Have you ever wondered why the world looks the way it does? What led to revolutions, wars — and progress? On the Checkpoint Charlie course, we dive into history to understand both the past and the world we live in today. This isn’t like your regular high school history class! It’s a
Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.
Søren Kierkegaard
My year at CC felt like a year traveling through time. You learn to understand the world through history by experiencing new places with fresh insights, while building friendships that last. It’s a year that shapes your thinking and gives you perspective on both the past and the future.
Emil Aasen, tidligere elev
What do you learn?
Checkpoint Charlie is the program for those who are interested in:
- History and society
- Politics and democracy
- Culture and history of ideas
We explore major events, but also the small things that had big consequences:
How could a single TV sentence lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall? What do kidnapped cats have to do with the French Revolution? And could a monk have been Europe’s first atheist?
You’ll work with sources, case studies, and historical contexts, as well as current events in Europe and the world. The teaching throughout the year is shaped by what you and your class are interested in. Southern Norway is the perfect starting point for diving deep into history. Within a short distance from the school, you can find, among other things, the remains of Norway’s oldest human, “Sol,” the slave ship Fredensborg, and the world’s second-largest cannon from World War II. If there’s a topic you’re really passionate about, it’s also possible to teach it to your classmates..
Travel and experiences
History should be experienced, not just read. In this program, we go out and visit the places where history actually happened.
You will get, among other things:
- Fire canon and flint rifle
- Capture an “English” merchant ship
- Brew mead and roast lamb the Stone Age way
- Stay overnight in a lighthouse keeper’s house
- Celebrate Yule the authentic Iron Age way
- Learn how history is used in film
- earch for treasures with a metal detector
- Visit archaeological excavations
- And last but not least, explore Europe!
Who is this course for?
This program is for those who:
- Enjoy asking questions and making connections
- Are curious about the world, both past and present
- Want to learn by experiencing and exploring
- Enjoy both discussion and hands-on activities
You don’t need any prior knowledge — we learn together here!
Every time I meet someone I went to class with, the conversations usually go back to, “Do you remember when we did this?!” At CC, I had an amazing teacher who truly cared about me and the class. Anyone who has him as a teacher is incredibly lucky..
Desiree Fredheim
My year at CC felt like a year traveling through time. You learn to understand the world through history by experiencing new places with fresh insights, while building friendships that last. It’s a year that shapes your thinking and gives you perspective on both the past and the future.
Emil Aasen – former Student at CC
I met amazing people this year, who I can`t imagine living apart from now. I had amazing experiences I won`t ever forget. This year in Checkpoint Charlie is the best I`ve ever had.
Lucie Root, Massachusetts USA
I’ve learned so much, made many new friends, and traveled on amazing trips across Norway and Europe. As a student at Agder, you get to explore everything you’re interested in, in addition to everything Southern Norway has to offer. Take a step forward and discover yourself at FHS!
Vebjørn Sæterdal Landmark
Study trip Italia
Although Rome is a perfect city for anyone interested in history, that doesn’t mean we stay there the whole time! We also travel to Florence to wander the narrow medieval streets of Italy’s former capital and the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Study trip Berlin
We visit places like Checkpoint Charlie and learn about life under surveillance and dictatorship. The destination for the second trip is chosen together! In the past, we have visited Rome, Florence, and Budapest — perhaps Athens will be next?
We travel as sustainably as possible, using trains and buses whenever we can. On previous trips, we have even combined destinations into a longer interrail journey.
Linjelærer Sondre
Sondre Aanstad holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Bergen, specializing in topics such as Brexit and right-wing extremism. He is passionate about making history relevant and engaging and loves uncovering surprising stories from the past.
Ready for a different and educational year?
At Checkpoint Charlie, you’ll have a year full of travel, experiences, community, and new knowledge — and you’ll never see the world the same way again.
For year 2026-27
Total Fee For Each Program:
Biology and Nature Appreciation: 145.000 kr
Checkpoint Charlie: 143.000 kr
Film and Video Production: 149.500 kr
Outdoor Life and Photo: 149.500 kr
Global Development: 158.500 kr
Art Graphic Ceramics: 147.500 kr
Norwegian Languaage & Culture: 148.500 kr
Nature & Adventure Tourism: 149.500 kr
Tourism and Development: 153.000 kr
The school is located in Stokkelandsskogen in Søgne, west of the city center. The addresse is Høgskoleveien 49, 4643 Søgne. See Agder folkehøgskole on Google Maps.
No, the school is non-denominational. This means it welcomes students from diverse backgrounds in terms of beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political views, and more. We emphasize human dignity, equality, tolerance, personal freedom, democracy, and ethical reflection.
It’s 18–19 kilometers, depending on which route you take. You can choose the scenic coastal road via Langenes, the highway, or the old E39. It takes about 20 minutes by car and 25–30 minutes by bus.
No, unfortunately not. The buildings are from the 1970s and contain quite a few stairs.
It is important that the school is a safe place for everyone who lives here. Therefore, it is prohibited to drink alcohol, store alcohol, or appear intoxicated on school grounds. However, it is permitted to return to the school after having consumed alcohol, provided that you go directly to your room and go to bed.
Primarily, it is bus numbers 40 and 40E that run between the bus station in Kristiansand and Årosskogen, 1–2 times per hour. On weekends, there are also night buses. See akt.no for timetables in the Kristiansand area.
No, it is included in the accommodation fees.
The school has a garage for bicycles and a bike shed. If you have a bicycle in the garage, you will receive your own key for it. However, remember to lock your bike.
Yes. The school has guest rooms that friends or family can rent at a reasonable price. Meals will be included. If the guest stays overnight in your room (you can borrow a mattress from the school), they only pay for the food.
On weekdays, four meals are provided—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening meal. On weekends, brunch is served instead of breakfast and lunch.
You will need an average of three hours of electives per week. You can choose as many as you want as long as there is space available.
The school has an age limit of 18 years. This means you must turn 18 during your first semester.
Stipendiater” are second-year students who have typically attended the school as regular students the previous year. We usually have three to four stipendiater. They play an important role in fostering a positive school environment and help organize various activities and social events
You will receive a packing list well in advance of the school start. Besides clothing for the entire school year and personal items, you should bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. Many bring a bicycle and skis. It can be a good idea to bring something to make your room a bit personal, such as pictures, posters, etc. (these must be attached with adhesive putty).
You choose about 15 Saturday seminars during the school year. Twice a year, your program organizes a student evening (Agder Saturday). The remaining Saturdays are free. You can change your seminars along the way if you need to travel home for a weekend.
Learn by experiencing and exploring
A year of personal growth, deeper understanding, and friends for life