II · Secondary school
Grades 7–9 at Norden.
In Grades 7–9 students encounter a more challenging, subject-specialist curriculum while developing the critical thinking and communication skills they will carry beyond school. We also provide a structured environment for home-educated students.
Curriculum
A specialist curriculum for Grades 7–9
The secondary curriculum follows the Finnish national core curriculum and is delivered entirely in English. Students study a broad range of subjects while beginning to develop areas of particular interest and strength.
- Finnish national core curriculum, English-medium delivery
- Choice of foreign language: Swedish, Spanish or French
- Small class sizes and dedicated teaching staff
- Introductory meeting before enrolment to ensure the right fit
- Progress reports for school transitions and study abroad
Subjects taught
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Language arts
Advanced reading, writing, critical analysis and oral communication in English.
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Mathematics
Algebra, geometry, statistics and problem-solving aligned with the Finnish national curriculum.
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Science
Biology, chemistry and physics explored through inquiry-based learning and laboratory work.
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Social studies
History, geography and civics with an international and intercultural perspective.
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Foreign languages
Students choose from Swedish, Spanish or French as a foreign language alongside English instruction.
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Physical education
Team sports, fitness and movement to support healthy development during adolescence.
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Arts & technology
Elective study in visual arts, design and digital technology, fostering creativity and technical skills.
Year by year
Learning focus across Grades 7–9
- Grade 7
- Transition from primary to secondary; students encounter a more structured, subject-specialist curriculum and begin developing independent study habits.
- Grade 8
- Deepening knowledge across all subjects; greater emphasis on analysis, written argument and collaborative project work.
- Grade 9
- Final year of compulsory schooling; students consolidate learning, explore post-Grade 9 pathways and prepare transition documentation.
Home education
A supported school environment for home-educated students
Norden International School provides a school-based learning environment for students enrolled in home education programmes. We offer individualised attention within an English-medium international framework, in close collaboration with families.
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Individualised attention
Small class sizes mean teachers can adapt pace and approach to each student's learning profile.
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English-medium framework
An international, English-language environment while following the Finnish national core curriculum.
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Open family communication
Close collaboration with families is central to how we support home-educated students.
Legal responsibilities — Finnish home education
Under Finnish law, the student's municipal school monitors the home education arrangement. Parents are responsible for keeping the official documentation required by their municipality. An official graduation certificate issued by the municipal monitoring school is required to apply to upper secondary school (lukio) in Finland. Norden provides progress reports and supporting documentation; the municipal school issues the formal certificate.
After Grade 9
Post-Grade 9 pathways
Our students have access to a range of onward routes after completing Grade 9. We guide families through the options available.
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Vocational education
Upper secondary vocational programmes in fields such as IT, culinary arts, healthcare, construction, beauty and fashion.
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Discretionary applications
Individual assessment pathways into upper secondary programmes for students who meet specific criteria.
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English-medium options
Helsinki International School, Ressun Lukio (IB Diploma), and Helsingin Saksalainen Koulu offer English-medium upper secondary study.
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Adult upper secondary
Students aged 18 or over may enrol in adult upper secondary programmes leading to a matriculation certificate.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about secondary school
Everything you need to know about the secondary programme, home education and certification.
Does the school issue an official Finnish school certificate?
What is the home education programme?
Is an official graduation certificate required for upper secondary school?
What languages can students study?
How does the admissions process work for secondary students?
What is the annual school fee?
Begin your application
Ready to join secondary school?
Arrange an introductory meeting or apply online — we welcome students throughout the year.