For students starting Grade 3

In Grade 3, the child can choose to take on a new language called the A2 language. You can also apply for a place in the weighted-curriculum education before Grade 3 starts.

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A2 language

In Finnish-speaking schools, students moving onto the third grade can, if they wish, enrol in the optional A2 language teaching of their own school. All students in Swedish-speaking schools will begin studying an A2 language in grade three.

The language selection of the student’s local school can be found on the school website. More information about language studies in general can be found on the Curriculum, school subjects and assessment website.

Applying for weighted-curriculum education starting from the 3rd grade

A student may apply for weighted-curriculum education starting from the third grade. Explore the options for weighted-curriculum education.

To apply for a place for weighted-curriculum education starting in the third grade, submit an application during the application period, using the form on Wilma. Your school will have more detailed instructions on how to fill in the Wilma form. Applications submitted late will not be processed.

Applications for the weighted-curriculum in music at the Swedish-language school Kottby Grundskolan follow the school's own guidelines. For more detailed instructions, see Kottby Grundskolan website under 'Intensifierad musikundervisning från årskurs 3'.

If you apply for a place in weighted-curriculum education for your child, you commit to accepting the place, if offered. If the student is selected for weighted-curriculum education, you must inform the principal of the student's current school of this. If the student is not selected, they may continue in their current school without a separate notification.

Applicants who live in other municipalities, applicants in Swedish-speaking schools and applicants in private schools who do not have access to the Wilma form should apply with a separate electronic application form.

You do not need the Finnish online banking credentials or a Mobile Certificate to send this form. Link to the electronic application form.

Weighted-curriculum education beginning in Grade 3

To gain admission to weighted-curriculum education, students must take an aptitude test, registering for it via Wilma.

Students can apply for five different options, i.e. schools/weighted subject areas. The applied for options should be listed in the order of preference. Schools with the same weighted-curriculum education subjects will use the same aptitude test, and students will participate in the examination at the school they listed as their first choice.

More detailed schedules and additional information about the aptitude tests and the equipment needed for them are available on the school’s website.

Art expression studies visual arts, music, crafts and performing arts. Students in art expression make their own works of art and joint projects. Students visit different cultural institutions, such as theatres and museums. Cooperation is pursued with different cultural operators.

Different art subjects are emphasised in different years. In the 4th grade, the emphasis is on crafts, in the 5th grade on music and in the 6th grade on visual arts. In the 8th grade of the lower secondary school, the emphasis is on theatrical expression and in the 9th grade on an art form important for each individual student. In the 3rd grade and 7th grade, students get to know different fields of art.

The aptitude test includes tasks in visual arts, music, crafts and performing arts. In the aptitude test, the student shows that they are able to cooperate.

The weighted curriculum in art expression can be studied at Puistopolku Comprehensive School.

In contemporary dance, the student expresses themselves by moving and doing things together with others. Students watch dance performances, have discussions and write about their own dancing. Students perform at school parties and at the dance students’ Dance Festival. Dance students work together with music students.

In the aptitude test, the student performs teacher-led exercises in a group. The exercises assess the student’s motoric and dance skills. They also assess the student’s courage to produce their own movement.

The weighted curriculum in dance can be studied at Kaisaniemi Primary School. The weighted curriculum in contemporary dance at the lower secondary school level is called dance art.
 

Students in the weighted curriculum in music study singing, playing, music knowledge, music history and music and movement. Students play music together.

In the aptitude test, the student sings and performs rhythm and melody tasks. The songs in the aptitude test are Hinajalaulu (or in Swedish 'Håningvisan') and Tuiki, tuiki tähtönen (or in Swedish 'Blinka Lilla Stjärna Där'). The applicant will sing the first verse of both songs in the test.

Sheet music and videos:

The weighted curriculum in music can be studied at the comprehensive schools of Laajasalo, Pakila, Suutarila and Vuoniitty, as well as at Oulunkylä Primary School. The Swedish-language weighted curriculum education in music is provided at Åshöjdens grundskola.

Motoric skills in different sports are practised in physical education. The exercises consist of movement skills, sports skills, balance skills and equipment handling skills. Functional learning methods can also be used in all the lessons.

The aptitude test measures general physical activity skills with tests suitable for children.

The weighted curriculum in physical education can be studied at the comprehensive schools of Haaga, Pukinmäenkaari, Merilahti and Puistopolku, as well as Tahvonlahti Primary School.

Performing arts means the ability to express oneself. Performing arts is studied in a group through play and roles. Speaking, moving and dancing, theatre and music are practiced in the performing arts class. The goal is that the student finds their own way of expressing themselves.

The aptitude test has a variety of expression tasks.

The weighted curriculum in expression can be studied at Kannelmäki Comprehensive School.

Visual arts studies drawing, painting, design and construction using different techniques and materials. The student develops their own personal expression and creativity in visual arts.

The aptitude test has a variety of art tasks.

The weighted curriculum in visual arts can be studied at Pikku-Huopalahti Primary School and Aleksis Kivi Comprehensive School.

Important dates

See the important dates for applying to weighted-curriculum education in 2027 below.

  1. School information events held in November-December

    Schools may hold information events. The dates and times of these events can be found on the schools’ websites. To find a school website, use the school search tool.

  2. 18 –31 January 2027 Application period

    Fill out the application form on Wilma. Late applications will not be processed. Applying is binding, so the student must accept the place if they are accepted.

  3. 15 February–3 March 2027 Aptitude tests

    Check the dates and times on the school website. You will not receive a separate invitation to an aptitude test.

  4. 31 March 2027 The admission decisions to be posted to homes

    You do not need to confirm the school place separately.