Information in English

Welcome to Toppen

Vefsn Folk High School Toppen is a liberal (religiously and politically independent) folk high school with an age limit of 18 years youngest. You will have a solid range of subjects within MUSIC, MUSIC PRODUCTION, SPORTS AND OUTDOOR LIFE , X-SPORTS - mountains and waters, OUTDOOR LIFE EASY , CREATIVE MIX, OUTDOORLIFE AND TRAVELLING - North of Norway and New Zealandand, EXPERIENCE THE NORTH OF NORWAY and E-SPORTS.

The two-pronged profile allows you to study a subject in depth while simultaneously trying out new activities and subjects. You will meet like-minded people and really shine on the stage, in the studio, on tour or in the gym. You will also get to know people with other interests than you, this undoubtedly will broaden your mind and make you a bit wiser and more generous. All employers look for personal development and social skills, and this is precisely what you get at a folk high school.

A bit of day-to-day life

Below you will see how the timetable looked like usual weeks last school year. Most elective courses take place wednesday and in the afternoon / evening. Some line activity also requires work in the evening. We divide the school year in 5 periods, and plan one period at the time. This will cause some changes to the plan throughout the year.

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During the year there are mandatory classes/events every other Saturday and 4-5 Sundays.

The school is open all day till we close at. 23.00 (usually). To make the most of the year you should take advantage of this opportunity and make things happen. Some of the classrooms are occasionally relegated to courses, trim groups and the like, but there is still good access in most rooms, except for regular teaching hours. The timetable is under revision and changes can be made.

As a student at folk high school, you must take a lot of responsibility for the community, both socially and practically. It also implies voluntary work and kitchen / in-house duty. In addition to these common duties, of course, cleanliness and order in your own room and bathroom / toilet is your responsibility.

School calendar 2024-2025

AUTUMN 2024

Student reception Sunday 25.08.2024‍
The first day of classes is Monday 26.08.2024
Autumn holiday from and including Friday 04.10 (first day off) to and including Tuesday 15.10 (last day off)
Christmas holiday from and including 20.12 (first day off) to and including Tuesday 11.01.2025 (last day off)

SPRING 2025

Student reception for spring course Saturday 11.01.2025
Student reception year course Sunday 12.01.2025
Easter holiday from and including Friday 11.04 (first day off) to and including 22.04 (last day off)
Closing event for annual courses and spring courses on Saturday morning 18.05.2025
Return home the same day.

Subject to changes

Practical information

We have a shared kitchen for the students which can be used if you want to cook yourself a meal. Here you wash your clothes in a common laundry room, as all students use. You may want to mark your clothes before you arrive so that they are not easily confused. It is not allowed to bring pets to school. Smoking only in designated places (also applies to electric cigarettes).

Read about our School basics

Field trip

During the school year, all the lines will go on field trips, both domestic and abroad. It is important that you have passport, travel insurance and European health insurance card (or similar for your country). You will receive more information about the tours when the school year starts.

Electives

Elective subjects are selected after you have arrived, but you can register for the major subjects Subjects for Higher Education (only Norwegian students).

Insurance

You may want to check that you have insurance that covers all conditions by staying outside the home and your country. Make sure you have insurance that covers high value items (camera, computer equipment, musical instruments and sports equipment). It may also be advisable to secure against damage you may incur on other people’s assets. You also need a travelinsurance for school field trips. The school has an insurance for accidents occurring during school hours.

If you are studying in Norway for less than a year, you will not, as a general rule, become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Please read about your rights and obligations:

Norwegian Health Care for foreigners

Find your line

At TOPPEN you can immerse yourself in the line that interests you the most, while giving you the opportunity to try out new activities and subjects. Great for those who like to be both creative and active.

Next year you can choose following programes:

BAND - live and studio

At BAND - live and studio, you become a more confident musician, which makes you more independent and attractive as a band member. A good musician is not only good at his own instrument, but has musical understanding and can "read"and interpret what is happening in the interaction and the music. A good liveband both sounds and looks good together. Our goal is for you to become good at listening and communicating with the rest of the band, and create magical moments on stage.

