peruskoulun

Peruskoulun, in Finnish, refers to the national system of basic education in Finland. It comprises nine years of compulsory education from roughly age seven to sixteen and forms the core of the Finnish education system. The system is publicly funded and organized by municipalities, with direction set by the national core curriculum prepared by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Structure: Peruskoulu covers grades 1–9, traditionally divided into the lower stage (1–6) and the upper stage (7–9). Education is designed to be inclusive, with a strong emphasis on equal opportunity. Schools provide additional support through learning assistance, special education when required, school health services, and guidance counseling.

Curriculum and learning: The national core curriculum defines the learning goals and values of peruskoulun, while municipalities and schools develop local curricula to implement them. Cross-curricular competencies include thinking and learning to learn, digital and information literacy, multilingualism, and participatory citizenship. Assessment is based on ongoing feedback and progress; formal grades are typically used from the upper primary years in core subjects, with descriptive evaluation in the early years.

Assessment and outcomes: The aim of peruskoulu is holistic development, not just examination results. It prepares students for further study or vocational training. After completing peruskoulu, most students continue to upper secondary education: either lukio (upper secondary, academic) or vocational education and training (VET). The matriculation examination, taken at the end of lukio, serves as a national qualification for higher education.

History: The modern peruskoulun system emerged in the mid-20th century as part of Finland’s comprehensive school reform, seeking universal, high-quality education accessible to all children.