Espoo - Top of the class. Early education Comprehensive school Upper secondary school

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1 Espoo - Top of the class Early education Comprehensive school Upper secondary school

2 Espoo - Top of the class 2 Espoo - Learning City Competent Espoo residents and uninterrupted learning paths Espoo is the second largest city in Finland with ca inhabitants. The city of Espoo invests in education - its learning results are top of the country. Espoo supports lifelong learning by creating uninterrupted learning paths and developing learning spaces from early to adult education. Daycare centres, schools and other educational institutions aim at bringing up competent future citizens and increasing opportunities for using new technology in learning. Learning and teaching are changing. The new National Core Curriculum, put into practice from autumn 2016, aims at enhancing the preconditions for educational work in schools, creating meaningful ways of learning for all pupils and working towards a sustainable future. The pupil s active role in learning, interaction skills and joy of learning are emphasized. Teachers are encouraged to increase their collaboration and participate in developing the educational culture of the school. Carefully planned education locally and nationally The Finnish education policy commences from every citizen s right to receive education. The Finnish education system comprises pre-primary education and nine years of basic education, followed by general upper secondary education or vocational education and training, higher education and adult education. The Finnish National Board of Education prepares the National Core Curriculum for basic education and general upper secondary education. Based on the National Core Curriculum, the municipalities compile their municipality specific curriculum. Espoo Education and Cultural Services are responsible for organizing pre-primary education, basic education and general upper secondary education in the city. Teaching is provided in Finnish- and Swedish-speaking schools administered in separate units.

3 Key figures of schools in Espoo 78 Finnish-speaking, 11 Swedish-speaking and 2 private comprehensive schools 91 comprehensive schools Comprehensive schools ca teachers 000 pupils Ca. 99% of the pupils in Espoo receive their basic education certificate (the dropout rate is very small) 2 vocational upper secondary schools with ca students 11 Finnish-speaking, 1 Swedish-speaking and 1 adult general upper secondary schools IB programme is included in 2 general upper secondary schools 2 polytechnic universities Aalto University General upper secondary schools ca teachers 400 students 13 general upper secondary schools

4 Espoo - Top of the class 4 Key figures of early education services in Espoo CHILDREN IN PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION 980 CHILDREN IN FAMILY DAY CARE WITH CA. 270 CHILD CARE WORKERS 167 CITY OWNED DAY CARE CENTRES WITH CA CHILDREN AND KIN- DERGARTEN TEACHERS AND CHILD CARE WORKERS 104 PRIVATE DAY CARE CENTRES WITH CA CHILDREN 21 RESIDENT PARKS AND OPEN DAY CARE CENTERS

5 Espoo - Top of the class 5 Early education and pre-primary education Versatile options for early education The city of Espoo offers versatile options for good quality early education for children. The main principle of early education is the appreciation of childhood. The aim is to facilitate balanced growth, development and learning in children under school-age in companionship with the parents. Early education follows the municipality-specific curriculum. An individual early education plan is prepared for each child together with the parents. Parents can care for the children at home or choose a day care place or other early education service that suits the family s needs. The city of Espoo organizes early education in day care centres, family day care and open day care in resident parks, open child care centres and clubs. Pre-primary education - growth, development and learning The year they turn six, children take part in pre-primary education before school begins. Pre-primary education is part of early education and is mainly carried out in day care centres. Pre-primary education is provided 190 days a year, four hours a day. Pre-primary education is free education based on the National Core Curriculum for Pre-primary Education and is given in a group. Pre-primary education promotes favourable prerequisites for growth, development and learning among children in cooperation with their families. Children are offered equal opportunities for learning and starting school. Days consist of play, activities of physical education, exploration, experimentation, acquiring information and problem solving. Pre-primary day care centres and schools provide care in the mornings before pre-primary education begins and in the afternoons after it ends. Day care is subject to a charge.

