HINTTA SCHOOL

In the City of Oulu• The capital of northern Finland• Over 137 000 inhabitants, growing fast• the centre and innovative forerunner of new teaching philosophies

Ritaharju school (School of the Future)• Good opportunities for studying:

– The University of Oulu– The Oulu University of Applied Sciences

• Well known for its technology– Technology Center– Science Park– high-tech companies such as Nokia

Free Basic EducationEvery child living in Oulu has the right to first-class, diverse and free basic education near his or her home• Begins the year the child turns seven• Lasts for nine years• Each child also has the right to attend preschool for one year in

the year prior to starting basic education• Basic education is free

– Teaching (tutorial lessons)– School healthcare (Supportive Professionals)– All study materials (books, notebooks, art materials etc.)– School meals (warm lunch every day)– Transportation to and from school is also free in some cases

Hintta Primary School

• A primary school for grades 1- 6• Located in a quiet neighbourhood about three kilometers from the city center• Built in 1957, renovated in 2003• 415 students aged 6 to 13• Principal Juha Veteläinen• Deputy Head Kaija Sipilä

Teaching Staff

• 19 class teachers• Subject teachers for– Textile work– Technical work– English and German

• Special education teacher• School assistants

Supportive Professionals

• School nurse• School doctor• School psychologist• School kitchen staff• Cleaning staff• Caretaker

Mission Statement

The aim of Hintta School is to provide our students a safe and caring educational environment and to educate them to become co-operative and active citizens with good manners and learning skills.

School Calendar 2011-2012

Terms• Autumn Term 11.8. – 22.12.2011• Spring Term 9.1. – 2.6. 2012 Holidays• Autumn holiday 24. – 28.10. 2011 Week 43• Independence Day 6.12.2011• Christmas holiday 23.12. 2011 – 8.1. 2012• Skiing holiday 5. – 9.3. 2012 Week 10• Easter holiday 6. – 9.4. 2012• Ascension Day 17.5. 2012

School Day Timetable

two lessons combined during which warm lunch free of charge at the dining hall

12.30 - 13.15

13.30 - 14.15

14.30 - 15.15

break 15 minutes

break 15 minutes

long break 30 minutes

break 15 minutes

break 15 minutes

8.15 - 9.00

9.15 - 10.00

10.15 - 12.00

1 hour

During all the breaks children gooutside unless it is below -20C

Morning and Afternoon Care

• Morning care hours: 7.00 – 10.00• Afternoon care hours: 11.00 – 17.00 • a safe and stimulating environment before the

school day starts and after it has finished• meant for students in grades one and two• a monthly fee includes a daily snack • not organized by the school

Curriculum

• Based on the Finnish National Curriculum and on the local curriculum of the City of Oulu• Subjects taught (see next slide)• A1-language is the first foreign language (usually

English) which all the students start in grade 3• A2-language is an optional foreign language (German, French, Spanish or Russian) which a student can start in grade 5• In Hintta School we have two art classes which have three extra art lessons in a week

Lesson Distribution

Subject Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Finnish 7 7 5 5 5 5 A1-language 2 2 2 2 Mathematics 3 3 4 4 4 4 Science 2 2 3 3 Biology and geography

1 2

Physics and chemistry

1 1

Religious education

2 1 1 1 1 2

History 2 2 Music 1 1 2 1 2 1 Art 1 2 1 2 1 1 - 2 Crafts 2 2 2 2 3 2 - 3 Physical education

2 2 3 3 3 (2) 3 (2)

A2-language 3 3 Optional 1 Total 20 20 23 24 25 (27) 26 (28)

Comenius Projects• ”Europe in Our Hands” (2006-2009): an art, music and sports related project together with partner schools from England, Belgium, Italy and Slovenia• ”Growing up Together” (2009-2011) with partner schools from Austria, Italy, Sweden and Wales www.growuptogether.org• ”The Art is in Our Hands” (2011-2013) with partner schools from Greece, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the UK

Special Educational Needs

• Tutorial lessons offered by teachers for those students who are slower to learn or have been ill

• Special Education Teacher helps the students with individual learning difficulties in cooperation with the class teacher and the principal

• in Hintta school we have a regional special class for grades 1 and 2 for those children who need extra support and benefit from studying in a smaller group

Student Welfare Team

• Discusses school-related problems of an individual student

• Members:– Principal– Special Education Teacher– School Nurse– School Psychologist– Student Welfare Officer

• Meets every other week• Parents and Class Teacher present if necessary

Cooperation between Home and School

• Parent-Teacher Conferences twice a year• Parents’ evenings once a year• Parent representatives’ meetings with the principal once a month• Wilma administrative software:

• Information about forthcoming events and changes in the daily routines• Messaging between home and school • Record of student absences, latecomings etc.

Student Council

• Two representatives from each class• Coordinated by a teacher• Aims to promote students´wellbeing and a

positive atmosphere in our school• Raises issues and problems• Plans events– Talent Show– Valentine Day´s Radio

Disciplinary Issues

• Disciplinary discussions with the teachers and the principal

• Peer mediation to resolve minor conflicts between students: a session for the conflicting parties in the presence of trained student mediators and a teacher coordinator

• Zero-tolerance policy against bullying• Cooperation with the School Police

Contact information

• Postal Address: Hintta SchoolValjastie 1990650 OuluFinland

• Telephone and e-mail:

Principal Juha Veteläinen +358-44-7039141 juha.vetelainen@ouka.fiDeputy Head Kaija Sipilä +358-44-7039146kaija.sipila@eduouka.fiStaff Room +358-8-5571219, +358-44-7039142

Sources

• www.oulu.com/school