GOOD TO KNOW

The Function of a High School for Adults (Aikuislukio)

The Finnish term 'aikuislukio' can be translated into English as a high school for adults, an upper secondary school for adults or a sixth form college. The core function is to provide education in Finnish leading towards the 'ylioppilastutkinto' (matriculation exam). The school has the authority to examine and award matriculation certificates.,

Tuition in English. The school has authorisation from Cambridge University to hold examinations and issue certificates for the AICE Diploma. Further information on the full curriculum in English and the diploma is contained in the leaflet AICE Info and details of courses are in the green booklet named High School Courses.

 

The lower secondary school (perusaste). The school has the right to award lower secondary school certificates. A lower secondary school for immigrants operates under the title First Steps in Finland. Tuition is in Finnish. The main idea of the program is for students, usually under 25, to learn Finnish intensively and gradually take on board other subjects. Further information on the curriculum in booklet named Perusaste.

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Commencing studies

Student number and Student grade book

On payment of the initial fee and registration at the office a student number is allocated. Without this number you will not be able to enrol on any courses. It is also the basis for access to all services offered.

The grade book contains your student number. It should be with you at all times when attending school. It is especially important for test return sessions as the grade will be entered in it. Furthermore, it is your record of studies and will be required when you register for final examinations.

Orientation day

There is an orientation day in August. This provides vital information on the organisation of studies and the services available for students. Instruction on course enrolment is also given. The programme for the orientation day is published on the net at the beginning of august. Successful candidates will get an invitation with the agenda in mid August.

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Course based learning

Learning is organised through courses offered in five periods of study which includes tuition and course tests.

Good planning is the secret to achieving your goals. Plans can be modified but a clear sight of what needs to be done is essential. You will need to know what is required for you to take your examination, for example which are mandatory and elective courses. This information is outlined in the green booklet Course Descriptions. You also need to know when courses are offered. On the basis of these you are ready to draw up a course plan with the help of the student counsellor.

Allocating class and self study time. As a minimum, each hour spent in the classroom should be accompanied by at least one hour of self-study.

Course enrolment has two phases: The first is net based using the Wilma programme. Courses taught in English are listed on the 'lukkari' along with courses taught in Finnish. They have the prefix A; for example A Hi1 is History 1 taught in English. The second phase of enrolment is by attending the first lessons. The lukio prefix is L. Enrolment on AICE Finnish courses and lower secondary First Steps in Finland is by attending the first lesson.

Attendance is compulsory. If you are going to be absent, inform the office or your teacher. You must have a valid reason, for example work or illness. Medical certificates are required for anything longer than a two day absence due to illness. A maximum of three absences without a stated reason is allowed per session. After the three unexplained absences the student is considered to have dropped out and is not eligible for the end-of-course test. The AICE Curriculum is demanding and absence from courses will delay and jeopardise your progress.

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'Tentti' or off-course studies

This option is not generally available on the courses taught in English. An exception is in the case of timetable clashes when no other option is available. First discuss the option with the teacher. The student is obliged to respect all deadlines respecting submission of assignments, meeting the teacher and so on. Rules that apply on the Finnish side are in the guide Opiskeluopas.

Distance learning. Distance learning and web based learning is only available in Finnish.

End-of-course tests and test return. Tests are arranged over a period of about a week. They take up to 2 hours and 20 minutes. Details are on the timetables. There is no tuition on these days. Tests are compulsory. Non-attendance results in no grade awarded. Tests can not be arranged on another day so please arrange your schedule around the test. Test days for the year are published on the timetables issued in June of the preceding year.

Test rules. Tests must be started on time and a student is not allowed in after 20 minutes. Test conditions require no communication between students whatsoever. Desks must be kept clear. Phones are not allowed. Cheating will mean disqualification in ALL the tests of that period.

Plagiarism. The object of assignments, unless specifically stated, is for you to demonstrate the ability to use the conceptual tools taught, show you can use and manipulate information, and make informed judgements on the course content and on your own reading.

The Internet is a valuable resource of articles and information. However, though this very powerful resource can provide great assistance, it is not a substitute for intellectual effort. Handing in a download, either as print or a hand written copy, under your own name, is a serious academic offence and akin to copying anyone's work and passing it of as your own. Any plagiarised assignments handed in will result in disqualification from the end of course test.

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Grades and Test return session

Each test has a 40 minute test return session. This is an important part of your learning as it is a feedback session. Grades are entered into your student book. If the grade book is not up to date or is inaccurate it can prevent registration for AICE final examinations

Pass grades are on from 5 - 10. A grade of 4 is a fail but it is recorded as a completed course. After two grades of 4 are awarded then permission by the vice principal is required to continue studies in the particular subject. Note that a grade average of 7 is required to take AICE final examinations. The study skills course has a grade of S for pass and a grade H for fail.

Students transferring from another school can have grades transferred providing the course is comparable to the course in question.

You have the right to know the basis of your grade. Any challenge must occur at the test return session or if absent then at a later date on provision of a sickness certificate.

Grades are entered by the teacher into the school data base within one week of the test. If you do not attend this session then the office can enter the grade after two weeks. Transcripts (a print out of the data) of grades are only given for a specific reason. Note that if school records differ from the grade entered in the book, the transcript grade will stand.

Test not collected are left in the pigeon holes outside classroom 106 net to the office.

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