1. Welcome to Kontula Comprehensive school Lower Stage We hope you will enjoy your visit to our school!

2. Background: Kontula suburban area with its surroundings 15 kms northeast from Helsinki centre Subway connection to the centre Built in 60´s - 80´s, population 30 000 Relatively low socioeconomical status, families with social problems High percentage immigrant background inhabitants

3. The school building

4. built in 1970 the architects were brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen they have also designed the Temppeliaukio Church the church has been excavated into the granite underground bedrock the school building has been completely renovated during the last ten years the school is close to nature in a safe park-like area excellent possibilities for outdoor exercise and activities the school trips can be made safely along walking trails

5. Pupils Main stream 428 pupils grades 1-6 ages 7-13 classes 23 about 23% are of immigrant background, most of them from Somalia, Estonia and Russia

6. Education in Finland Finland achieved top scores in Pisa studies 2000, 2003 and 2006 The status of the school does not seem to affect the level of the students’ performance. Finnish basic teaching can be characterised as efficient. The time the students spend studying was one of the lowest in the countries surveyed. At the same time, resources allocated to education are only OECD average, so work by students and teachers has been very efficient.

7. Special education in Finland Weakest students raise Finland to the top in PISA. The strengths of Finnish schools include good teachers, efficient teaching and uniform quality. The weakest quarter of Finnish students are in a class of their own compared to other countries Finnish school system has succeeded in supporting weaker students. In future, more attention should also be paid to developing the skills of the better achieving children

8. Special education in Kontula four special classes preparatory class for students whose finnish language knowledge is not good enough supportive teaching part-time special education

9. Special education Special needs teacher supports pupils with learning problems

10. Staff principal deputy principal secretary teachers (31) special needs teachers (2) special class teachers (4) native language teachers (7) school assistants (6) guidance counsellors (2) psychologist school nurse dentist cleaners kitchen staff

11. Curriculum and afternoon clubs Our curriculum emphasizes manual skills. Practical subjects and arts have been given additional lessons. In our school we have an afternoon club for 7 to 8 -year-olds. They get help with homework. There is a fee for the club. In the neighbourhood there are several afternoon clubs. None of the clubs are free of charge.

12. Welfare group principal, psychologist, student counsellors, nurse and special needs teachers class teacher is usually present. meet weekly

13. Parent-teacher association supports schoolwork by arranging parents evenings (e.g. different kinds of lections) and varied activities during school day (e.g. theater)

14. Thank you for visiting our school!