We emphasize watching inspiring concerts at our good partner Bakgården Kultur. Many exciting bands and artists stop by here almost every week. You gain experience from working with different approaches in the studio, including in Studio Nord.

We will play a lot, in the rehearsal room, on stage and in the studio, and work on communication and musical understanding. And we will see many, many good concerts. We regularly get to meet musicians on tour in Northern Norway, talk to them and learn about life as a musician. You get to take part in masterclasses and workshops with professional musicians, and learn improvisation from the best. We play in different ensembles with different repertoires, and challenge ourselves on all types of stages.

At Bakgården Kultur they have new and top equipment, with listening conditions that simply have to be experienced. We also aim for you to get basic training in sound and lighting, so that you are able to set up for a concert and have an understanding of the soundscape. We also collaborate across lines, and in particular with the Music Production and Creative MIX lines. There will also be opportunities to do projects in the studio, play more concerts and go on tour during the year. We collaborate with the local jazz and blues club, and get a taste of reality. In other words - we have a lot of fun going on at all times.

Creative MIX

This is the line for you who find it difficult to choose. Who likes to be creative and want to experience new aspects of yourself. Here you can breathe freely, be safer, and have fun.

This is a real goody bag if you like different things to do. You don’t have to know everything before you apply, or be particularly good at it. Here you can explore and develop at your own pace and without beeing judged.

This line will give impetus to change, creative energy, inspiration, good ideas and initiative.

POSSIBILITIES

At Creative MIX you get the opportunity to participate in many exciting things throughout the year. You get to develop with creative and fun projects, and test everything from redesign and theater, to painting and photography. This line gives you many experiences and experiences that allow you to learn a lot about yourself and the others. At Creative MIX it is just a big plus that people are different and have different backgrounds and interests. Here you can find out what you like, test out new things, and expand the horizon.

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COPING

At Creative MIX, your opinion and your wishes are important to us. We welcome input, and in consultation with you, we will create a eventful time. A good and safe classroom environment is a crucial for you to be comfortable and grow.

We believe that people learn the most in an environment that gives you the opportunity to test things out and make your own experiences. We are more interested in facilitating good experiences, and asking some questions, than always having the right answer. We know that humor and work satisfaction create the best team, good wibes and motivation.

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ORGANIZATION

At Creative MIX, we work practically and project-based. The projects vary in length, form and content according to the themes we are working on. Sometimes we have a Workshop that lasts for three days, other periods last for three weeks. If you want to work on a self-selected project, it is possible.

Outdoor life and gaming

This is the line for you who want to actively develop through games and outdoor life.

We want you to experience courage, mastery and opportunities when you are a student with us. You will be able to develop at your level,whether it is in Valorant, river paddling or on the ski slopes. On this line,we have students with common interests at all levels. During the year, we take advantage of the weather to go fishing, go skiing/boarding in a lift, and experience Helgeland's best sides. If we have bad weather, we pull in, and shift the professional focus to games, team building and skill training in awide range of games.

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You will get many wonderful experiences and lots of relevant experience afther this course.

At this line, we focus on the students developing as players through setting goals, AIM training and game immersion. We analyze and find ways that you can develop and train your skills, so that you become a better player. At Toppen, we also have many opportunities to take part in exciting activities. We are centrally located in Helgeland, and have access to most everything right outside our doorstep. We can ice climb, paddle the sea and river, dog sledding, go on mountain hikes, play paintball and raft, etc. Maybe you discover a new hobby along the way?

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Outdoor Life and Wanderlust

This line has literally brought together the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor life, and is well suited for those who like to be on the go. We are surrounded by great nature in Northern Norway, and go on trips along the Helgeland coast, in Børgefjell and Lomsdals-Visten National Parks. And on the line trip to New Zealand, you get to experience outdoor life under completely different circumstances, in another part of the world with a totally different climate. We also spend time with the other students at school, and like to go to a concert or watch a tournament with them. You will get to know the nicest people. This will be an unforgettable journey!

