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When a student whose native language is not Finnish or Swedish starts in basic education, a syllabus of either Finnish as a Second Language and Literature (S2) or Swedish as a Second Language and Literature (R2) will be chosen for him/her. The aim of the syllabus is to support the development of the child’s Finnish or Swedish skills.
The child can also study together with children who study Finnish or Swedish as a native language.
Native language education is aimed at students whose native language is not Finnish or Swedish and is meant to strengthen their linguistic skills and cultural identity. Students who have learned the language while living abroad can also participate in native language education.
Native language education is available in over twenty different languages, and classes typically take place after the school day in selected schools.
For school years 1–6 guidance counselling is given during subject teaching and other school activities.
For school years 7–9 guidance counselling is its own subject.
The key tasks of a guidance counselor:
- Guidance of growth and development
- Guidance of studying and studying skills
- Guidance of occupational orientation
- Guidance to post-graduate studies
A disabled child or a child with special educational needs has the right to get the interpretation and assistance services, other educational services and special aids he or she needs free of charge in order to participate in the education. (Section 31 of the Basic Education Act) The assistance services needed by the schools are decided upon a request from the schools each year.
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%.
The Swedish language class offers an intensive immersion possibility for all students who are native speakers of Finnish, as the class teacher's mother tongue is Swedish, which he/she uses in teaching for all subjects and lessons 100% for the first two years. Pupils also learn to read and write in Swedish. The use of Finnish in teaching increases from third grade onwards from 30% up to 50% in the fifth and sixth grades. Finnish lessons and other subjects that require Finnish are taught by another teacher who speaks Finnish as his/her mother tongue.
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%.
The Russian foreign-language class is now known as the Finnish-Russian class. Finnish- as well as Russian-speaking students may enrol in this class at the same time.
Instruction is given mostly in Finnish, but Russian language and culture are emphasised in the curriculum.
In the Finnish-Russian class, reading and writing instruction is initially conducted in Finnish. Russian-language reading- and writing skills are taught from third grade on when formal Russian education begins.
Enrollment in a mathematics class is open to students who are interested in mathematics and wish to deepen and expand their mathematics skills. In general, mathematics classes adhere to the school's general mathematics curriculum, except that students will probe matters deeper and wider in any given situation.
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).