Bilingual education and emphasized education

Bilingual education is provided in Kokkola on a large scale in two separate programmes: Swedish immersion education and large-scale bilingual education in English. Both programmes have been offered in Kokkola since the early 1990s. and both aim at functional bilingualism of the pupils.

In Kokkola, Swedish immersion education and large-scale bilingual education in English are intended for children whose native language is Finnish or whose Finnish language skills are good.

In Kokkola, bilingual education starts at the age of five and continues throughout basic education. If custodians want their child to receive a bilingual education, they must apply for a place in bilingual early childhood education during the year their child will turn five. The closing date for applications for bilingual early childhood education is in February every year. (Applying to bilingual education and selection process (in Finnish)).

Each year, one group begins in both the Swedish language immersion program and the large-scale bilingual English program. A maximum of 21 children are admitted to each group. Instruction continues according to the bilingual education curriculum up to grade 9.

The bilingual education path in Kokkola

• 5-year-olds: the Swedish and English early childhood education groups operate at the Pikiruukki Daycare Centre on Falanderinkatu
• 6-year-olds: the Swedish and English pre-primary education groups are located in the facilities of Hollihaka School
• Grades 1-6: the Swedish immersion education and large-scale English education are provided at Hollihaka School
• Grades 7-9: the Swedish immersion education and large-scale English education are provided at Kiviniitty School

In both Swedish immersion education and large-scale bilingual English education, Kokkola uses the ‘early total immersion model’, meaning that the immersion/target language is almost exclusively used during the early childhood education and pre-primary education stages. In early childhood education and pre-primary education, the children are free to use their native language, but they are gradually encouraged to use the immersion language. The teaching is child-centred and full of activities. Diverse language use situations are created for the children through singing, nursery rhymes, storytelling and play, for example.”

In the first and second grades, nearly all teaching is in Swedish/English. The pupils learn to read and write in the immersion language (Swedish) or target language (English). The pupils are encouraged to use the immersion/target language, but using their native language is allowed for as long as each pupil needs it. Teachers of the bilingual classes use only one language with the pupils.”

Starting from the third grade, the volume of teaching in Swedish or English will gradually start to decrease. In the fifth and sixth grades, approximately half of the teaching takes place in Finnish and half in Swedish/English.”

In grades 7–9, the volume of teaching in Swedish is approximately 50% in Swedish immersion education and the volume of teaching in English is approximately 25% in large-scale bilingual education in English.

Bilingual education focuses on natural communication and interaction, functionality and active language use by the pupils. The teaching staff consciously support the pupils’ opportunity to use language in each subject, which applies to both the native language and the immersion/target language.

In Kokkola, mathematics-focused education is offered at Piispanmäki School. In mathematics classes, pupils interested in math are provided with inspiring, hands-on, and diverse instruction. Pupils are given the opportunity to deepen their mathematical skills and develop strong mathematical thinking.

Each year, up to 24 pupils are selected for the third-grade group based on an entrance exam. The entrance exam (taken in grade 2) evaluates a wide range of mathematical skills. Teaching continues according to the mathematics class curriculum through grade 9.

Studying in mathematics classes is goal-oriented and long-term. Pupils are guided to take responsibility for their own learning. The aim of mathematics teaching is to support a positive attitude toward math and help pupils build a strong self-image as math learners.

Key aspects of the learning culture in mathematics classes:

• Verbalizing and justifying problems and solutions orally
• Presenting solutions using mathematical methods
• Diverse working methods: e.g., working individually and in groups, using pencil and paper, utilizing ICT, peer tutoring, problem-based research tasks
• Developing deep thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and perseverance
• Encouraging the joy of learning
• Tasks appropriate for each pupil’s level. Additional challenges, such as completing a math diploma, are available for pupils who progress quickly.
• Applying learned knowledge and critically evaluating the relevance of results is considered important.

Elective Subjects

• In grade 8, one short elective is chosen from four options.
• Mathematics classes include one extra weekly lesson of math in grade 9, implemented as an elective course.

In Kokkola, music-focused education is provided in grades 3–6 at Mäntykangas School and in grades 7–9 at Kiviniitty School. Each music class pupil receives personal instrumental lessons at the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory at their own expense. Music class activities combine hobbies and school in a natural way.

Each year, up to 24 pupils are selected for the third-grade group based on an entrance exam. In January–February, all second-grade pupils in general education in the city (excluding language immersion classes) are tested. During the two-stage entrance exam, an instrument is chosen for instruction in collaboration with the conservatory. Teaching continues in line with the music class curriculum through grade 9.

Read more about music classes in Kokkola (in Finnish)

In Kokkola, sports-focused education is offered in grades 7–9 at Piispanmäki and Kiviniitty schools.

Sports-focused education prepares pupils for the athlete’s path, emphasizing the importance of balancing school and increasing training. In grade 7, one extra physical education lesson is provided, and in grades 8–9, the elective hours for arts and crafts are allocated to physical education. In total, grades 7–9 include at least 12 weekly physical education lessons, with an additional six hours of other electives available.

All sixth-grade pupils in Kokkola’s basic education may apply for sports-focused education. Pupils apply to either the Eastern Route (Piispanmäki) or Western Route (Kiviniitty) for secondary school. Pupils from the Kälviä/Ullava or Lohtaja routes must indicate in their application which school they are applying to. A joint entrance exam is held in March. Selection is based on scores achieved in the exam (primary selection). If there are more applicants than available spots in one sports class and fewer applicants in the other, remaining applicants may be offered a place in the less full class according to the entrance exam scores (secondary selection).

Decisions on accepted pupils are made by the Finnish-language section of the Board of Education. A maximum of 24 pupils may participate in sports-focused education at each school. The number of pupils accepted may vary yearly, and teaching is organized either as a class or group format. The aim is to coordinate activities between the sports-focused groups in Piispanmäki and Kiviniitty.