6 Espoo - Top of the class 6 Comprehensive school Basic education for all The nine grades of comprehensive school in Finland start at the age of 7. Comprehensive schools are primary schools with grades 1 6, middle schools with grades 7 9 or joint comprehensive schools with grades 1 9. Guardians apply for a study place for their child primarily when the child starts his/her 1st and 7th grade. More than 90% of pupils are assigned to their school of choice. Basic education, textbooks, materials and lunch at school are free for pupils. All comprehensive schools in Espoo provide high-quality basic education. Pupil s active role as learners, the joy of learning and interaction skills are emphasized in learning. The schools in Espoo use the Arvokas model, which aims at advancing pupils social involvement, preventing loneliness and social marginalization. Some schools offer classes where teaching focuses on, for instance, physical education, mathematics, music or arts. In addition, independent art schools in Espoo offer high-quality art education for children and young people in cooperation with the Finnish Education Unit. Learning new languages Espoo offers plenty of opportunities for learning languages. Foreign language studies usually begin in 3rd grade. In 4th grade, pupils may start learning a second foreign language. In grades 7-9, pupils may study up to four foreign lan guages. The Espoo International School offers teaching in English. Several schools also give bilingual (Finnish-English) and Swedish language immersion education. In addition, German, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese are offered as foreign languages. Digital learning and diverse learning spaces Information technology is part of every school day in Espoo. The city invests in electronic learning spaces and mobile devises - in the near future, all pupils will be able to use information and communication technology regularly in different subjects. Pupils motivation and competence are enriched with diverse learning environments, teaching practices and by support ing uninterrupted learning paths.

7 Espoo - Top of the class 7 MAJORITY OF PUPILS MAKE THEIR SCHOOL JOURNEY INDEPENDENTLY ON FOOT, BY BIKE OR USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT. Sustainable development Schools in Espoo are committed to sustainable development. In addition to environmental education, the city promotes cultural, social and financial sustainability. Schools are encouraged to obtain a recognition for sustainable development, such as the Green Flag, which is part of the international Eco-Schools Programme.

8 Espoo - Top of the class 8 8-year-old boy, 2nd grade am Mother tongue instruction am Recess and guided play am Environment and Nature studies am Break and Morning assembly am Physical education am Free lunch in the school cafeteria am Mathematics After school, some pupils take part in afternoon activities at school while others go home. Homework in the evening. A DAY AS A CEO? ALL PUPILS IN 6TH GRADE CAN GET TO KNOW WORKING LIFE IN ME&MYCITY ESPOO. A typical day in primary school Primary school pupils have hours of classes per week depending on their grade. Classes are usually held in a specific classroom where the class teacher teaches most subjects. Languages, for example, may be taught by someone other than the class teacher. Pupils in grades 1-2 and those in higher grades in need of special support can apply for supervised after-school activities, organised at school or nearby. Schools also organise club activities in the afternoon, in which all pupils can participate. Arranging after-school activities is statutory. The entire school instructs Each member of the school personnel is responsible for giving educational instruction to pupils. The instruction is an entity supporting pupils in different phases of school-going, and develops their ability to make conscious choices concerning studies, life and career. In grades 7-9, the guidance councellor is responsible for personal guidance and giving instruction in class form. Parents hold the primary responsibility for raising their child, but the school instructs and educates the pupil as a member of the school community. Cooperation between home and school is important to ensure successful learning. The school provides guardians with information that allows them to monitor and advance the school-going and learning of their child. Cooperation between the home and school is carried out in different ways such as in the electronic Wilma system and parent-teacher evenings.

9 Espoo - Top of the class 9 The teacher s profession is esteemed A Master s degree is a basic requirement for all teachers in Finland. On all school levels, teachers work independently, enjoy full autonomy in classroom and are highly qualified and committed. In Espoo, there are plenty of opportunities to improve one s profes sional competence in various munic ipality-organized training events. There are approximately 200 training events a year. Themes include, for example, information technology, pedagogy, environmental issues and proficiency in the subject. HEY, GET UP OFF THE SCHOOL CHAIR! IN ESPOO OVER 20 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN ON THE MOVE -PROGRAMME AIMING TO INCREASE PUPILS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

10 Espoo - Top of the class 10 PUPIL WELFARE SERVICES ARE OFFERED FROM PRE-PRIMARY TO UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION.

