Teaching Students With an Immigrant Background

Immigrant students are often students who have moved to Finland from elsewhere, but may also be born in Finland. An immigrant pupil of compulsory school age who is a permanent resident of Finland has the same right to receive basic education as a Finnish pupil.

Teaching is based on the national and Rauma City curriculum, taking into account the student’s background and educational starting points.

Preparatory Education for Basic Education

The aim of preparatory education is to improve the student’s Finnish language skills, balanced development and integration. During the preparatory education, the transition to basic education is strengthened. At least 900 hours of teaching is given for 6-10 year olds and at least 1000 hours for those over 10 years of age. Pupils can start basic education as soon as their language skills are good enough to participate.

There are currently preparatory classes in Nanu and Kourujärvi Schools and in Raumanmeri Secondary School.

Teaching Finnish as a Second Language

Teaching Finnish as a second language is an important form of support for immigrant students. Finnish as a Second Language (S2) is a part of the curriculum for the subject of mother tongue and literature. S2 is given to pupils whose Finnish language skills are not at the level of a native speaker in all areas.