t achieved right away. With the right feedback at the right moments, they make meaningful choices, ensuring they are prepared for their exams.

Are you proud of your students' ownership? We certainly are.