Special educational lines
Special educational line means that one learning area is emphasized, eg. music or languages.
In Vaasa the special educational lines are:
- Music educational line (in Finnish) (Onkilahden yhtenäiskoulu)
- Immersion teaching (Swedish – Finnish) (Keskuskoulu, Länsimetsän koulu ja Merenkurkun koulu)
- Bilingual teaching (English – Finnish) (Suvilahden koulu ja Merenkurkun koulu)
Bilingual line (English – Finnish)
In Vaasa the bilingual teaching English-Finnish is organized for grades 1-6 at Suvilahti School and for grades 7-9 at Merenkurkku School. In the bilingual programme English and Finnish languages are studied side by side.
The teaching at the Bilingual Line
The Bilingual education line (English-Finnish) is a school path, where the English teaching is conducted in an immersion way. The students study both in English and in Finnish, therefore the students need to know both Finnish and English language. In Vaasa the bilingual teaching follows a full school path, that can start from English daycare, continuing through bilingual primary school (grades 1-6) and concluding with high school (grades 7-9).
The first two years at school, the students have 80% of the taught lessons in English and only 20% in Finnish. The teaching follows the principle of one teacher – one language, one teacher who teaches exclusively in Finnish and another who teaches exclusively in English. Later on the English in teaching declines, whereas the Finnish increases. When the student is in the 6th grade, the students have only 40% in English and about 60% in Finnish. During the students’ school path the amount of English taught to the students varies between 30-80% depending on the grade level.
More information:
- Carolina Westermark, 040 626 0866 ( Wednesdays 12-16), email: english.team@edu.vaasa.fi
Music-oriented line
The specialised music education offered in the music-oriented line of the Onkilahti Comprehensive School is a systematic and goal-oriented programme for grades 1–9.
How to apply for a music-oriented line
Information about the application process for the music-oriented line will be provided on Wilma in conjunction with school enrolment in January.
As part of the 2024 application process, we are piloting a new system where selection for music-oriented classes will be based on personal interest. Additionally, pre-primary teachers will be asked to provide an assessment of the student’s readiness to study in a music-oriented class. There will be no aptitude test.
Even if a student has not started specialised music education in the first grade, they can apply for the music-oriented classes when transitioning to grades 3 and 7. An aptitude test will be arranged for students applying for the music-oriented classes. If a student wishes to discontinue their studies in the music-oriented class, they should do so when transitioning to either grade 3 or grade 7.
Teaching in the music-oriented line
The curriculum for the music-oriented line in Vaasa follows the national core curriculum for music education. Students are encouraged to choose their instrument with guidance from local music education providers. Music theory is taught by the music-oriented class teachers in collaboration with Kuula-opisto.
Choirs and instrumental ensembles
In addition to classroom instruction, advanced study in singing and ensemble playing takes place in the school’s choirs and instrumental ensembles, which operate as after-school clubs.
Students in the music-oriented lines gain performance experience through joint concerts and school events. Occasional performances outside of school days and collaboration with various music organisations in the city are also part of the music-oriented class programme.
In Vaasa, music-oriented lines operate at the Onkilahti Comprehensive School in grades 1–9.
Music-oriented education begins in the first grade and continues throughout the entire basic education cycle.
Swedish language immersion education
Swedish language immersion starts in pre-primary education at the age of 5 and continues throughout the entire basic education cycle. Students can apply for language immersion education in the first grade, even if they have not been part of a language immersion preschool group, provided there is space available. The applicant’s Swedish language skills are assessed through a language test.
Read more about Swedish language immersion in early childhood education. (in Finnish)
The goal of language immersion is to provide Finnish-speaking children with the opportunity to acquire solid skills in Swedish. In Vaasa, language immersion education is provided at Keskuskoulu School (grades 1–6), Länsimetsä School (grades 1–6) and Merenkurkku School (grades 7–9).