School Presentation  Tapiola Upper Secondary School was founded in 1958  We have approximately 600 students  The curriculum follows the national guidelines, but it is possible to put a special emphasis on music  One fifth of the students chooses advanced music studies  We have also recently started an advanced mathematics programme

School Presentation  The school is run by the City of Espoo and does not charge for tuition. School meals and the health services are free. Students have to purchase textbooks, study materials and pay final exam fees  Studies last from two to four years: The curriculum is offered in the form of courses and students must complete at least 75 courses in order to graduate  The average time needed to graduate is three years

Courses  Some courses are mandatory (44-49) and others are optional, but after each course, students must pass a test based on the course  The tests are given during the exam week, five times a year

Subjects Mathematic subjects ○ Math, Physics, Chemistry Social studies ○ History, Social studies, Health education, Biology, Geography, Religion Languages ○ Finnish, English, Swedish (the second official language of Finland and thus compulsory), German, Italian, French, Spanish Other subjects ○ Music, Art and Fhysical education

Matriculation examination  Upper secondary school prepares students for the Finnish matriculation examination  The examinations are held in each subject excluding arts, music and physical education. The only obligatory subject is Finnish  Students usually participate in 4-7 examinations  These examinations give general university entry qualifications

Holidays  During the school year, there are three major holidays: summer vacation (10 weeks), Christmas break (2 weeks) and winter break (one week)  Autumn term usually starts in mid- August  Spring term ends in early June