English-speaking Classes

English-speaking Classes of Maunula Secondary School

Our English-speaking classes are a section of the otherwise Finnish-speaking Maunulan yhteiskoulu lower secondary school. Studying in the English-speaking classes means that most subjects are studied in English, but still following the Finnish National Core Curriculum. To ensure that Finnish is also acquired in depth and the students integrated into school life on a larger scale, Finnish is also used, either through providing terminology or other support material in Finnish. Optional subjects are studied in mixed groups together with Finnish-speaking students.

The English-speaking classes form a tight unit where mutual understanding and support among the students are an essential tradition. Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities, such as debate teams, event organisation and HELIMUN, which all help in creating a sense of togetherness among the students. In this atmosphere, our students grow into responsible, independent and motivated individuals who are always ready to take up new challenges.

Who can attend the English-speaking classes?

  • Students between 13-16 years of age in grades 7-9.
  • Children of Finnish or other nationality who have received their elementary education in English – in Finland or abroad.
  • The most important requirement is that the student has a very good command of the English language.

Free of Charge

There is no charge for tuition or study materials. Students are given a warm lunch every day, with consideration to special diets. The school offers the students free health care services and dental care. Study guidance, psychologist and councellor services are also available for our students.

Wilma

Parents receive information on matters concerning their child’s education through an Internet portal Wilma (yvkoulut.inschool.fi). At the start of the school year, the students’ guardians receive their own student-specific user ID for Wilma.

International Contacts

Our school has several partner schools in different European countries. Many Erasmus+ (previously Comenius) projects have taken place over the years and students have participated in various exchange programs.

Admittance to the English-speaking classes

Students coming from Maunulan ala-aste (Maunula Primary School) English-speaking classes have a direct route to our English-speaking 7th grade. This means that you don’t have to take the entrance exam if you have studied in English in Maunulan ala-aste. However, please note that you still have to fill in the Wilma application form and choose our school as the intended school for 7th grade.

Students coming from other schools in Helsinki fill in the application in Wilma. Students coming from outside Helsinki fill in our school’s own application.

IMPORTANT DATES: Applications for 7th grade must be sent in to the school office (email: kanslia@mayk.fi) by the 7th of December 2022. Open doors event on Saturday 29 October 2022 from 10am to 1pm, and info session for applicants on Tuesday 1 November 2022 from 6pm to 8pm.

All students (excl. those from Maunulan ala-aste English-speaking class) are taken in through an aptitude test, where only English skills are tested (reading, listening, writing, vocabulary). A good applicant has excellent skills in the English language and is willing to adapt to a Finnish educational setting.

Aptitude test

The aptitude test for the English-speaking class is on Wednesday 25th of January 2023, starting at 9.00am.
No separate invitation will be sent to the applicants concerning the aptitude test. Submitting the application by the 7th of December is enough.
For further information, please contact Inkeri Miekkavaara (inkeri.miekkavaara@mayk.fi).