Program Overview

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Introduction to Turun Normaalikoulu

Turun Normaalikoulu is a school that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school aims to support students' growth towards becoming internationally minded, caring, and reflective builders of a sustainable future.

Mission Statement

The mission statement of Turun Normaalikoulu is to encourage students to explore knowledge across a range of disciplines in local and global contexts, emphasizing communication and cooperation, and respecting honesty and open-mindedness. The school fosters human and cultural diversity in its multicultural environment.

IB Open House

The IB Open House is an event where students and parents can visit the school and learn more about the IB programme. The event includes a joint information session in the auditorium.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar for Turun Normaalikoulu includes the following dates:

• Syyslukukausi (Autumn semester): August 7, 2025 - December 20, 2025
• Syysloma (Autumn break): October 13 - 19, 2025
• Itsenäisyyspäivä (Independence Day): December 6, 2025
• Joululoma (Christmas break): December 21, 2025 - January 6, 2026
• Kevätlukukausi (Spring semester): January 7, 2026 - May 30, 2026
• Talviloma (Winter break): February 16 - 22, 2026

Periods and Assessment Periods

The school year is divided into five periods, each with an assessment period:

1. Period 1: August 7, 2025 - September 30, 2025, Assessment period: September 23 - 30, 2025
2. Period 2: October 1, 2025 - November 27, 2025, Assessment period: November 20 - 27, 2025
3. Period 3: November 28, 2025 - February 4, 2026, Assessment period: January 28 - February 3, 2026
4. Period 4: February 4, 2026 - April 2, 2026, Assessment period: March 26 - April 2, 2026
5. Period 5: April 7, 2026 - May 30, 2026, Assessment period: May 21 - 28, 2026

Retake Exams

Retake exams are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 9 am - 12 pm (only for pre-DP students and graduating students)

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled at a later time.

Other Events

Other events include:

• Penkkarit (Graduation party): Thursday, February 5, 2026
• Vanhojen päivä (Alumni day): Friday, February 6, 2026

Daily Schedule

The daily schedule is as follows:

1. 8:30 am - 9:45 am: Period 1
2. 10:00 am - 11:15 am: Period 2
3. 11:30 am - 1:15 pm: Period 3 (lunch break from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm or 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm)
4. 1:25 pm - 2:40 pm: Period 4
5. 2:50 pm - 4:05 pm: Period 5

Student Support and Guidance

The school provides student support and guidance through a team of professionals, including a principal, vice principal, secretaries, student counselors, and special education teachers.

Health Services

The school provides health services, including a school nurse and a psychologist. Students can visit the school nurse without an appointment from 8 am to 9 am.

IB Programme

The IB programme is a two-year programme that includes six subjects, as well as the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) courses. Students can choose to study three subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and three subjects at the Standard Level (SL).

IB Subjects

The school offers the following IB subjects:

• Group 1: Language and Literature (English, Finnish, Swedish)
• Group 2: Language Acquisition (English, French, German, Spanish)
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Business Management, Economics, History, Psychology)
• Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Group 5: Mathematics (Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation)
• Group 6: Arts (not offered)

Admission Requirements

Admission to the IB programme requires a good academic record, as well as a strong command of English. Students who do not have a Finnish matriculation examination certificate must apply through the Turku International School.

Application Process

The application process for the IB programme typically begins in the spring, with the deadline for applications usually in March. Students who are interested in applying to the IB programme should contact the school for more information.

Diploma Programme

The Diploma Programme is a two-year programme that includes six subjects, as well as the TOK and EE courses. Students can choose to study three subjects at the HL and three subjects at the SL.

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)

CAS is a component of the IB programme that requires students to engage in creative, active, and service-oriented activities outside of the classroom. Students must complete a minimum of 18 months of CAS activities, which can include things like sports, music, art, and volunteer work.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word research paper that students must complete as part of the IB programme. The essay is an opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice, and to develop their critical thinking and research skills.

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is a component of the IB programme that requires students to think critically about the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired. The course is designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills, and to encourage them to think about the relationships between different subjects and areas of knowledge.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students' work is assessed and evaluated throughout the IB programme, using a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, projects, and presentations. The final exams for the IB programme are typically held in May, and the results are usually released in July.

Graduation

Students who successfully complete the IB programme are eligible to graduate and receive their IB diploma. The graduation ceremony is usually held in June, and is an opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements with their families and friends.

Alumni

The school has a strong alumni network, with many former students going on to study at top universities around the world. The school stays in touch with its alumni through regular newsletters and social media updates.

Cooperation with Sumino

The school has a cooperation agreement with Sumino, a company that provides educational services to international students. Sumino helps students from around the world to apply to the school and to navigate the IB programme.