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The Swedish Language Section of Education Committee is responsible for Swedish language services. The Swedish language services are directed by Liliane Kjellman.
VALMO is meant for students whose native languages are not Finnish or Swedish and prepares them for basic education. The students learn Finnish and other skills for approximately a year before transferring to local schools.
Students whose native languages are not Finnish or Swedish can choose between Finnish as a Second Language and Literature or Swedish as Second Language and Literature (S2).
OMO is education given in students’ native languages.
When it comes to foreign-language classes, the main focus is on achieving a comfortable level of using a foreign language in different situations, subjects and concepts. The language is not being taught per se; instead, the foreign language is used to learn a subject matter.
In foreign-language classes, the first two years emphasise understanding the language and building a foundation for foreign-language competence. Reading and writing skills are taught in the students' mother tongue (Finnish). The share of foreign-language instruction is approximately 50%.
Music classes provide students with readiness and inspiration for taking a comprehensive interest in music. Instruction begins with singing and playing musical instruments. A student starting out in a music class will need enthusiasm for singing, an ear for music, and a sense of rhythm. Previous ability to play an instrument or studies in music theory are not required.
Instruction consists of:
- Singing
- Playing musical instruments together
- Music theory and ear training
- Listening to music
Basic education refers to the general education for children between 7 and 16 years of age. It consists of year levels 1–9. Basic education is free of charge and aims to prepare and qualify students for secondary education. Further goals and the contents of basic education are defined in the curriculum.
In Turku, basic education is available in Finnish, Swedish and English in city-owned schools. In addition to the schools owned by the City of Turku, there are privately owned schools in the area.
A student’s home address determines which school they will attend.
Parents always have the responsibility to teach their child to move safely in traffic. The way to school should be acquainted together with the child well beforehand.
School transportation is primarily provided with the City's public transportation bus card. The card can be loaded at the Public Transportation Service Office, Aurakatu 5.
Morning activities can be organised between 7:30 and 10:00 if at least 10 children participate in the activities. Morning activities may be terminated during the school year if the number of children permanently decreases to less than 10. Afternoon activities are organised between 11 and 17.
The activities are organised by the city, clubs, parishes and organisations in the vicinity of schools. Children are insured during the activities.
Students are selected into the visual arts classes from all of Turku's school districts. Studies in the visual arts begin from third grade and continue throughout comprehensive school. The goals of art studies include:
The aim of the physical education class is to
- increase the possibilities to offer positive experiences to students interested and gifted in sports
- develop the students' basic skills
- introduce the students to different forms of exercise and different sports in cooperation with sport federations and local clubs
When it comes to foreign-language classes, the main focus is on achieving a comfortable level of using a foreign language in different situations, subjects and concepts. The language is not being taught per se; instead, the foreign language is used to learn a subject matter.
In foreign-language classes, the first two years emphasise understanding the language and building a foundation for foreign-language competence. Reading and writing skills are taught in the students' mother tongue (Finnish).