A Visit to a Finnish primary school: Two Days Experience in Varkaus

Have you ever heard about the exceptional Finnish educational system, that is regarded to be the best in the world? Have you wondered what makes it so unique and special? I am going to take you through my two-days visit to the Könönpellon Koulu primary school, located in Varkaus, and share my thoughts and ideas.

Erasmus in Schools is a platform organized together with the Finnish National Agency for Education and Erasmus exchange program for international students. I’ve heard and read a lot about the Finnish school system, so I wished to see everything from the inside. I received an invitation from Jenni, an English teacher at Könönpellon Koulu school. She kindly asked me to make a presentation about my country for children from 1st to 6th grade.

The first thing I learnt about primary school education was that parents get to choose whether their child will be studying in a Finnish-based or English-based class. The schedule includes subjects like: Maths, Finnish, Science, Literature, English, Physical education, Crafts, Religion/Ethics. In my first day, I saw all the children who were studying religion gathering together in the hall for a morning speech with the priest, which ended with a religious song. In other days of the week, classes start with a classical music song that is intended to help children keep an open mind and focus on their studies.

I gave my presentation in 10 classes and all the children I met were well-mannered and polite, but sometimes a bit shy, so there would always be the bravest kid who asked me most of their questions. I was truly surprised by the high-level of English of some pupils, who weren’t much older than 10. "How do you know English so well?", I asked one boy. "My father only speaks English to me". Another boy I met turned out to speak 4 languages: Finnish, English, Russian and Estonian, and since 6th grade he is going to learn Swedish as a compulsory language for all Finnish students. Well, to say that I was shocked in a good way would be an understatement.

Varkaus school has some of their own unique features, for example, motivating the best student, who was active in a particular class with specific cards, or providing pupils with tablets that they can use in class and breaks. Children seemed to me highly educated and extremely motivated. They were keeping their attention throughout my presentations, and I saw the interest in their eyes every time I entered the classroom. In one of the classes I even got to teach children some Russian basic words like hello, thank you, you’re welcome, days of the week and numbers, and I have to admit they were really good in pronunciation!

One thing that Jenni explained to me is that not a single child is left behind: those pupils that have any difficulties are guided by a supervising teacher, they receive extra attention and help. This is one of the things that the Finnish educational system is so highly recognized for.

Moreover, I want to mention the encouraging school environment: everything is aimed at creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just like at home, children don’t wear any shoes inside, have a lot of games to play and activities to do, they are allowed to play outside every break and have a long break once a day, which is supposed to increase their concentration in the afternoon classes. Every child receives a nutritious lunch, which is paid for by the Finnish government: children put the food on the plate themselves, and it is a part of nutritious education, so that children can see what a healthy meal should include.

The last thing I want to mention is the exceptionally kind teachers, that gave me a lot of attention. Just like the pupils, they were listening to me very carefully and asked various questions. I really love their working environment: colourful teacher’s room, where they work, share necessary information with each other or just have a break, sipping a cup of tea or coffee.

I want to conclude with my own idea of what exactly makes a Finnish school a special place: it’s the kindness and love, that every child is surrounded by. A child will never be left alone and can always ask for a help. And with this comes aspiration and willingness to succeed in one’s studies.