Study in a special class
When moving up to third or seventh grade, a student can enrol in a special or language-oriented class instead of a regular class. In Turku, it is possible to apply for classes that focus on visual arts, music, physical education, and mathematics.
Your child can start their basic education in the first year in English, German or Swedish-language immersion classes. A few extra pupils may be admitted if there is room in the class. Before applying, you should ask the principal of the school in question if there are any vacancies in the language class.
Who can apply?
Students who start in the third or seventh grade the following autumn can apply to study in the special oriented classes. The school organises a testing day for students applying for a special class, which determines student selection.
Special classes in Turku
- Your child can study in a visual arts class from 3rd to 9th grade.
- The art class operates in the Martti unit of Luostarivuoren koulu. More information on the Luostarivuoren koulu website. (In Finnish)
- Students are selected for the visual arts class based on an entrance exam in the spring of the second grade. Sign up for the exam in Wilma.
- In the visual arts -oriented class, your child learns about the different areas of visual arts and develop their artistic, creative, and personal expression.
- The studies expand on concepts of art and art history, and individualised teaching and guidance encourages learning through the visual arts.
- The focus is on drawing, painting, sculpting, graphics, and communication education.
- The physical education -oriented classes for 3rd-6th graders are at the Vasaramäki koulu school, in the Lehmustie unit.
- The physical education class for 7th-9th graders operates at Luostarivuori school, Puropello school, Rieskalähte school, the Puistokoulu unit of Vasaramäki school and in Swedish at S:t Olofskolan.
- The Turku physical education class is part of the Finnish Olympic Committee's sports lower upper secondary school experiment and the Turku Region Sports Academy programme.
- The goal of the physical education -oriented classes is to provide varied and high-quality physical education for athletically talented students who are aiming for success in competitive sport. The goal is also to find joy in exercise and positive experiences.
- The programme has time slots in the mornings for students to train on their own or under the guidance of the school, sports academy, or sports club, depending on the situation.
- The activities support the clubs' sports training and add variety to the everyday life of young athletes.
- If your child has been in physical education -oriented class in primary school, they must apply again when moving up to the 7th grade.
- Depending on the school there are specialisation tracks in different sports such as football, ice hockey, basketball, and team gymnastics. In addition to specialisation tracks, you can apply to the general guidance track as a young athlete of any sport.
- Students are selected for physical education -oriented classes on the basis of a national aptitude tests. When applying for specialisation track there are also test involving the sport.
- Schools’ introduction evenings will take place between November and December and the application deadline is January 9 2025.
- Read more about applying for physical education -oriented classes on the Sport Academy of Turku Region webpage
- The mathematics -oriented classes for 3.-6. graders are at Raunistula koulu school.
- The mathematics -oriented classes for 7.-9. graders are at Rieskanlähteen koulu school.
- The mathematics and natural sciences -oriented classes for 7th-9th graders in Swedish are at St: Olofskolan.
- Schools invite the applicants to take aptitude tests to ensure that they have the necessary skills and are ready to study.
- The tests are held annually in February.
Mathematics oriented classes follow the general mathematics curriculum. Students learn the same basics as in other classes, but they focus on more demanding and applied tasks. - More maths lessons allow students to acquire broader and deeper mathematical skills.
- In addition to the basic education content, the mathematics class covers a broader range of geometry and algebra.
- Teaching focuses on developing problem-solving skills, mathematical thinking and the use of information technology.
- Music oriented classes are at Puolan koulu school.
- Applying for music -oriented classes happens in January of the student’s 2nd grade.
- To get into the music class your child must pass a musical aptitude test to ensure that they have the skills needed for music class. The tests are held in February.
- Music oriented classes are based on making music together, singing, playing instruments, and various projects.
Each grade has their own choir. - Your child can also participate in the music upper secondary school’s orchestra activities if they wish, provided there is room in the sections.
- The students aim to complete a basics of music information course during the 9th grade.
- You can find more information about applying for music class from the Puolan koulu webpage.
Applying for special classes
Apply in Turku’s Wilma system. Applying for special classes happens once a year during a period that will be announced separately. If you do not have access to Turku’s Wilma, you can either download the application form or request a paper application from the school you are applying to.
A student can only apply to one school at a time. When the application period is over, the school organises a testing day for the applicants.