the elementary school, was, strictly speaking, a kind of religious
school during its first 75 years. Religious instruction was the most important
subject. The Lutheran Church was the responsible authority, and the vicar was
the principal. The 1919 curriculum for the elementary school involved
considerable changes. The religious instruction was reduced by 50 per cent and
social studies, mathematics and the mother tongue were given more time. The
secularisation of the school system had started. Fostering for national
citizenship instead of the Lutheran faith became the task of the school system