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News
The IB10 Parents' evening was held Wednesday 11.04.12. Find here the coordinator's powerpoint presentation.
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Earlier this year we were delighted to learn that Tuula Ritakari wrote a winning entry in the annual essay writing competition organized by the Finnish Academy.
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Coordinators from throughout Finland gathered in January 2012 for their annual discussion of current issues and concerns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How are applications handled?
- Where and when is the entrance test held?
- Are invitations sent out regarding the entrance test?
- What alternative arrangements are made for students living outside of Finland?What else do external applicants need to do?
- Can I get a copy of a previous entrance test?
- How can I prepare for the entrance test?
- How many points do I need to get in?
- How are the points calculated?
- Do I need very strong English skills?
- How about maths skills?
- Is the Diploma Programme meant for native English speakers?
- Can I study Finnish as part of the IB?
- Can I study my mother tongue as part of the programme if it is something other than Finnish (or English)?
- What are the essential differences between the IB and the national programme?
- Can students from the national line in Etelä-Tapiolan lukio take IB courses?
- CAS. TOK. The Extended Essay. What are these?
- When do I find out if I have been accepted?
- Is the IB Diploma accepted by Finnish universities?
- But are the results issued too late to apply to universities in the autumn?
- How can I find out more?
All applications must be processed via the joint-application procedure. Go to www.haenyt.fi for details. Applications are processed online 27.2 - 16.3.2012. In addition our own application form should be downloaded, printed out, completed and returned to the school before 31.03.2012.
Where and when is the entrance test held?
The entrance test is held on the school premises at 13.30 on Wednesday 25.04.2012.
The entrance test is held on the school premises at 13.30 on Wednesday 25.04.2012.
No separate invitations will be sent out. Applicants are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the test is due to begin. Please bring a pen! Paper and full instructions will be provided once registration is complete. Allow the whole afternoon for test purposes.
What alternative arrangements are made for students living outside of Finland?
It may be possible to make arrangements with the nearest Finnish Consulate. Candidates and their families are responsible for making the initial contact with the Consulate and payment of any fees incurred. Once the IB coordinator has been provided with a contact address, arrangements will be made for the test to be administered on the same date (25.04.2012) or at another suitable time during week 17.
It may be possible to make arrangements with the nearest Finnish Consulate. Candidates and their families are responsible for making the initial contact with the Consulate and payment of any fees incurred. Once the IB coordinator has been provided with a contact address, arrangements will be made for the test to be administered on the same date (25.04.2012) or at another suitable time during week 17.
What else do external applicants need to do?
Please contact the coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the procedure.
Please contact the coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the procedure.
Can I get a copy of a previous entrance test?
These are not available, as the school reserves the right to change the content and format.
These are not available, as the school reserves the right to change the content and format.
How can I prepare for the entrance test?
This is a test of 9th grade skills, so general competence at this level in English, Mathematics and Finnish will suffice. No special preparation is required. You are reminded to answer questions with care and attention.
This is a test of 9th grade skills, so general competence at this level in English, Mathematics and Finnish will suffice. No special preparation is required. You are reminded to answer questions with care and attention.
How many points do I need to get in?
The million dollar question! The actual points total will vary from one year to the next. Typically more than 14 points in all are required for entry. Competition is quite keen. Read more about the points below.
The million dollar question! The actual points total will vary from one year to the next. Typically more than 14 points in all are required for entry. Competition is quite keen. Read more about the points below.
How are the points calculated?
The points are totted up out of 20. Ten points come from the lower secondary school certificate, and ten points from the entrance test. These calculations are made in the opetushallitus, not in the school. Last year the minimum average points was 14.62 (i.e. nobody with less than this score gained entry).
The points are totted up out of 20. Ten points come from the lower secondary school certificate, and ten points from the entrance test. These calculations are made in the opetushallitus, not in the school. Last year the minimum average points was 14.62 (i.e. nobody with less than this score gained entry).
Do I need very strong English skills?
A competent level of 9th grade English skills is required. Applicants with an average grade of 8 or more ought to manage just fine.
A competent level of 9th grade English skills is required. Applicants with an average grade of 8 or more ought to manage just fine.
How about maths skills?
Maths skills cannot be weak. Our programme requires somewhat more competence than "short maths" skills. Indeed we put slightly more stress on maths than English skills when allocating points in the test.
Maths skills cannot be weak. Our programme requires somewhat more competence than "short maths" skills. Indeed we put slightly more stress on maths than English skills when allocating points in the test.
Is the Diploma Programme meant for native English speakers?
No. English is the language of instruction not the required mother tongue. Most of our students have Finnish as their mother tongue. Some of our best students have a thoroughly Finnish background and have never lived outside the country.
No. English is the language of instruction not the required mother tongue. Most of our students have Finnish as their mother tongue. Some of our best students have a thoroughly Finnish background and have never lived outside the country.
Can I study Finnish as part of the IB?
Students of äidinkieli can certainly incorporate this language into the IB programme. B Finnish may be possible for those with a basic written competence developed over the previous two-three years at least. Beginner level Finnish, in contrast, is not offered as part of the Diploma. Immigrants without Finnish skills are urged to attend classes outside the school to foster a basic oral competence. This should be regarded as a "survival" skill in this society.
