Multicultural teaching

There are different syllabuses for the subject Mother Tongue and Literature. Pupils can study Finnish as a second language and literature (later S2) if their mother tongue is not Finnish, Swedish or Sami or if they have a multilingual background. Retu ee pupils and children from bilingual families whose official mother tongue is Finnish can study Finnish as a second language if necessary. 

 Mother tongue and literature syllabus selection 

The guardian decides on the choice of curriculum when enrolling the child in school. The choice can be changed throughout the entire basic education period. 

The choice of curriculum is always based on the student’s needs. The student’s teachers assess these needs. When determining the curriculum requirements, the following factors are taken into account: 

• the student's Finnish language skills are lacking in some areas of language proficiency, which include speaking, reading, listening comprehension, writing, structure and vocabulary

• the pupil's Finnish language skills are not yet sufficient for equal participation in school

• The student's Finnish language skills are not yet sufficient for studying Finnish language and literature. 

S2 teaching 

S2 teaching is provided either in a separate S2 group or as a separate part of the Finnish language and literature group. Studying the S2 syllabus does not increase the number of hours in the pupil’s timetable. 

S2 teaching objectives  

The main objective of S2 teaching is for pupils to achieve the best possible Finnish language skills in all areas of language proficiency by the end of basic education. Students study according to the S2 syllabus until their skills are sufficient to study the Finnish language and literature syllabus. Students studying according to the Finnish language and literature syllabus may also transfer to studying according to the S2 syllabus if necessary. 

The S2 syllabus is changed to Finnish language and literature syllabus when the pupil’s Finnish language skills are sufficient for studying it. 

Preparatory education is provided to pupils whose Finnish language skills are not yet sufficient for studying in a basic education class. The aim of preparatory education is to lea Finnish, acquire the necessary skills for basic education and support integration into Tuusula. 

Organisation of preparatory education for basic education 

The organisation of preparatory teaching varies according to the age of the pupil.  

Preparatory education for first and second grade pupils is provided at the local school assigned to the pupil. Pupils in grades 1–2 who move to Tuusula during the school year may also be placed in group preparatory education if this is considered to be a better solution for supporting their lea ing of Finnish. 

Pupils in grades 3–9 study in preparatory education groups.  

Enrolment in preparatory education for basic education 

To register for preparatory teaching, please contact a lea ing specialist by telephone on 040 314 3485.  

Tuusula supports multilingualism among pupils by, among other things, organising teaching in their native languages.

Organising teaching in one’s native language  

Mother tongue instruction is provided if at least eight pupils enrol in the group. Mother tongue instruction is provided for two hours per week. The instruction is guided by the mother tongue curriculum. A separate certificate is issued for mother tongue studies. 

Currently, Tuusula offers mother tongue instruction in the following languages:

• Arabic
• English
• dari/fari
• German
• Ukraine
• Russian
• Estonian. 

Enrolment and participation in teaching of one’s native language 

Registration for native language instruction takes place via Wilma in February–March. Families will be informed separately.

Participation in native language instruction is voluntary, but once enrolled, pupils must attend classes. Classes are held in the afte oons after regular school hours. Instruction is free of charge for pupils. Guardians are responsible for any transportation and travel expenses. 

Pupils whose mother tongue or home language is the language in question may participate in the teaching.

Finnish retu ee pupils and children adopted from abroad may participate in mother tongue teaching groups for immigrants in order to maintain their foreign language skills lea ed abroad.

If a pupil belongs to a religious community registered in Finland other than the Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Orthodox Church of Finland, the guardian may request that the pupil receive instruction in their own religion. Instruction will be provided if there are at least three pupils belonging to the religious community in question at the school and their guardians request instruction.

Tuusula currently has groups representing the following religions:

• Catholic
• Islam