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Helgeland is the best starting point for a varied outdoor life. You will experience glacier hiking at the Okstind massif, which houses both Rabothytta and Nordland's highest mountain, Oksskolten (1916 m). Of course, we are also going on a road trip to Lofoten to surf and go on completely wild trips! During the dark time of winter, we travel halfway around the globe, to New Zealand, which is known as the "adventure capital of the world". Here we paddle on overnight trips along chalk-white beaches in Abel Tasman National Park, rock on Castle Hill, go on alpine tours with wild views in Mt.Cook National Park, surf, climb, raft and cycle downhill. Back in Northern Norway, we take up skiing, try out ice climbing and not least dog sledding, before spring once again lures us out to the Helgeland coast with island hopping to Lundkommardagen at Lovund, a joint trip to the archipelago Træna and the very special mountain Rødøyløva.

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Music production

On Music Production you get to know what it’s like to be a music producer. Producing takes time, a lot of time. At TOPPEN you will get the time to do it!
Not only do we get 1-2 hours a day, but often 6-8! In such a collective, where everyone listen to each others music and instant access to constructive criticism, you develop very quickly.

We are also focusing on playing live! Therefore, our classes often varies between much personal work, technical theory and beeing «on the floor». Such teaching is about finding out different techniques and tricks to deliver electronic music in the best possible way.

There is also a lot of business at the bottom of the course. Music Production operates its own collective / record label called SinewaveCollective.
This way you get a lot of inside information about how to go ahead to promote your own music!

In key words, the teaching is as follows:

Producing
– Own music
– Remixing
– Sound Design
– Mixing
– Mastering
– Foley
– Recording
– Sampling
– Collabing / Collaboration

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Theory
‍– Listening
– Train your ear
– Transcribe sounds
– Teachings and scales
– Develop Harmonies
– Learn about sound
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Exercises
– A lot of time for your own work
– Interaction with electronic instruments
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Songwriting
– Text
– Melody
– Arrangement
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Business
– Artist Development
– Copyright and rights
– Budget
– Tournament plans
– Recording plan
– Promotion
– Merchs
– Music Management

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Outdoor life easy

A year at Outdoor Life EASY gives you lots of fun experiences in a safe and social class environment. We go on trips where you have plenty of time to enjoy your experiences and unwind in proper Northern Norway nature.

This is not a line for you who will always go the longest, the highest or fastest; Here we focus on creating the best hiking experiences with good people. You also lern to make proper gourmet food in the wild.

Wild Northern nature

The area Helgeland is an Eldorado for outdoor life activities. Tall mountains, deep valleys, wild rapids, great glaciers, untouched National Parks, Norway’s best sea kayak coast line with over 30 000 islands – all this and more, in the near perimeter of the school.

South of the city are two National Parks. Lomsdal-Visten is a pearl on the Helgeland coast known for its nature adventure. Børgefjell is our second oldest and one of our most famous National Parks. Here you will find untouched wilderness with varied wildlife. Nature is wild and beautiful with its high peaks and deep valleys. The area is famous for good fishing and hunting.

The easy access to great nature gives us the opportunity to pack the bag and easily meet new adventures. We have a great variety of activities on the course, and together with your fellow students you will get to make an impact on what you want to do during the year. In addition to a great deal of trips in the wilderness, you will also get to try our new sea kayaks, ride a dog sled on snow, go island jumping by bike, climbing inside and on outdoor walls, bouldering and exploring caves.

Experience the North of Norway

For those who:

Want to get to know the northern Norwegian culture
Dream of experiencing the northern lights over the Norwegian mountains and fjords
Would like to learn and experience the Norwegian outdoorlife
Are interested to get familliar with the Norwegian language

From majestic mountains to serene fjords, you’llencounter the genuine beauty of the North of Norway. Just a 45-minute driveaway you’ll have the world’s most beautiful coastline!

Vefsn Folkehøgskole Toppen allows you to create lifelong memories right outside your door, surrounded by nature’s splendor. Northern Norway is one of the best places on Earth to experience the natural wonder of Aurora borealis, and attending Vefsn Folkehøgskole Toppen, allows you to witness it firsthand.

