During the upcoming school year, Turku will prepare for the launch of English-language general upper secondary education and introduce DigiOne in stages in basic education. In addition, the extensive renewal of the school and daycare network moves forward.
The number of children and young people in Turku continues to grow. More and more children are multilingual – one in three new first-graders. Turku is making historically large investments in healthy, safe and functional facilities. During the upcoming school year, five daycare centres and two schools will be completed, helping to meet the needs of the growing city and offering children and young people a smoother everyday life.
Several anniversaries will also be celebrated during the school year: basic education and general upper secondary education in Turku will turn 50, youth work will celebrate its 80-year history, and the 750th anniversary year of Finland’s oldest school, Katedralskolan, will culminate in an event at Fuuga.
– The anniversary years highlight Turku’s long tradition of education and culture, but at the same time we are looking ahead: alongside learning, the aim is still to strengthen the wellbeing and sense of community of children and young people and to prevent segregation, says Anu Parantainen, Director of Children and Young People's Services.
DigiOne to be introduced gradually throughout basic education
The smooth flow of everyday life will also be strengthened by the introduction of DigiOne, which will proceed in stages in Turku’s basic education. DigiOne brings together the information and services used by learners, guardians, teachers and administration into one system.
– The introduction will begin at the pilot school in Paattinen. DigiOne will make communication between school and home easier, support the planning of teaching and make the practical routines of the school day clearer and more accessible to all user groups, says Timo Jalonen, Service Area Director for General Upper Secondary Education and General Adult Education.
Preparations begin for English-language general upper secondary education
In 2027, Turku will have its first municipal English-language general upper secondary school. Preparations for this already take place during the upcoming school year.
– English-language general upper secondary education will strengthen the city’s appeal among international experts, families and returnees, while also expanding educational pathways for young people whose studies and future plans are shaped in a multilingual environment, Jalonen says.
In this spring’s joint application for upper secondary education, a record number of first-choice applicants applied to the City of Turku’s day-time general upper secondary schools and Turku Vocational Institute, and more young people than ever before are taking part in general upper secondary education. From August onwards, the reform of support for learning will also progress in vocational education.
Turku is also investing in the availability and retention of staff in early childhood education and care. Together with the six largest cities and the Ministry of Education and Culture, commissioned education programmes will be organised to enable employees to complete a higher education degree alongside work.