Early language education and language choice in pre-primary education

Since 2020, studies in the first foreign language, the A1 language, have been initiated in the first grade. The choice on starting the first foreign language will be made in the spring term of pre-primary education. 

In City of Tampere basic education, available A1 languages in basic education include English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Swedish, German, and Russian. Any language class to be founded must contain at least 12 pupils. Each school’s language pathway determines the languages available.

Early language education in pre-primary education

Pre-primary education pupils receive a familiarisation in a variety of foreign languages in the course of the pre-primary year before they start the A syllabus in a foreign language. This familiarisation is called early language education.

Teaching is provided for an average of one weekly lesson per year. The languages featured depend on the school and the languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Russian) offered in the school pathway’s respective A syllabus. 

The early language education takes place in four periods throughout the year, with a different language highlighted in each period. 

The selection of the A1 language in pre-primary education 

The A1 language choice may be applied for in March through April.

You may find the application form in the Wilma online service Link to external website in the Applications and decisions tab.

More information at the basic education services website From preschool to school pupil