You will learn about Norwegian culture, history, geography and society through exhibitions and by travelling and experiencing Norway first hand. This year will be a ten months long adventure. You’ll participate in exciting activities along sidefellow students from Norway and around the world.

Helgeland is rich in culture and history. As you explore this region, you’ll encounter the Sami Indigenous culture, traditionalfolklore, and local customs. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in authentic Norwegian lifestyle and outdoor life.

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Sports and outdoor living

At Sports and Outdoor Living it’s never a week that’s alike, and it’s almost impossible to get bored. There will be new experiences every week. The teachers are concerned that you should feel good while you are a student with us. We want you to have a good and safe environmen at school. We practise a lot of codetermination, and the students are always included in the planning.

It is important to us that you have a good experiense while you are a student at TOPPEN. Laughter and good experiences are something we strive for. We want you to go to bed smiling every night.

During a year at Sports and Outdoor Living, you get to try an incredible amount of different things. You get to do the things you love and at the same time get to check out new activities. In addition, you will have good opportunities to train individually and in groups. Helgeland has fantastic conditions for experiences and activities in nature, and we of course use as much of it as possible.

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Mountain sports and kayaking

We mostly focus at Mountain Sports- here is a lot of action, exciting trips and nice prospects. Top of the mountain walks, climb the mountains, kites on the banks, walk Via Ferrata and walk in glaciers; stays in cabins, tents and snow caves and learns to know all the whimsical sides of the mountain.

In Kayaking we use the fjord and the rivers around the school, we practice rescue techniques and eskimorole in the pool and go on island hopping with sea kayaking and tents on the Helgeland coast.

Helgeland is an eldorado for outdoor activities. High mountains, deep valleys, waterfalls, large glaciers, unspoiled national parks, Norway’s finest kayak archipelago, northern lights, tens of thousands of islets and shacks in the ocean gorge, beautiful mountains, mountains and valleys, rivers that bend down to the sea – all less than an hour away from school. Here there are outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world to experience Northern Norway nature.

Activities:

Island hopping by sea kayak
Calm seas and roaring rivers
Surfing with kayak
Intro and Basic Sea Kayak (Wet Short NPF)
Intro and Foundation River Kayaking (Wet Short NPF)
Glacierwalking
Dog sledding
Rock climbing inside and outside
Snowkiting
Top Tours
Topptau- and Ledkort (Steep Short)
Bouldering in Sila
Camping in the mountains
Ski lift trips to the ski lift
Mountain trips on skis
Snow cave
Rappelling
Caving
Ice climbing
Skiseil
Prepared for avalanche
Sail Boat Tour
Survival trip
Chasing The Northern Lights
Tutorial on using Maps and Compass
First Aid Course
Knowledge of maintenance and repair of equipment
Project week with volunteer work
Slack rope
Winter Expedition

E-sports

E-Sport at TOPPEN gives you an amazing opportunity to get an understanding of what e-sport is, while at the same time experiencing folk high school. During a school year, you get expert guidance on routine e-sports personalities and you will get to know all the e-sports can offer. Our focus is to make sure you get a true picture of what e-sport is and what it takes to keep up with this at the highest level, either as a player or in an administrative role.

Although we focus heavily on what we do in terms of tournaments and training, we also try to work as closely as possible with the other lines.

In addition to being a student at folk high school and taking part in all that it implies, you will be able to:

Mapping of own skills
Participation in tournaments and competitions
Guide to building an international profile
Study trips to international events
Guidance and expertise from routine e-sports personalities
Guide to diet and exercise
Guidance in analysis and strategy

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Half year courses

With us, you can choose to attend half-year courses if you prefer. Maybe your plans changed during the fall, and you need something nice to do until the summer. Or maybe you have free time until January? Then half-year courses can be a good option.

We have half-yearly courses on most lines, and you can apply at folkehogskole.no. There you can also read more about the different lines.
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Most students in half-year courses follow the teaching together with the students who attend annual courses. Then there will be a little more together and more fun. You quickly become part of the gang when you are open to making new friends.

As a school we are committed to making everyone feel good. We want you to have a lot of OPPORTUNITIES when you are a student with us, and you can choose between many activities and electives in addition to your line subject