• Study in the international class
• The AICE Diploma
• Finnish matriculation examination

• Examination choices

• Study programme
• General administration
• Course tray 2006 - 2009
• Daily schedule (word)
• Titles of courses in espoo international
• Textbooks 2007 - 2008

Sivu 1 / 2  > >>

Examination choices

Students joining the international programme are aware from the outset that the flexibility of our programme allows choices to be made between the Finnish national examinations and the Cambridge international examinations. The choice between these options is a major one and it requires some forethought in order to get it right. It will help students to have the merits of each choice set out in black and white. You are urged to discuss the options with your teachers, parents and the Opinto-ohjaaja/Study Guidance Counsellor, as appropriate.

There are various possible combinations: entry for the national matriculation and/or the AICE Diploma in full or entry for the matriculation exams in full and the AICE exams in part. It is not recommended to enter for the matriculation exams in part. Unsuccessful students may leave in possession of the school leaver's certificate alone, providing that 75 courses have been completed, including all compulsory courses.

FINNISH MATRICULATION EXAMINATIONS

• Students must complete all compulsory courses in selected examination subjects in order to be eligible for entry in given national examinations
• Success in the national examinations allows students to readily apply for a place in a Finnish university. In addition, the national exams are highly regarded by universities around the world.
• Students have the opportunity to study a number of syventävä courses in Etelä-Tapiolan lukio to help them prepare fully for the exams. Indeed these syventävä courses should be regarded as essential.
• Students are also expected to attend the" tentit" and "prelit" prior to entry. Failure to do so can seriously undermine one's chances of success.
• Teachers of most subjects taught in English have compiled lists of key terms in translation, which you are advised to use. It ought to be reassuring to know that despite extensive study in the medium of English, few students have ever complained of linguistic problems in exam conditions.
• Students need to purchase the Finnish textbooks in their chosen examination subjects and read these carefully. Not only will you become acquainted with terminology, these texts also cover the full range of subject matter that needs to be known.

AICE DIPLOMA

• The AICE Diploma is widely - but not universally - recognised by universities around the world.
• The AICE Diploma is recognised by most universities and polytechnics in Finland. Applicants with the Diploma, an international certificate, are eligible to apply to the "foreign quota" for university entrance. Competition for places may be rather less intense than it is for nationals applying with the Finnish matriculation behind them. Even Finnish nationals should seriously consider this option.
• Students are thoroughly prepared for examination success, including mocks (in the spring), revision sessions and extensive practice with past papers.
• The AICE Diploma allows students to demonstrate their excellence with the English language in a variety of subjects, thereby enhancing study and employment prospects
• Students with weak Finnish skills have little choice: the AICE Diploma is essential
• Every Finnish university is in the process of broadening its international appeal by creating new English language programmes of study. There is already a formidable amount of choice in this respect, among universities and polytechnics

AICE DIPOMA AND THE MATRICULATION EXAMINATION

• Ambitious and capable students can combine the advantages of both the AICE and matriculation examinations. This can take time. In all likelihood studies will be drawn out over three and a half to four years. But the benefits are great. Such students are in a strong position to pick and choose their place of Higher Education.

 THE MATRICULATION IN FULL AND AICE IN PART

• There are real merits in this option for those students who feel daunted by the prospect of the full Diploma. All students should be capable of passing the AS English Language and Literature examinations (and, indeed, no-one has yet failed!). Achievement in this adds another feather to one's cap. Similarly, certain students may see real value in taking exams in Art and Design, Business Studies, Sociology, Thinking Skills or Environmental Management, as each of these are subjects that can be pursued in Higher Education without readily being examined (or necessarily even taught) in ordinary Finnish lukio. 
• Success in gaining additional qualifications in various subjects - whatever these may be - has real value in terms of value-added when seeking university places, especially where the language of instruction will be English.
• AICE offers the prospect of a Research Project, a sustained piece of independent study into topics/issues of special interest to students. Universities are known to value a demonstration of such skills, once again enhancing study prospects. The Research Project has the merit of being assessed on the basis of a written submission rather than being an examination subject.