introduction to finnish education
Finland’s primary education is the best in the world.
World Economic Forum (WEF), The Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017: Primary Education
Finland ranks as the top OECD country in education.
OECD, Better Life Index: Education
Education in Finland answers to future needs the third best in the world.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) & Yidan Prize, Worldwide Educating for the Future Index
The Finnish National Curriculum is designed with the focus on the individual learner, changing the role of the teacher from distributor of information to facilitator of learning. By putting special emphasis on entrepreneurship and programming education, the Finnish education system ensures children will be equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century world and face the challenges of the 4th industrial revolution.
summer school programs
Introduction
Onnivation Ltd’s summer schools are experience and project based learning, ie. PBL-programs, where elementary, middle and high school students will learn to learn by studying STEAM subjects as taught in the world renowned Finnish schools.
Summer school programs also include English lessons. The emphasis of these classes are on spoken English and their vocabulary will focus on topics that are covered during the day’s program. All teaching will be done in English. Finnish and native speaking tutors will be attending and assisting students as needed.
Program for accompanying parents is also available, offering opportunities to enjoy Finnish design and nature as well as spending memorable quality time with children. Parents will learn how to foster creativity in their children.
Students will learn how to reach their full potential and become global citizens.
summer school pedagogical experts
The suggested length of a program is minimum 5 days (Mon – Fri). This allows for the program’s pedagogical approach to secure fundamental learning experiences. The guiding principles in developing a program are:
Have fun and learn together!
According to studies, a happy person learns more easily and is able to think flexibly. Flexibility as well as working with others in groups are prerequisites for building on others’ ideas to create innovations .
Learn from mistakes!
There may be many answers to one question and making mistakes is allowed – learning to experiment fosters innovation and innovative thinking.
Learn to learn and think critically!
Each student has individual strengths which are used as building blocks for own learning path where problem solving skills, such as creativity and critical thinking guide the way.
Krista
The pedagogic philosophy of the Summer Camp is developed and monitored by Krista Kurki. She will follow the student group throughout the Summer School program and participate in all the teaching activities. Her pedagogical philosophy is based on learner based teaching where everything starts from the student, his/her strengths and learning needs. She empowers the students to find the best learning methods for themselves and thus making learning motivating and even fun!
Krista has a degree is in social education and she has several certifications from University of Helsinki in special pedagogy, music pedagogy and education. She has deep knowledge about the execution of the new Finnish National Curriculum in daily teaching environment and is an advocate for the partnership between school and family in raising and educating children.
Oona
Oona Piipponen is an international school teacher whose professional experiences reside in interdisciplinary and inquiry based learning. She teaches in English and is particularly passionate about developing opportunities for global citizenship education.
Oona studied Primary Education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and is currently working on her Doctorate in Education at the University of Eastern Finland. Her research interests lie in intercultural education, the Storycrafting method, and children’s perspectives.
Currently Oona is a teacher in Espoo International School. During the Summer School program Oona will be responsible for the daily English language classes and will make sure vocabulary and grammar studies will be smoothly integrated into the overall program curriculum.
program modules
Nature Day
Nature Day will be spent in the clean and fresh Finnish forest, feeling and enjoying the calming effects of Mother Nature.
Math & Science Day
Mathematical and scientific phenomena in everyday life will be learned through interactive exercises, videos and group activities also in a laboratory environment.
Architecture day
The aim is to help young people to analyze and understand the surrounding environment, to support their general education and to promote their abilities to face the challenges of society and to make sustainable choices in their lives.
Entrepreneurship Day
An entrepreneurial mindset is a necessity in working life, regardless of whether one is working as a paid employee or is running a private business. The day will be run as a real-life simulation and enable students to test their knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship, working life and society as a whole.
Robotics &
Innovation Day
Programming is a way of thinking:
”No one knows what skills are needed in the future – the best we can do is give kids a set of creativity, engineering, discovery and excitement to help them navigate in a world that is not built yet.”
– Mehackit
parents’ program
Day of Self-Awareness
No one knows how to raise a child better than their own parents. The aim of the first day is to provide inspiration for parents to deepen their relationship with their child. Family and school life influence our children’s growth the most, so while children have their English class, accompanying parents will be introduced to the Finnish culture and education system.
Day of Discovery
All days that start with letter T are good days for shopping: Tuesday, Thursday and… Today! Jumbo is the 3rd largest shopping and recreation center in Finland, housing well over 100 shops and boutiques where you can discover anything from cosmetics and fashion to sporting goods and interior decoration. Lunch will be enjoyed at Fafa’s, a restaurant that uses fresh and delicious ingredients and delivers Middle Eastern portions large enough to satisfy.
Day of Endulgence
A holiday is not a holiday without some pampering, so the fourth day will start with a luxurious visit to a City Spa, including treatments and delicious lunch. After a rejuvenating morning it is time to explore the Helsinki Design District and have afternoon coffee with a private exhibition to Finnish lifestyle goods by Kidemaa.
Day of Viewing
While the children are busy with their entrepreneurial studies, parents will have the chance to view the art pieces at Espoo Museum of Modern Art. For lunch, the view will be offered over an extravagant buffet in a water tower, high above the forests and seashores of Espoo. In the afternoon the children will present their projects of the day and receive their certificates for completing the camp.
Day of Creativity and Fun!
After dropping the children off for their day of programming, robots and innovation, parents will head for the renowned Fiskars Village. The village history dates back to the ironworks that was established in 1649. Today the area is a vibrant center of Finnish art and design. Fiskars is located about 1,5 hours’ drive from Helsinki and is home to about 600 people, most of whom are artists, designers and artisans.
summer school 2019
*** Summer school program for 2019 no longer available! ***
We are happy to keep you updated about our programs for summer 2020, please leave your details HERE.
Summer school dates for 2019 are
July 22 – 26
July 29 – August 2
The 5-day program includes:
For children: phenomenon based learning and extra curricular program run by experts in Finnish education system.
For adults: full parents’ and extra curricular program together with children, including local guide.
1 Finnish tutor/group of 4-5 students
Accomodation in 4 star hotel downtown Helsinki
Meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner)
Transportations to program venues.
Submit your offer request for summer school 2019 HERE
Tailored programs for summer 2018 also available, submit your inquiry HERE.
about us
Welcome to Finland – the onnivation® nation!
The summer school program is offered to you by onnivation® Ltd which is a Finnish startup based in Espoo Innovation Garden, the ”Silicon Valley of Finland”. In designing of the programs, we work with the experts and organizations that are key players in the success of the Finnish education. For further company information, please visit www.onnivation.fi
Visiting address:
Aalto Design Factory, Betonimiehenkuja 5 C
02150 Espoo, Finland