Cygnaeuksen koulu
Teaching in English at Cygnaeus School
Cygnaeus School, English Classes
1. Educational
Summary
In addition to
subjects taught in Finnish, Cygnaeus
School offers
children the opportunity of learning subjects in English, beginning
with grade
1 through grade 6. The curriculum and
the goals of the English Classes are the same as for pupils studying in
Finnish. The English-based curriculum is implemented by lessons taught
primarily in English. The goal is, that by the end of the
elementary/primary
school, children are bilingual (English/Finnish) and are able to
continue
studying in either a Finnish or English school. Lessons are taught by
classroom
teachers who have the relevant qualifications required for them to do
this
effectively.
Studying
subjects in English is primarily meant for children whose native
language is
English. Any remaining available places in English classes can be
filled by
Finnish children who have lived outside of Finland, non-Finnish
children
residing in the greater Pori area, children whose future includes
residing
outside of Finland for a period and children who demonstrate language
skills
adequate enough to receive instruction in English.
2. Teaching
English
instruction at Cygnaeus School occurs by
combining
the language itself with teaching subjects. English class lessons
follow the
principles of CLIL (Content and Learning Integrated Learning). The
curriculum
and goals of English classes are the same as those of pupils studying
in
Finnish.
When
implementing the curriculum, emphasis on language shows in the
English classes, when subject content and cross – curricular themes of
various
subjects are studied using both English and Finnish. (See addendum) An
exception, however, is made for pupils who are of a different
nationality or pupils
who have returned to Finland after living abroad. In the case
of these pupils, some subjects will be studied using a personal
learning plan
(HOPS) tailored to suit the needs of the pupil. This defines which
parts of the
curriculum differ in order to enable the child to reach his/her
individual
goals and aims in cases like these, lessons are taught in English where
ever
possible, particularly in the early stages of education at Cygnaeus
School.
The goal is
that the cross - curricular
themes which are taught in Finnish are explained to the children of the
other
nationalities in English or else they are afforded the opportunity to
study the
subject material independently. Books used in teaching are either in
Finnish or
English depending upon the subject, cross – curricular theme and the
resources
available. Teachers make the decisions as to which resources to use. In
addition, teachers create their own teaching materials. Learning
material
sources include books, the Internet, DVDs, videos, computer software
and more.
By interchanging the language used in teaching a teacher can ascertain
that
pupil can manage basic concepts in both languages. It is necessary to
be
cognizant of the fact that learning in a language that is not native is
much
more challenging. This means that both children and parents need to
make a
commitment to studying in English. Finnish is taught only by using
Finnish in
the English classes.
The goal of
the English classes
is to encourage a pupil to learn English language and to be able to use
that
language, as well as his/her native language, Finnish, fluently in
everyday
situations. This means that pupil will develop skill and confidence in
using
English at a grade – appropriate level in terms of vocabulary, idioms
and
structure. This way a pupil will have a solid base upon which to
continue
studies that require knowledge of English. The overall goal is for a
pupil to
develop a multicultural outlook and way of doing things. The teaching
of
foreign language will start as a separate subject in grade 1.
The formal
teaching of the
foreign language as an A1 language will start in grade 3.
3. Pupil
Selection / Admission Policy
English classes are meant for pupils who, together
with their parents, are interested in the opportunities and challenges
offered
through bilingual studying and who are ready to work
hard
toward achieving goals. The pupils to be accepted into the English
classes will
be required to have a positive approach to learning, good concentration
skills
and adequate verbal communication skills. All children will be required
to take
an entrance test administered in the Spring
prior to
the following academic school year. One special education teacher and
two (or
three) English class teachers will administer the test and then assess
the test
results. Fifteen students will be selected to start at entry level in
the autumn
of 2009. Studying in the English class will begin in the year, when the
child
turns 7 years of age (POL 25§). A child is entitled to start studying a
year
earlier if he/she has been evaluated by a psychologist and has the
required
papers (POL 27§). When moving to Finland from abroad, a pupil will
begin at a
grade level in accordance with his/her age level. In some instances the
pupil
may be transferred to another grade level. Transfers to English classes
should
occur at the beginning of the school academic year and are considered
on a
case-by-case level.
The
suitability of pupil can be tested at different English class grade
levels. In
the event that studying in the English classes becomes too demanding,
or
problems evolve in different subject areas, then a recommendation can
be made
to transfer the pupil to a Finnish class.
4. Curriculum
The content
and the goals of the curriculum in the English classes are the same as
for
Finnish classes. Teaching takes place bilingually so that the language
appropriate to the situation and purpose is used. English language
learning
then occurs during school routines and through different subjects.
(More
information about implementation of the curriculum can be found in
addendum 1)
5. Evaluation
Evaluation
follows the same criteria as used by Cygnaeus
School.
Report cards are issued in Finnish. Report cards can be translated into
English
if the school which the pupil will next attend so requires.
6. Cooperation
between School and Home
Since the
English
Classes are a part of a public Finnish school, the majority of
correspondence
and the school web- site are Finnish. Important correspondence will be
translated into English when deemed necessary. Meetings for parents are
primarily in Finnish. Non-Finnish speaking families will receive a
summary of
these events in English.
They can also
discuss school- related matters with the teacher in English.