Munksnäs högstadieskola
Comprehensive School,
Upper Stage

Munksnäs högstadieskola Comprehensive School (Upper Stage) provides comprehensive education for grades 7-9 and is one of Helsinki’s five Swedish-speaking upper stage comprehensive schools. The school is located in the Western District of Helsinki, which also has three lower stage comprehensive schools for grades 1-6 and one for grades 1-4. As of 1 August 2009, the Western District will establish an administrative body, which is comprised of an administrative principal and four auxiliary principals.

Number of students: 190 students in grades 7-9.

The school is located in central Munksnäs. The school building has plenty of space, which makes the school peaceful and pleasant. The large gymnasium, adjacent sports field and excellent connections provide outstanding opportunities for sport.

The school is close to parks, forests and the seashore, which offer excellent possibilities for nature studies and exercise.

Studies
The school strives to provide each student with a solid comprehensive education and teach them how to be good citizens, with consideration, respect and compassion for each other and the world around them. We want to give our students positive experiences with learning as well as a feeling of belonging. Our curriculum includes a number of elective subjects in grades 8 and 9. In addition to these, students may choose three short-form courses according to their own interests.

The academic year is divided into five terms and classes are 75 minutes long. All subjects are divided into courses, which are held during specific terms. Grading is done after each completed course and report cards are issued after term 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Theme days with overarching objectives are held during each academic year. Instruction on theme days may be offered regardless of grade.

The camp school for grade 9 is offered to promote class spirit and the ability to co-operate. With their parents’ help, each class can organise a 3-5-day camp school. The course offering for camp school is planned together with the teachers and may include: -   information on Finnish society
-   strengthening the Finland-Swedish identity
-   recreation and natural sciences
-   athletic activities

Studies in upper stage comprehensive school are completed with a special project, which is done by each student during grade 9.

Language strategy
The school complies with the language strategy for Swedish-language schools in Helsinki approved by the Education Committee’s Swedish Division (27 February 2003).

One of the school’s most important tasks is to strengthen the students’ abilities in Swedish, so that they can and will use Swedish in every situation. We make every effort to develop the students’ language abilities through the allocation of lesson hours, work methods and materials as well as through the regular use of Swedish cultural offerings available to us in our city.

Language programme
Finnish instruction begins in grade 3. Students are given either traditional or native language-oriented (for bilingual students) instruction.

English or French is offered beginning in grade 4.

Students can choose English, French, German or Russian as an elective subject in grades 8-9.

Exchanges with other schools in Europe
Students who study French may participate in an exchange with students from a French-speaking country. Our school currently has an exchange programme with the Institution du Sacré-Coeur in Rouen, France. This allows students to develop an understanding of other countries and cultures.

A good start
We feel it is vital that students enjoy and feel safe in the school. The tutors’ task is to provide support for new students and prevent bullying. Tutors play an active role in helping seventh graders to get to know each other and the school. For example, a two-day welcome camp is held at the beginning of the year for all seventh graders, some teachers and tutors. Tutors are supervised by the counsellor and a couple teachers.

A fine finish
Every year the ninth graders hold a ball, to which all teachers are invited. The students learn manners and etiquette, practice dancing and prepare the banquet together with teachers in Home economics.