11 Espoo - Top of the class 11 Pupil welfare and educational support Confidential support from pupil and student welfare Pupil welfare offers low threshold support to facilitate learning and wellbeing. Focus is on preventive work that supports the entire school community. Communal pupil welfare is a task for everyone working in the community and the pupil welfare services. Communal pupil welfare is an important part of the school s educational culture and is carried out as multiprofessional collaboration. Each pupil is entitled to individual pupil welfare consisting of school health services, psychologist and school social officer services as well as multi-professionally provided individual pupil welfare. When special expertise is needed, a multi-professional group of experts gathers case-specifically to find out a pupil s need for support and organize individual pupil welfare services with the consent of the pupil/guardian. General, intensified and special support In addition to quality basic education, each pupil is entitled to sufficient guidance and support for learning and school-going. The support is divided into general support, intensive support and special support. The forms of support include e.g. remedial teaching, part-time special needs education, simultaneous education, flexible grouping of teaching groups, differentiation of teaching and the contribution of a special needs assistant. Every pupil is entitled to general support during their basic education. If this is not enough, the pupil receives comprehensive, long-term intensive support. The supportive measures of intensive support are more regular and can be combined. The pupil can receive special support either in a special class, part-time special class or, if possible, in connection with other teaching. Pupils are also supported by the interpretation and assistant services.

12 Espoo - Top of the class 12 Equality, functional multilingualism and multiculturalism Finnish and mother tongue for foreignlanguage pupils Comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools in Espoo have ca foreign-language pupils and students. In addition, children from multilingual families as well as Finnish or Swedish returnees who need support in learning their mother tongue attend the schools. Education in the pupil s own mother tongue is provided for children with an immigrant background in more than 30 languages. The educational aim for different linguistic and cultural groups is to ensure that pupils obtain the skills and knowledge of comprehensive school, a functional multilingualism and equal opportunities to pursue further studies. Children are also supported in maintaining the language skills they have acquired abroad. A preparatory year improves language skills of immigrant children Pupils who cannot speak Finnish or need support in improving their Finnish language skills begin their schooling in preparatory education. Inclusive preparatory education is meant primarily for children who already know some Finnish. Pupils aged 7-16 who have recently immigrated into the country receive preparatory education in separate groups. Preparatory education for basic education lasts for one school year. After this, the pupil is transferred to basic education where he/she can receive enhanced support with his/her studies, if necessary. Pupils whose Finnish or Swedish language skills are not at mother tongue level study Finnish or Swedish as their second language.

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14 Espoo - Top of the class 14 Upper secondary education A study place quaranteed After basic education, almost all pupils immediately continue on to upper secondary schools, either to a general upper secondary school or vocational education and training. Upper secondary education lasts for 3 years on average. In accordance with the national educational guarantee, the city of Espoo and Omnia Vocational college offer study places for young people who have completed basic education in the Espoo region. If their grades in the basic education certificate are not high enough for further studies, the student can be advised to pursue e.g. preparatory instruction and guidance for vocational education and training or voluntary additional basic education. In addition, Espoo offers preparatory general upper secondary education for immigrants. Upper secondary education promotes equality and student wellbeing. Psychologist, student welfare officer and school health-care services are guaranteed to all students. Instruction at upper secondary level is free of charge, but students purchase their own learning materials. Students also receive free daily meals and are entitled to governmental financial aid. General upper secondary education prepares for further studies General upper secondary schools provide all-round education comprising languages, mathematical subjects, humanities and natural sciences as well as art and physical education. The studies last 2 4 years. Students may focus on specific subjects according to their personal preferences. General upper secondary schools provide a good and extensive basis for further studies, particularly theoretical university studies, and working life. Some upper secondary schools focus on a particular subject, such as art or physical education, languages or natural sciences. Some general upper secondary schools have a special educational responsibility, for example to pursue the international IB Diploma. Passing the final examination of general upper secondary schools, the matriculation examination, entitles the candidate to apply for studies at university level.

