can a 7 years pupil get admission to grade 2

[rakvin]

Hi there, if someone have details about this for Helsinki schools please share, cheers

[Upphew]

Has s/he completed the first grade's syllabus?

"Electronic enrolment in the local school is not possible if... the child is applying for permission to start basic education one year later or one year earlier than prescribed (the application must be supported by a statement by an expert)."
So I would say it is doable, if you aren't planning on skipping the first grade.

[rakvin]

Moi, thank U very much indeed for your response. Yes, children have completed 1grade in India. Therefore, would in this case also possible to get admission in Grade 2 in Helsinki/Espoo English medium schools. Finnish language to be attended....cheers,

[Rosamunda]

It is possible but quite unusual. If you want them to go into an English language school like Ressu, I think they would still have to sit the entrance test and would be expected to be fluent for age in English in order to skip first grade. My youngest son did his first grade twice as his English was not very strong when we arrived in Finland (his birthday is in May).

[rakvin]

Thanks!
Really, your input is of immense importance. Could you also please suggest some good schools in Helsinki/Espoo accordingly. Children would join me in April 2013 after completing GRADE 1 in India.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Best, RKH

[Rosamunda]

I'm not sure that the schools would take in students in April as the school year ends at the end of May. They would probably suggest you enrol the children for August 2013. The application date is some time in January and the entrance tests are usually in February (but I'm not too sure as my own children are much older now).

If you are looking for English language schooling then in Espoo you have Espoo International School (Komeetta in Olari or Postipuu in Leppävaara) and in Helsinki you have Ressu, Maunula and the English School. There are also several bilingual schools such as Kulosaari. And then there are two private schools (ESH the European School and ISH the International School).

All schools are required by law to follow the Finnish Core Curriculum and employ teachers that have a Masters degree in Education (there are a few exceptions). So there is not really much difference between them. It's really up to you to choose but assuming that you are not planning to stay in Finland permanently then an IB World School such as Ressu is probably a good idea (the primary school offers the PYP programme). There are also IB schools in Tikkurila and Vantaa.

My own children went to Komeetta and were very happy there.

There is already a lot of info about these schools on this forum.

[rakvin]

Indeed thank you very much once again! It appears a great direction you prompted.