

Imatra has the opportunity to study in elementary school bilingually (Finnish - English) in grades 1 to 9. Bilingual classes have been operating at Imatra since 1995. Bilingual teaching classes work In the Koski school center
In bilingual education, school subjects are studied in two languages, English and Finnish. In bilingual education, English is studied in the so-called more than general education classes: English is taught for 1 hours a week since the fall of the 2st grade, and it is studied for a total of 27 hours per week during elementary school (18 hours per week in general education classes). In addition, the language is studied in other subjects in connection with studying the content (CLIL = Content and Language Integrated Learning). The subjects are taught according to the curriculum, part of the teaching is carried out only in English.
Bilingual teaching is different from accelerated English teaching. All students in Finland start learning a foreign language in the 1st grade. At Imatra, the first foreign language is English and its study begins at Imatra in the spring of the 1st year. However, English is studied more in bilingual classes than in general education, and English is also used in the study of other subjects.
In grades 1-6, teaching is a large-scale bilingual teaching, i.e. at least 25% of all teaching is in English. The amount of content taught in English increases in grades 1-6 of the studies, and the aim is to reach such a level in language control that in the 6th grade the teaching can be given mainly in English. In grades 7-9, the teaching is language-enriched, i.e. a maximum of 25% of the teaching is in English. We guide students from the lower grades to natural and communicative language skills. Language surrounds the child in everyday school life from the beginning.
Bilingual teaching gives the opportunity for versatile and stimulating basic education. Studying in a bilingual class requires working in both languages. Home support is an important resource when it comes to studying.
The English language is part of every school day. In addition, the bilingual classes organize themed days and events, as well as an annual evening together for students and families. Class memberships are piled up in the annual yearbook as a nice memory from school. In bilingual classes, the elementary school sky has traditionally culminated in a camp school going abroad in the 6th grade.
Pupils are selected for bilingual education through an entrance exam. Registration for teaching is done at the same time as the child is registered for the first grade. After the official application period, you can also register for bilingual education by email: mika.korhonenimatra.fi.
Selection tests for the first grade will be held in February. Each applicant receives a personal invitation to the entrance exam, which explains the more detailed schedule of the entrance exam.
All applicants participate in an entrance exam. The child's Finnish language skills and reaction to a foreign language are assessed individually and in group situations. The selection test does not require reading or writing skills or knowledge of the English language.
Supplemental search for upper year classes is organized in spring and winter. Instructions are sent to guardians via Wilma.
Bilingual classes have their own parent association, Imelty ry ie Imatra's English classes support association
Studying subjects in two languages, in Imatra's bilingual teaching in Finnish and English.
Any student starting first grade at Imatra.
When the child is registered for the first grade. The application is in December-January.
Yes. If there is room in the classes, you can apply for bilingual education later. The supplementary application for the current grades 1-6 will be organized in the spring and winter. At other times, you can inquire about the matter from the principals of Koski School Center.
An entrance exam is organized for all children applying for bilingual education, according to which the students are selected. When applying for the 1st grade, students' linguistic abilities are tested, but the entrance exam does not require knowledge of the English language or reading or writing skills. When applying for other classes, students' English and Finnish skills are tested at the same level. studying in class requires, as well as other readiness to study in bilingual education.
In bilingual education, the study of English starts immediately in the fall of the 1st grade and it is two hours per week, while in other classes English begins in the spring of the 1st grade and it is 0,5 hours per week. In bilingual education, English is studied for more hours than in general education throughout elementary school, and other subjects are also studied in English.
Bilingual classes have the same curriculum as in general education also in the mother tongue, and mother tongue teaching is carried out entirely in Finnish. Studying the mother tongue and studying English form a mutually supportive whole.
In bilingual education, the same content is studied as in other education and the national and local curriculum is followed, but the content is studied in English and Finnish. Language must not be an obstacle to learning, and the teaching ensures mastery of the most important concepts and contents in both teaching languages, and in teaching situations, the appropriate language is used for the purpose and the situation. The amount of work and therefore also the amount of homework is somewhat higher than in other classes, so home support is needed. Pupils in bilingual education have the right to the same support measures as all other pupils.
CLIL, or Content and Language Integrated Learning, means studying the contents of subjects in a foreign language.
In large-scale bilingual education, at least 25% of all teaching is in English, in language-enriched education, a maximum of 25%. At Imatra, classes 1-6 are taught in large-scale bilingual classes, and classes 7-9 are language-enriched classes.
In bilingual education, there is significantly more English than in general education classes (in bilingual education, a total of 27 hours per week during grades 1-9, 18 hours per week in general education classes). In the teaching, the contents and syllabus of the A-English curriculum are studied, and in addition, the so-called English with emphasis.
In the studies, you get ahead of others, but the final evaluation is based on the same national criteria as for all students.
Students of bilingual education gain strong English skills and especially the ability to speak and use English in various interaction situations. In bilingual classes, English is used daily in the school and it becomes a natural part of schooling.
Studying in bilingual classes also creates good work habits for the students and gives many things, e.g. cultural knowledge skills for the future. For eager and talented students, studying in English offers opportunities to differentiate the teaching in a more demanding direction and provides an additional challenge when the child needs it. The intensive language study that has continued throughout elementary school also provides a good basis for studying English in the 2nd grade or, for example, in an international IB high school.
For students studying in a bilingual class, part of the elective classes are used to study English, but the students still have electives. In upper secondary school, students can, for example, choose two long electives and some short courses.
Bilingual classes studying in English and Finnish work at Koske school.
Now applying for English-speaking classes and Eastern Finland school and music class. Several options for high school education.