Teaching for immigrants
Instruction preparing for basic education is given to pupils whose Finnish language skills are not yet sufficient for attending a classroom. The aim of preparatory instruction is to learn Finnish and integrate into Kerava. Preparatory instruction is given for about one year and focuses mainly on teaching Finnish.
The method of organising teaching depends on the child’s age
The method of organising teaching depends on the age of the child. The child is offered either inclusive preparatory instruction or group-based instruction.
Inclusive preparatory instruction
Year 1 and Year 2 pupils are given preparatory instruction at the pupil’s local school. Year 1 and Year 2 pupils who move to Kerava during the school year may also be placed in group-based preparatory instruction if this is considered to better support the child’s Finnish language learning.
Preparatory instruction group
Year 3 to Year 9 pupils study in a preparatory instruction group. During preparatory instruction, the pupils also attend Finnish-speaking classes.
Enrolling a child in preparatory instruction
Register your child for preparatory education by contacting an education and training expert. You will find the forms for preparatory education here in Finnish and in English.
Finnish as a second language
The subject ‘Finnish language and literature’ has different syllabuses available. Pupils with a multilingual background or a first language other than Finnish can study the Finnish as a second language and literature syllabus (S2). Returning migrant pupils and children of bilingual families whose official first language is Finnish can study Finnish as a second language if necessary.
The choice of syllabus is always based on the needs of the pupil as evaluated by teachers. The following are taken into consideration in determining a suitable syllabus:
- whether the pupil’s Finnish skills are insufficient in an area of language, including speaking, reading, listening comprehension, writing, grammar and vocabulary
- whether the pupil’s Finnish skills are insufficient to allow them to participate equally in school
- whether the pupil’s Finnish skills are insufficient for studying the Finnish language and literature syllabus
The choice of syllabus is decided by the guardian when enrolling in school. The syllabus can be changed at any time during basic education.
The S2 syllabus is taught either in a separate S2 class or during Finnish language and literature classes. Studying the S2 syllabus does not increase the number of hours in the pupil’s schedule.
The key objective of the S2 syllabus is that the pupil achieves the best possible proficiency in Finnish in all areas of language proficiency by the end of basic education. The S2 syllabus is continued until the pupil’s skills are sufficient to study the Finnish language and literature syllabus. A pupil studying the Finnish language and literature syllabus may also transfer to the S2 syllabus if necessary.
The S2 syllabus is changed to the Finnish language and literature syllabus when the pupil’s Finnish language skills are sufficient.
Teaching in the pupil’s first language
Pupils with an immigrant background can receive teaching in their first language if teaching is provided in the language in question. The starting size of the group is ten pupils. Participation in teaching given in the pupil’s first language is voluntary but after enrolling in the class, the pupil must attend the lessons regularly.
Teaching in open to:
- pupils who speak the language as a first language or home language
- Finnish pupils returning from abroad and children adopted from abroad can participate in classes taught in a first language spoken by immigrants in order to maintain foreign language skills learned abroad.
Teaching is given two lessons per week in the afternoons after school hours. The teaching is free of charge to pupils. The guardian is responsible for any transport and travel costs.