Hi all
Let me tell me about ourselves first. We are Khadeeja Independent Primary School for Girls in Doha, Qatar. We have 950 students from Kindergarten to grade 6. Qatar is undergoing tremendous change at the moment in regards to its education. We are part of a new reform established 6 years ago. We are now looking at countries that have a very good reputation in education such as Finland. We were hoping to visit Finland in January 2009 in order to visit some primary schools and to meet with the people running those schools. We were wondering if anyone could help us or advise us in organizing this trip to Finland. We would like to look into the main subjects such as Science, Maths and English. I would appreciate any advise or help in this issue ASAP. Also could you tell us when is the best time to visit in January in regards to term time and school days.
Kind regards
Regina
school visit from Qatar
Re: school visit from Qatar
Do you mean you want to visit Finnish schools as an observer? Or do you mean you wish to organise a school trip with a group of children?
I think there is a long waiting list for official visits, the Ministry of Education has a list of schools that are participating in the programme to receive foreign delegations. My sons' school (Kulosaaren koulu in Helsinki) is one of the schools on that list. They have visitors from all over the world several times a year.
I doubt if you will be able to organise a trip for January 2009. But you should contact the Ministry of Education in the link that was given by onkko. BTW, I don't know of any girls schools in Finland and there is only a handful of independent schools.
English is taught in primary schools from third grade onwards (a few schools start earlier and there are also some bilingual schools that can be visited).
In Helsinki kids go back to school on 7th January and then week 8 (16th-20th February) is a winter holiday. Schools also close from 10th-13th April (Easter holiday). The spring term ends on 30th May.
I think there is a long waiting list for official visits, the Ministry of Education has a list of schools that are participating in the programme to receive foreign delegations. My sons' school (Kulosaaren koulu in Helsinki) is one of the schools on that list. They have visitors from all over the world several times a year.
I doubt if you will be able to organise a trip for January 2009. But you should contact the Ministry of Education in the link that was given by onkko. BTW, I don't know of any girls schools in Finland and there is only a handful of independent schools.
English is taught in primary schools from third grade onwards (a few schools start earlier and there are also some bilingual schools that can be visited).
In Helsinki kids go back to school on 7th January and then week 8 (16th-20th February) is a winter holiday. Schools also close from 10th-13th April (Easter holiday). The spring term ends on 30th May.
Re: school visit from Qatar
Thank you so much for all the information. I am very grateful. The school management would be visiting Finland so not the students. We are not looking for girls schools or English language schools we are looking for primary schools to visit and observe a few lessons and to sit and discuss witht he teachers and higher management. Once again thanks for the information.
Regina
Regina
Re: school visit from Qatar
Regina, you could also profit from visiting this site
http://www.palmenia.helsinki.fi/eduvisits/index.asp
http://www.palmenia.helsinki.fi/eduvisits/index.asp
Re: school visit from Qatar
Sammy Thank you so much for that link it is a great help 