Education system in Finland
From The Schommunity Wiki
Overview
“The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has released a recent survey that places Finland at the #1 position for best school system in the world.” (http://www.finlandjournal.com/article.php?type=e&id=24). This was based on a survey of 15 year olds in reading, maths and science. The Finnish system is different to many other countries in that compulsory education doesn’t start until 7 years old with, at most, one year of pre-school education. There is a national core curriculum, but timetabling and delivery are left up to schools and teachers. There is no selection at any stage prior to higher education and, according to a Finnish Education Ministry Spokesman quoted in the Guardian, “the guiding principle of Finnish education is student-centred democracy.” (http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,5500,1042479,00.html). There is no formal testing or national exams until matriculation.
Although teachers are not highly paid, being a teacher is a highly respected occupation. To be a teacher in Finland you must have at least a masters degree.
Stages in the Educational System
| Age in years | Phase | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 | No formalised (institutionalised) education. | |
| 6 to 7 | Pre-School | Mainly provided by social services in day centres – only 10% is provided by the education authorities. “There is an ongoing discussion about offering pre-school education to all six year olds.” (http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingOrTrainingInEurope/2828#education) |
| 7 to 16 | Primary School (peruskoulu) | Children are normally class based from years one to six, and subject based for the remaining three years - although this is left up to schools.
Schools are usually open for 190 days a year. There are nineteen lessons a week for years 1 & 2, twenty three for years 3 & 4, twenty four for years 5 & 6 and a minimum of thirty for the last three years. There are usually 60 minutes in a lesson, consisting of 45 minutes instruction and 15 minutes break. According to a Finnish headteacher, half the children who start formal schooling can already read ( http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,5500,1042479,00.html). If they can’t, they are given remedial help within the normal school. This is a pattern that is repeated for children with special needs throughout the school. |
| 16 to 19 | Secondary (lukio) | Post 16 education is not compulsory and some students may choose not to participate – however only some 3% so choose. Students follow a three year, general education, with subjects defined by law. This ends up with the matriculation certificate (Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen) which is required for entry to post 19 education. |
| Vocational Secondary | This is given in multi-field and specialised institutes, as well as in apprentice training. It also gives accessibility to all forms of Higher Education. | |
| 19 + | Polytechnics and Universities | 60 – 70% of Finns attend one of the two forms of higher education. Universities give a more theoretical, academic education while polytechnics are more practical. No fees are charged for attending higher education, although this facility may be revoked if performance is poor. |
| Adults | Folk High Schools and Adult Education Centres
These provide a range of cultural and educational opportunities for adults. Most of these do not lead to formal qualifications but a few provide access to universities. The Folk High Schools are mainly privately run, adult, boarding schools. |
Useful links
The Finnish entry in Eurybase
Eurybase provides detailed information on the education systems in each country within the EU.
http://www.eurydice.org/Eurybase/Application/frameset.asp?country=FI&language=EN (Visited 10-July-05)
Gasta Education
A directory search of articles on the Education System in Finland
http://www.gasta.com/education/education_systems.asp?dir=Education%20System%20in%20Finland (Visited 27-July-05)
Wikipedia – Education in Finland
This entry within the Wikipedia provides an overview of the education system in Finland, including sections on: school years, costs, history, and external links.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Finland (Visited 10-July-05)