Students of äidinkieli can certainly incorporate this language into the IB programme. B Finnish may be possible for those with a basic written competence developed over the previous two-three years at least. Beginner level Finnish, in contrast, is not offered as part of the Diploma. Immigrants without Finnish skills are urged to attend classes outside the school to foster a basic oral competence. This should be regarded as a "survival" skill in this society.
Can I study my mother tongue as part of the programme if it is something other than Finnish (or English)?
It may be possible for speakers of other languages to incorporate these into the programme. Indeed we currently have students studying Nepali, Chinese, Africaans and Polish. These are so-called “school supported self-taught” students. This is never an easy option. Furthermore, we always take such requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the coordinator for guidance.
It may be possible for speakers of other languages to incorporate these into the programme. Indeed we currently have students studying Nepali, Chinese, Africaans and Polish. These are so-called “school supported self-taught” students. This is never an easy option. Furthermore, we always take such requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the coordinator for guidance.
What are the essential differences between the IB and the national programme?
This is a big question and difficult to answer briefly. During the first year (known as the pre-DP) studies are pretty much identical with the national programme. Thereafter IB students select six subjects for detailed study and eventual examination. On top of this come the core curriculum activities - CAS, TOK and the Extended Essay. IB students focus on fewer subjects than those in the national line but will probably end up entering for more exams than their domestic counterparts (who may enter for just four subjects). It is best to regard these are two completely different examination systems. The end result is nevertheless the same. Each is recognized as possessing complete parity when applying to universities.
This is a big question and difficult to answer briefly. During the first year (known as the pre-DP) studies are pretty much identical with the national programme. Thereafter IB students select six subjects for detailed study and eventual examination. On top of this come the core curriculum activities - CAS, TOK and the Extended Essay. IB students focus on fewer subjects than those in the national line but will probably end up entering for more exams than their domestic counterparts (who may enter for just four subjects). It is best to regard these are two completely different examination systems. The end result is nevertheless the same. Each is recognized as possessing complete parity when applying to universities.
Can students from the national line in Etelä-Tapiolan lukio take IB courses?
No. They are quite separate entities.
No. They are quite separate entities.
CAS. TOK. The Extended Essay. What are these?
These are elements of the Diploma Programme core. CAS is short for Creativity, Action and Service. This is the fun bit! Paint, dance, make music, compete, train, raise-funds, raise awareness… the possibilities are endless. The CAS initiative is largely in the hands of students themselves. TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. Here students are encouraged to investigate how we know what we know about the world around us. Get it? You soon will. The Extended Essay is as the name suggests a detailed piece of research written up in essay form on a topic of particular interest. Again, the scope is vast.
These are elements of the Diploma Programme core. CAS is short for Creativity, Action and Service. This is the fun bit! Paint, dance, make music, compete, train, raise-funds, raise awareness… the possibilities are endless. The CAS initiative is largely in the hands of students themselves. TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. Here students are encouraged to investigate how we know what we know about the world around us. Get it? You soon will. The Extended Essay is as the name suggests a detailed piece of research written up in essay form on a topic of particular interest. Again, the scope is vast.
When do I find out if I have been accepted?
Results of the national upper secondary school applications are published on 14th June 2012. Successful applicants are invited to bring in their school certificates the same day, if possible, and on 28th June at the latest.
Results of the national upper secondary school applications are published on 14th June 2012. Successful applicants are invited to bring in their school certificates the same day, if possible, and on 28th June at the latest.
Is the IB Diploma accepted by Finnish universities?
The IB enjoys full parity with the national Finnish matriculation examination. You may not get extra credits with Finnish universities - as happens in some countries - but you apply from precisely the same baseline as everyone else.
The IB enjoys full parity with the national Finnish matriculation examination. You may not get extra credits with Finnish universities - as happens in some countries - but you apply from precisely the same baseline as everyone else.
But are the results issued too late to apply to universities in the autumn?
True, results are issued as late as July but this won't stop you from applying in the previous spring. Many universities typically require a predicted grade from the school. On this basis a provisional offer will be made. Providing applicants make the grade their places will be confirmed once the results are issued.
True, results are issued as late as July but this won't stop you from applying in the previous spring. Many universities typically require a predicted grade from the school. On this basis a provisional offer will be made. Providing applicants make the grade their places will be confirmed once the results are issued.
How can I find out more?
Our webpage tries to be informative. If you are unable to find what you are looking for here please don't hesitate to contact the IB coordinator David Crawford: david.crawford@espoo.opit,fi Tel. 09 816 39109. Our information evening for parents and prospective students is at 18.30 on 25th January 2012. Please join us if you can.
Our webpage tries to be informative. If you are unable to find what you are looking for here please don't hesitate to contact the IB coordinator David Crawford: david.crawford@espoo.opit,fi Tel. 09 816 39109. Our information evening for parents and prospective students is at 18.30 on 25th January 2012. Please join us if you can.
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