Flexible basic education

In flexible basic education, your child can study at school, at the workplace and in various operating environments. On-the-job learning is an integral part of the studies. The studies also include study visits and excursions. Each pupil’s personal learning methods and goals are recorded in the education plan. Flexible basic education is intended for grades 7–9.

There are flexible basic education groups in the schools of Joutseno, Kesämäki and Lauritsala. These groups can also be implemented in the schools of Kimpinen and Sammonlahti. The groups have about 10 pupils and there is usually a teacher and special-needs assistant working in them. The groups cooperate with a wide range of operators, such as the youth services.

Flexible basic education supports pupils in completing the basic education syllabus, transitioning to upper secondary education and, in the long term, in finding employment. The aim of flexible basic education is to reduce dropping out of basic education, prevent exclusion as well as strengthen motivation to study and life management.

Requirements

Flexible basic education is intended for pupils of secondary school age, usually pupils in grades 8–9.

Instructions

Contact the form teacher, special-needs teacher, school social worker or the school’s headmaster for information on how to apply for the flexible basic education class.

Generally, the application to move to a flexible basic education class must be made in good time during the spring term. The application can be made by the pupil and guardian. The initiative to move to the flexible basic education class can also be taken by a teacher or school social worker.

Payment information

The service is free of charge.

Service background and legislation

Flexible basic education supports pupils in lower secondary school, or grades 7–9, who are in danger of

• not obtaining a basic education certificate because of underachievement or low study motivation
• dropping out from further education and employment.

The aim is to strengthen the pupils' study motivation and life management. Flexible basic education emphasises learning by doing, the use of different learning environments and on-the-job learning.

Flexible basic education is organised by comprehensive schools together with municipal youth services, wellbeing services counties, vocational schools, general upper secondary schools, liberal adult education institutions and youth workshops. In addition, it involves a professional familiar with supporting the social growth of young people, cooperation with families and other support and guidance work.

Flexible basic education is organised as contact teaching in small groups at school and as supervised learning in workplaces and other learning environments.