15 Espoo - Top of the class 15 Active and diverse learning The student s active role is vital in the learning process. Learning takes place in interaction with other students and teachers in diverse learning environments. In Espoo, ICT is an integral part of studying as it encourages students to learn collaboratively, also outside the classroom. Core competencies in upper secondary education include critical thinking, creativity, active citizenship, communication skills as well as students own responsibility and enthusiasm for lifelong learning. All general upper secondary schools in Espoo foster cooperation with working life. Students are encouraged to enhance their entrepreneurship skills by bringing their own business ideas into life. For example, Espoo takes part in a program which enables students to found a company for the duration of one academic year. International cooperation and mobility FROM 2016 TO 2019 ALL MA- TRICULATION EXAMINATIONS WILL BE DIGITALIZED AND ALL CANDIDATES WILL BE USING COMPUTERS TO COM- PLETE THE TESTS. Cultural identity, cultural knowledge and internationality are strongly emphasised in the curricula of Espoo upper secondary schools. Espoo s extensive language programme supports the internationalisation of students, and student exchange programmes as well as course trips abroad are increasingly popular. Cooperation with sister schools around the world offers a range of possibilities for learning and mobility among students and teachers alike.

16 Espoo - Top of the class 16 A typical day in upper secondary school 2nd year student am Advanced mathematics am Geography am French am pm Free lunch in the school cafeteria pm Class continues: French pm Weekly tutoring session in the homeroom pm Mother tongue pm Psychology, optional course Homework in the evening. Access to working life through vocational education and training Vocational education and training provides students with practical education that prepares them for professional tasks. The largest provider of vocational education and training in Espoo is the Omnia Vocational College, with 20 vocational qualifications. The Omnia Vocational College provides training in business and administration; tourism, catering and domestic services; social services, health and sport; natural and social sciences; communication and transport, as well as technology and culture. The studies last 2 4 years. Training in working life is included in all qualifications. It is possible to combine studies from general upper secondary school and vocational college. Omnia Vocational College has about students and roughly 300 teachers.

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18 Espoo - Top of the class 18 Curriculum and partners - support for the schools Finnish National Board of Education prepares the National Core Curriculum for basic education and general upper secondary education, based on which municipalities compile municipality-specific curricula. Individual schools also prepare their own curricula. Espoo Education and Cultural Services administrate its subordinate units and are responsible for the strategy and economy of the organisation as well as plan and develop its operations and services. Finnish Education and Early Education Committee and Swedish Education and Cultural Committee decide upon matters regarding education and early education. The committees are appointed by the Espoo City Council. Finnish Education Unit organises, evaluates and develops education in Finnish comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools. Finnish Early Education Unit organises, evaluates and develops the operations of Finnish day care and pre-primary education services. Swedish Education and Cultural Services is responsible for organising, evaluating and developing the Swedish day care, pre-primary education, comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools as well as cultural activities, youth work and adult education in Swedish. The Swedish services are produced both independently and in cooperation with other units. School boards, appointed by the Committees, serve as bodies of elected officials in comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools. The boards develop cooperation between home and school and decide on the school year plan, the use of the school s allowance and the school-specific curriculum. Student associations help to construct the communal spirit in all schools and improve everyday life at school from the perspective of pupils and students. Each grade votes for a representative into the school s student association board.

19 Universities Yliopistot Polytechnics Ammattikorkeakoulut General Lukiokoulutus upper secondary education Vocational Ammatillinen upper peruskoulutus secondary education and training Additional Lisäopetus year of basic education Basic Perusopetus education Pre-primary education Early education

20 Espoo - Top of the class 20 City of Espoo Finnish Education Unit 2015 EDITOR: FINNISH EDUCATION UNIT PHOTOS: HEIDI-HANNA KARHU LAYOUT: CITY OF ESPOO, PRINTING SERVICES / MINNA KONTTINEN PRINTING: ERWEKO OY, 2015