Weighted-curriculum education in grades 3 to 6

Pupils may apply for weighted education in grade 2

Weighted education means intensified and in-depth teaching of a subject. Applying for weighted education is voluntary. Pupils are selected through entrance examinations.

Each pupil can apply for a maximum of two weighted-education options, indicating their order of preference. The applications and the stated order of preference are binding and cannot be changed. If a pupil is accepted to both study options, the choice of school is based on the pupil’s priority option. If the number of applicants meeting the same admission criteria exceeds the number of places available, the pupils will be selected by lot. For grades 3 – 6, participation in weighted education remains a binding choice until the end of grade 6.

Application period

The application period is from 1 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

Applying for weighted education

Applications for weighted education are submitted in Wilma using the guardian’s user account. If internet access is not available, a paper application form can be obtained from the primary school office. The completed paper application must be returned to the child’s current school. Only applicants who submit their application during the application period are eligible to participate in the entrance examinations.

Entrance examinations

Admission is based on an entrance examination. All pupils who have submitted their applications during the application period will automatically sit entrance examinations. Applicants must attend the entrance examination on the date stated in the instructions. No separate invitation to the entrance examinations will be sent. Applications received after the application deadline will not be processed. Failure to attend the entrance exam will always result in a negative admission decision.

If your child needs to take an entrance examination on another date, it will only be possible on presentation of a medical certificate. If the applicant has special educational support needs that should be considered during the entrance examination, the guardians are invited to contact the principal of the school offering weighted education.

A pupil selected for weighted education from another school will transfer to the school offering weighted education and become a pupil of that school. Consequently, the pupil will study all subjects at that school.

If the school is not the pupil’s local school, the guardian is responsible for any costs arising from the pupil’s transport to and from school, including any necessary escorting arrangements. School transport may also be granted to a school other than the local school if the transport costs are equal to or lower than those of transport to the pupil’s local school. In such cases, travel must take place by public transport. The guardian must always apply for school transport using the school transportation application form. The guardian is also responsible for transport costs when the pupil requires transportation due to an illness or a leisure-time accident. If temporary transport is required due to an accident that occurred at school, the school will arrange the transport when necessary.

Which subjects are available to pupils in weighted education?

Guardians are welcome to contact the school principal for more detailed information on the content of the programme.

Visual arts

In Pirtti School, pupils can choose instruction with emphasis on visual arts. The objective of the instruction with emphasis on visual arts is to experiment and practise with different means of visual production and to develop the pupils’ visual skills in a goal-oriented manner. The instruction supports the pupils in building their identities as well as improves their cultural competence and prerequisites and practices for working together.

Physical education

Jynkkä School provides instruction with emphasis on sport. Pupils explore a wide range of physical activities, become familiar with different sports, and develop versatile skills for lifelong participation in physical activity. Whenever possible, pupils also take part in inter-school sports competitions.

Mathematics and science

At Pyörö School, pupils can choose instruction with emphasis on mathematics and science. The aim of this instruction is to deepen the pupils’ understanding of and competence in mathematics and natural sciences, to inspire and motivate them to develop their skills, and to encourage them to choose mathematics and science fields in their further studies. The pupils study an advanced curriculum in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geography.

Music

The aim of instruction with emphasis on music is to develop the pupil’s musical skills and abilities diversely, to inspire them in independent musical activities, and to provide them with capabilities for attending music classes in upper secondary school, participating in orchestras and similar activities. Classes with emphasis on music for grades 3 to 6 can be found in the schools of Haapaniemi, Kalevala and Rajala.

Dance

Kalevala School provides instruction with emphasis on dance. The instruction of dance aims to develop the pupil’s dance skills and abilities as well as their creativity. In the dance classes, pupils familiarise themselves with different types of dance, practise making their own choreographies and learn to care for their bodies. In addition, pupils receive information about dance styles and the history of dance.

Curricula and distributions of lesson hours for weighted-curriculum education

Curricula and distributions of lesson hours for weighted-curriculum education (in Finnish)

Schools providing weighted-curriculum education

Instruction with emphasis on visual arts at Pirtti School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on sports at Jynkkä School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on mathematics and science at Pyörö School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on music at Haapaniemi School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on music at Kalevala School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on music at Rajala School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on dance at Kalevala School (in Finnish)