1. WELCOME
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2. Information evening about English classes
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3. Tonights schedule
FISTA, enrollment, language test, general information
Pia Mikkola, Principal, Finnish International School of Tampere
Miika Katajamäki, Coordinator, Finnish International School of Tampere
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4. FINNISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TAMPERE (FISTA)
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5. FISTA 2-4 first grade classes yearly
two lines: bilingual line = kaksikielinen linja (max 24 students) and international line = kansainvälinen linja (max 72 students)
renovation completed in autumn 2017
max number of students is 750
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6. time allocation plan is the same
International line = kansainvälinen linja
Reading and writing in both languages
All subjects except Finnish as a mother tongue and Finnish as a second language are taught in English
Some vocabulary in other subjects (geography, biology, history) in Finnish
Bilingual line = kaksikielinen linja
Reading and writing in both languages
Finnish as a mother tongue and Finnish as a second language are taught in Finnish
Finnish geography and biology taught in Finnish
Finnish history taught in Finnish
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7. FISTA Finnish education in English, we follow the Finnish curriculum
Working culture is English, but teaching is also done in Finnish
FISTA is a part of the Finnish society
Studying in a multicultural environment
After renovation, increased opportunities to use IT in learning
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8. IMPORTANT Hard work – good motivation.
Studying in English classes is more demanding than in Finnish classes so if the child has any learning difficulties, it will probably be too hard for the child
It is vitally important that the school is informed in advance about any possible learning difficulties or other problems
If the child has a risk for reading disability, learning to read simultaneously in Finnish and English is really hard, and will significantly slow down the child’s progress at school
Commitment from the family and support to the child
Children spend more time on homework than in other schools because they study in two languages
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9. EDUCATION IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES, TAMPERE
The goal for language skills at the end of comprehensive education is a level close to the first language level (functional bilingualism)
Schools offering FL Education:
English FISTA
German Tammela 1-6 and Sampo 7-9
French Aleksanteri 0-6 and Pyynikki 7-9
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10. CLASSES BEGINNING IN AUGUST 2017
Students will be admitted school place on the basis of performance in language test. This number includes enrolled students immigrating from abroad.
International line (kansainvälinen linja): 1-3 classes (20-72 students)
Bilingual line (kaksikielinen linja): 1 class (20-24 students)
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11. ENROLLMENT Children born in 2010
Application for FISTA takes place through the standard school application process
Enrollment from January 9th to January 23rd 2017 (instructions will be sent to Tampere residents’ home address, others should check the City of Tampere web page)
Choose (tick) either international line (kansainvälinen linja) or bilingual line (kaksikielinen linja)
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12. UNDERAGE CHILDREN Children born in 2011
The student’s ability must be tested by a certified psychologist. The parents are responsible for having the child tested outside the public system. It is recommended that the psychologist is provided with a statement (evaluation) from the child’s preschool.
The principal decides on admission based on the psychologist’s statement, child’s performance in language test and an optional statement from the child’s preschool
- Finnish preschool programs include many features of primary education curricula
The school psychologist will answer further enquiries
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13. ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS in ENGLISH CLASSES FOREIGN FAMILIES
FINNISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TAMPERE
FOREIGN FAMILIES
LIVING TEMPORARILY
IN FINLAND (FISTA)
FINNISH FAMILIES
RETURNING TO
FINLAND
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
IMMIGRANTS FOR
PERMANENT STAY
IN FINLAND
FINNISH CHILDREN
Able to speak English

14. ENGLISH CLASSES
Teaching philosophies are similar to the general guidelines used throughout Tampere. However, there are two major differences:
Language is the focus in learning and teaching:
Foreign language is taught as a subject from first grade. Language studies begin earlier and last longer, which is reflected in the aims, curriculum, and assessment also in grades 3–9.
Language as a medium to learn:
The English language is used as a medium to achieve the goals set in all subjects. English is used in all classes excluding mother tongue (Finnish) lessons. Details are specified in the school curriculum.

15. FINNISH LANGUAGE IN FISTA
3 to 6 lessons a week of Finnish as a mother tongue or Finnish as a second language. The culture at the school does not support Finnish studies
National curriculum: acquiring everyday language skills usually takes 1 to 2 years and the in-depth skills required in approx. 5 to 7 years in Finnish-medium schools
Multilingual families need to think about whether the child benefits from studying in English education or whether insufficient command of Finnish hampers the enrollment in further studies
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16. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Aptitude test will take place in FISTA on week 6
Reserve day in a case of sickness.
A letter will be sent to home informing the time and date of
bilingual line test or
international line test
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17. TO GET INTO
international line child has to score more than 60% of the test points.
bilingual line child has to score more than 40% of the test points.
The students are selected in order on the basis of how many points were scored on the entrance examination. Obtaining the minimum of points does not necessarily mean that the child will be accepted.
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18. ABOUT THE TEST
Remember: the test is always an exciting and stressful situation and the teachers giving the test are unfamilier to the children.
Please note that the child must follow instrucitions during the exam.
Please tell your child that he/she is doing what the teachers tell to do.
You don’t have to prepare your child for the test.
Orientation will take place in April 2017.
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19. OPEN DAY In first grade classes on Thursday January 19th 2017
at 11–1pm

20. FURTHER INQUIRIES Principal Pia Mikkola tel. 050 468 2922
Coordinator Miika Katajamäki
tel
koulut.tampere.fi/fista