An analysis of some background factors affecting the recruitment and achievement of students enrolled for examen artium in Norway

Abstract

This report presents some findings from a statistical/sociological investigation of students leaving the Gymnas in Norway. The Norwegian Gymnas is a secondary school where the students work towards the examen artium, the passing of which is a prerequisite to admission to a university. This investigation includes all students who entered for this examination in the years 1946, 1951, 1958 and 1963 and describes the composition of this group according to course of study, final grades and such factors as age, sex, and social and regional background. It also shows how these factors affect both a student's chance of attending a Gymnas and his subsequent school achievement. The report also gives a historical review of all those who graduated from the Gymnas for the period 1900 - 1965, with some details about the composition of this group with regard to sex and course of study.