“This school year, we are investing in enhancing pupils’ well-being and improving literary skills, in particular. All schools are practising emotional and interaction skills and addressing pupils' absences more systematically. Language, learning and knowledge are strongly connected. Therefore, one of the key priorities is the improvement of pupils' linguistic development and multiliteracy skills,” says Outi Salo, Head of Basic Education.
The students completing basic qualifications at Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute and students in preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) started their studies on 2 August. The autumn term of the Helsinki Upper Secondary School for Adults begins on Friday, 25 August, and the general upper secondary school line for adults at Tölö Gymnasium on Monday, 28 August.
In this strategy period, well-being is one of the strategic spearheads of the Education Division of Helsinki.
“Learning contributes to well-being and well-being supports learning. Children who are exhausted are not capable of studying and, if they do not have friends, going to school to study might feel unpleasant. Education enables pupils’ development, builds their self-confidence and creates improved well-being,” Salo says.
The city is also investing in enhancing literacy skills and emphasising reading in schools and day-care centres. The work is carried out in cooperation with local libraries.
"We wish all our learners a good start to the school year," Outi Salo says.
Around 100,000 children and young people engage in learning
This August, 27,000 children, 2,568 of whom are starting early childhood education, are participating in early childhood education and pre-primary education provided by the City of Helsinki. In basic education, there are more than 47,000 children and young people. The city also works closely with private education providers.
The city's general upper secondary schools have approximately 10,000 students, and Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute almost 20,000 students. It is possible to apply to study all year round through a continuous application process.
Approximately 100,000 people participate in adult education centre and Arbis courses every year. The registration for the courses is now open and they will start on 4 September.