Weighted-curriculum education in grades 7 to 9

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

Pupils may apply for weighted education in grade 6

Applications for weighted education in lower secondary education should be submitted in grade 6. 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.

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.

Application period

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

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

Hatsala Classical School provides instruction with emphasis on visual arts in grades 7 to 9. The goal of the instruction with emphasis on visual arts is to guide the pupils to explore and express a culturally diverse reality through art. Producing and interpreting images helps pupils construct their identities as well as reinforces their cultural competence and communality.

Physical education

Instruction with emphasis on physical education is provided at Pyörö School for grades 7 to 9. The purpose of the sports class is to offer athletic young people diverse sports instruction in an even and motivated teaching group, to carry out various sports projects, to establish contacts with sports activities outside the school, and to provide them with capabilities for further studies and career choices in physical activity. Pupils can apply for a place in a sports class even if they have not participated in sports class instruction in grades 3 to 6.

Mathematics and science

At Pyörö School, pupils can choose instruction with emphasis on mathematics and science in grades 7 to 9. 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

Classes with emphasis on music for grades 7 to 9 are offered at Minna Canth school. The goal of instruction with emphasis on music is to develop the pupil’s musical skills and capabilities diversely and to inspire them to engage in independent musical activities. The performance situations offered by the instruction with emphasis on music as well as instrument and vocal studies guide the pupil in goal-oriented work and sustained study of music. Pupils can apply for a place in a music class even if they have not participated in music class instruction in grades 3 to 6.

Dance

Minna Canth School provides instruction with emphasis on dance in grades 7 to 9. The goal of the instruction in dance is to familiarise the pupils diversely with dance. The instruction includes familiarisation with different dance styles, dance techniques, rhythmics/musicality, improvisation, choreography and body care as well as getting to know the Finnish dance scene and education. Pupils can apply for a place in instruction with emphasis on dance even if they have not participated in dance instruction in grades 3 to 6.

Sports

The City of Kuopio has sports classes at Hatsala Classical School and Jynkänlahti School, to which pupils are admitted through joint entrance examinations. The goal of the sports classes is to bring together young talented pupils aiming to become competitive athletes who train to improve their performance in sports classes at school, skills training organised by Kuopio Regional Sports Academy and club training sessions. Sports classes enable normal school work and increasing volumes of training both at schools and in sports clubs, efficiently and in a coordinated manner.

Curricula and distributions of lesson hours for weighted-curriculum education

Curricula and distributions of lesson hours for weighted teaching (in Finnish)

Schools providing weighted-curriculum education

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

Instruction with emphasis on physical education at Pyörö School (in Finnish)

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

Instruction with emphasis on music at Minna Canth School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on dance at Minna Canth School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on sports at Hatsala Classical School (in Finnish)

Instruction with emphasis on the sports at Jynkänlahti School (in Finnish)