1. HINTTA SCHOOL

2. In the City of Oulu The capital of northern Finland Over 137 000 inhabitants, growing fast the centre and innovative forerunner of new teaching philosophies Ritaharju school (School of the Future) Good opportunities for studying: – The University of Oulu – The Oulu University of Applied Sciences Well known for its technology – Technology Center – Science Park – high-tech companies such as Nokia

3. Free Basic Education Every child living in Oulu has the right to first-class, diverse and free basic education near his or her home Begins the year the child turns seven Lasts for nine years Each child also has the right to attend preschool for one year in the year prior to starting basic education Basic education is free – Teaching (tutorial lessons) – School healthcare (Supportive Professionals) – All study materials (books, notebooks, art materials etc.) – School meals (warm lunch every day) – Transportation to and from school is also free in some cases

4. Hintta Primary School A primary school for grades 1- 6 Located in a quiet neighbourhood about three kilometers from the city center Built in 1957, renovated in 2003 415 students aged 6 to 13 Principal Juha Veteläinen Deputy Head Kaija Sipilä

5. Teaching Staff 19 class teachers Subject teachers for – Textile work – Technical work – English and German Special education teacher School assistants

6. Supportive Professionals School nurse School doctor School psychologist School kitchen staff Cleaning staff Caretaker

7. Mission Statement The aim of Hintta School is to provide our students a safe and caring educational environment and to educate them to become co-operative and active citizens with good manners and learning skills.

8. School Calendar 2011-2012 Terms Autumn Term 11.8. – 22.12.2011 Spring Term9.1. – 2.6. 2012 Holidays Autumn holiday24. – 28.10. 2011 Week 43 Independence Day6.12.2011 Christmas holiday 23.12. 2011 – 8.1. 2012 Skiing holiday5. – 9.3. 2012 Week 10 Easter holiday6. – 9.4. 2012 Ascension Day 17.5. 2012

9. School Day Timetable two lessons combined during which warm lunch free of charge at the dining hall 1 hour During all the breaks children go outside unless it is below -20C

10. Morning and Afternoon Care Morning care hours: 7.00 – 10.00 Afternoon care hours: 11.00 – 17.00 a safe and stimulating environment before the school day starts and after it has finished meant for students in grades one and two a monthly fee includes a daily snack not organized by the school

11. Curriculum Based on the Finnish National Curriculum and on the local curriculum of the City of Oulu Subjects taught (see next slide) A1-language is the first foreign language (usually English) which all the students start in grade 3 A2-language is an optional foreign language (German, French, Spanish or Russian) which a student can start in grade 5 In Hintta School we have two art classes which have three extra art lessons in a week

12. Lesson Distribution

13. Comenius Projects ”Europe in Our Hands” (2006-2009): an art, music and sports related project together with partner schools from England, Belgium, Italy and Slovenia ”Growing up Together” (2009-2011) with partner schools from Austria, Italy, Sweden and Wales www.growuptogether.org ”The Art is in Our Hands” (2011-2013) with partner schools from Greece, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the UK

14. Special Educational Needs Tutorial lessons offered by teachers for those students who are slower to learn or have been ill Special Education Teacher helps the students with individual learning difficulties in cooperation with the class teacher and the principal in Hintta school we have a regional special class for grades 1 and 2 for those children who need extra support and benefit from studying in a smaller group

15. Student Welfare Team Discusses school-related problems of an individual student Members: – Principal – Special Education Teacher – School Nurse – School Psychologist – Student Welfare Officer Meets every other week Parents and Class Teacher present if necessary

16. Cooperation between Home and School Parent-Teacher Conferences twice a year Parents’ evenings once a year Parent representatives’ meetings with the principal once a month Wilma administrative software: Information about forthcoming events and changes in the daily routines Messaging between home and school Record of student absences, latecomings etc.

17. Student Council Two representatives from each class Coordinated by a teacher Aims to promote students´wellbeing and a positive atmosphere in our school Raises issues and problems Plans events – Talent Show – Valentine Day´s Radio

18. Disciplinary Issues Disciplinary discussions with the teachers and the principal Peer mediation to resolve minor conflicts between students: a session for the conflicting parties in the presence of trained student mediators and a teacher coordinator Zero-tolerance policy against bullying Cooperation with the School Police

19. Contact information Postal Address:Hintta School Valjastie 19 90650 Oulu Finland Telephone and e-mail: Principal Juha Veteläinen +358-44-7039141juha.vetelainen@ouka.fijuha.vetelainen@ouka.fi Deputy Head Kaija Sipilä+358-44-7039146kaija.sipila@eduouka.fikaija.sipila@eduouka.fi Staff Room+358-8-5571219, +358-44-7039142

20. Sources www.oulu.com/school