In Liminka municipality, English-enriched education is organised in Liminganlahti lower secondary school in grades 7–9. Different subjects are studied partly in English language.
According to Basic Education Act, in addition to the actual language of instruction, also other languages can be used if it is assessed that it doesn’t risk the pupils’ ability to follow teaching. In a separate teaching group or school, teaching can be arranged mostly or entirely in another language (Basic Education Act, section 10).
Teaching ensures education in accordance with the National Core Curriculum and eligibility for upper secondary education. English-enriched education is free of charge for the student.
The distribution of hours between English and the school’s language of instruction is determined by the taught content, nevertheless, in such a way that the amount of instruction in English is no greater than 25%. The share of English language is increased gradually with consideration for the skill level of the group.
All pupils starting in the 7th grade of Liminka comprehensive school have the opportunity to apply for the English-enriched education of Liminganlahti School. On a case-by-case basis, the right to study can be granted also to a pupil who returns or transfers from abroad and whose language of instruction or home language has been English. In such a case, also the possible support for learning Finnish is considered.
A written examination is organised for the pupils applying for the partly English instruction in the 7th grade. It consists of multiple choice grammar questions, reading comprehension and an application letter in Finnish. In addition, in connection with the entrance exam, students choose whether they prefer to take part in an English-language interview organised at a later date or send introductory videos of themselves in English.
The assignments seek to determine that student will not face with overwhelming challenges immediately as they transfer to a lower secondary school.
Pupils transfer to the English-enriched class from the 6th grade of either Liminganlahti School or Tupos School. The group size of the English-enriched class is the same as in other classes of the same grade (approximately 24–26 pupils).
The transportation that may be needed for a pupil outside Liminganlahti School’s enrollment area is arranged by the guardian.
Goals and contents of instruction are in line with the curriculum for basic education. In English-enriched education, students also:
- learn contents of the curriculum in both Finnish and English
- learn to communicate in such a way that they are able to manage everyday situations in English in a natural manner
- possess a positive and open-minded attitude toward foreign languages and cultures
- grow into internationality
Assessment and contents of the subjects adhere to the general curriculum for basic education.
Application form is available from the school secretary or one’s own class teacher. The application form is returned to one’s own class teacher.
Those chosen for the English-enriched class will be notified via Wilma-message.
