School Life

Kallio high school gives young people a versatile general education and excellent opportunities for further studies. Kallio values traditions and also give room for creativity and new insights. Their idea is that knowledge, skills and art are studied critically so students have a lot to say if they want changes. They value each individual and respect everyone's differences. What you see in the school is a variety of students dressed very differently, behaving differently and letting their beliefs emotions reflected in their dressing style. 

The academic year is divided into five periods. I got in the middle of the first period as the school starts mid August. 

You can choose the study courses you want for each period, each of which has approximately 17 lessons. The length of the lesson is 75 minutes. At the end of the period, there is an assessment week, when tests and group and feedback lessons for art subjects and physical education are held. Each course is evaluated separately.

To complete the matriculation degree, you must complete high school studies of at least 150 credits (one course is usually 2 credits)

In the school the support staff is extraordinary: 

1. There is a group leader ( mentor) who  is the student's closest adviser. Our mentor was Niina, who helped us with finding the right people, places and look for extra lessons (Spanish and voluntary work).  Her job is to monitor the progress of your studies in such a way that the right study courses are completed at the right time. 

2. Study advisor ( the study counselor)  who goes through guidance issues common to all students, but as a rule the guidance is personal. If you want to change your study program for a deliberate reason you should contact them. They can answer almost all questions related to studying, both about completing high school and applying for postgraduate studies. They lead career guaidance activities as well, visiting different workplaces. Our advisor was Minna who helped us to change courses when we though it was not on the right level.

3. Curator/ social worker' s task is to support the student's psychological and social well-being and the progress of their studies. You can apply to the curator when you want to confidentially discuss matters related to your life situation and/or your studies. Such issues can be, for example, issues related to social relationships, life management or independence. Their room is on the groud floor you can seek assistance whenever you need. Our curator was Maria Lahti and she had wellbeeing cafes as well but as we had lessons we could rarely attend them. 

4. The psychologist discusses various things that bother you. Things can be related to, for example, emotional life, relationships, studies or life changes. The purpose of the discussion is to structure your situation and find understanding and new perspectives. The psychologist's services are confidential  and free of charge. We did not use their service. 

5. Special education teacher: if you have already been diagnosed with a special learning difficulty, a long-term illness affecting your studies, or a limitation, you should contact a special education teacher to map out the overall situation. They can be reached by texting Wilma. 

6. School nurse: the kids are offered the opportunity for a health check-up in their first or second year of study. The reception activities of a health nurse include disease prevention, treatment-related advice, monitoring of diseases, providing psychosocial support, first aid for accidents, vaccination and contraceptive advice.

Marjo, the Queen

The canteen in my school is called Sky Bar and the chef is nicknamed The Queen as she also cooked for the Queen. She is a very nice lady and has special recipes for pancakes, fish ragu and very tasty vegan soups.

The lunch in Finnish schools is free for all students, so it was in Kallio. It offers a diverse range of options that cater all dietary preferences. From fish and meat dishes to vegetarian and vegan courses, the menu is various and rich. The inclusion of separate offerings for vegans and vegetarians ensures that every student has access to a meal that is good for their choices.

Beyond the main courses, vegetables are a must in Finnish school lunches, promoting a healthy diet. Lettuce and carrot were the main ingredient but there was cucumber and tomato quite often.

They have a rule called the half-plate which means that half of the plate should always consist of vegetables and the other half can be anything else.

One unique aspect of Finnish school lunches is the cultural tradition of encouraging drinking as much milk as possible. Students are brought up with the custom of drinking milk, and it was very strange to see the milk tap next to the water tap. This allows students to easily pour milk during their meals ( and a lot of them do this), and they can have as much as they want.

They told me that they start this healthy eating habit from a very young age.