During grades 3 through 6, the elementary skills learned earlier are augmented and complemented, and many new things learned. New subjects are gradually introduced, and the pupils guided to discover their own particular manners and skills at learning. Pupil guidance and counselling play an important role here.
Since the third grade, a subject emphasis on music or visual arts can be selected. Pupils will be eligible enrol for these music and visual arts classes on the basis of aptitude tests.
In grades 3 through 6, many tools to assess learning are employed throughout the school year. At the end of the year, pupils receive a school year report card. The report card measures their performance all through the school year relative to the learning objectives set for each subject. Apart from performance and learning, working skills and conduct are evaluated. Assessment of working skills is a part of the assessment project of a subject. A separate grade is assessed for conduct. Where conduct is concerned, the primary measure is ability to abide by commonly agreed rules and procedures. The objective is for each pupil to behave well and be considerate of others.
In grades 5 through 6, the pupils receive an interim report card at the end of each autumn term, which describes their performance over the autumn term in relation to the objectives set for the subjects. The interim report card has substantially the same content as the school year report card.
Assessment is part of the learning process and its purpose is to support learning. Therefore, pupils will practise self-assessment as well as giving and receiving peer feedback.
Once a school year, a learning assessment discussion will take place between the guardian, the pupil, and the teacher. These discussions are part of the cooperation between the home and the school.
Transferring to the 7th grade of basic education, the first year of lower secondary school, is a time of many changes in the pupil’s school life. New subjects, new teachers, new friends, and for some a new school lie ahead of this transitional moment. It is a step from childhood to youth.
Basic education works to ensure every pupil has the opportunity for diverse growth and learning, chances to be active in society and working life, and teaching that forms a meaningful foundation for further education. The City of Tampere has worked actively to develop practices to promote as smooth as possible a transition from elementary school to lower secondary school.
Each pupil has their own respective school pathway, a designated lower secondary school pupils from their elementary school will transfer to. In a combined school, the school pathway will continue to the 7th grade within that same school. Schools will inform guardians of the school pathway and the transfer to the 7th grade.
A pupil may apply for a subject-emphasis curriculum at this time, or discontinue one they were enrolled in previously. Selections for new subject-emphasis classes will be made based on aptitude tests. You can register for the aptitude test through an online form. For more information about subject-emphasis classes, refer to each school’s own website. For more information about subject-emphasis classes, see the Subject-emphasis curricula page.
Language choices made during elementary school will apply for lower secondary school as well.
