IB Diploma Programme (DP)

Schedules of the school year 2025-2026

Autumn term: Thu 7.8. – Sat 20.12.2025

• Autumn vacation: Mon 13.10. –  Sun 19.10.2025 (week 42)
• Christmas vacation: Sun 21.12.2025 – Tue 6.1.2025

Spring term: Wed 7.1. – Sat 30.5.2026

• Winter vacation: Mon 16.2. –  Sun 22.2.2026 (week 8)

Study periods

Period 1  7.8.2025 – 30.9.2025

Period 2 1.10.2025 – 28.11.2025

Period 3 1.12.2025 – 4.2.2026

Period 4 5.2.2026 –  2.4.2026

Period 5 7.4.2026 – 30.5.2026

Assessment periods (pre-DP)

Assessment period 1 24.9.2025 – 30.9.2025

Assessment period 2 21.11.2025 – 28.11.2025

Assessment period 3 28.1.2026 – 4.2.2026

Assessment period 4 26.3.2026 – 2.4.2026

Assessment period 5 21.5.2025 – 28.5.2025

Retake exams (pre-DP)

1. Tue 28.10.2025 at 16-19
2. Tue 13.1.2026 at 16-19
3. Tue 3.3.2026 at 16-19
4. Tue 5.5.2026 at 16-19
5. Wed 10.6. at 9-12

Guardians’ and parents’ evenings

To be announced later

Other events

• Penkkarit event  Thu 5.2.2026
• Day of the Eldest Fri 6.2.2026

Daily working hours at school

1. lesson  08.30-09.45
2. lesson  10.00-11.15
3. lesson  11.30-12.45
4. lesson 13.15-14.30
5. lesson  14.45-16.00

The school rules help ensure the well-being of everyone at Turku International Upper Secondary. According to the law, everyone has the right to a safe learning environment. Bullying and harassment are not allowed. We treat each other with respect. 

General rules  

• We treat each other equally. 

• We respect the integrity of each person. 

• We respect everyone’s right to be heard. 

• We do not discriminate or offend anyone. 

• We use language that is appropriate and respectful. 

Working environment 

• We take care of the spaces where we work, eat, move and spend time. We all do our part to keep the school’s premises clean and pleasant. We clean up after ourselves and put things back in their place. 

• We do not smoke or use intoxicating substances in and around the school, or on any excursions organised by the school. 

• We follow the rules of safe transport. 

• We only park our vehicles in permitted places. 

Studying 

• We participate in education unless we have been granted an exemption. 

• We complete our assignments conscientiously within the agreed timetable. 

• We arrive on time for lessons and bring the necessary study equipment. 

• We do our part to create a positive learning environment. 

• We value our own work and the work of others. 

• We give constructive feedback. 

• We take responsibility for our own learning. 

Procedures in the event of violations and disruptions 

A student who does not follow the school rules, disrupts lessons or otherwise behaves improperly may be subject to disciplinary measures. 

Classroom disruptions and inappropriate behaviour 

1. The teacher addresses the inappropriate or disruptive classroom behaviour once, and the incident will be recorded in Wilma.  

1. If the teacher needs to address the behaviour a second time, they will hold an educational discussion with the student. A notification of the discussion will be sent via Wilma to the homeroom teacher, the student, their guardian, and the vice principal. The teacher will record the disruption in Wilma.​ 

1. If the inappropriate behaviour or disruption of the lesson continues, the vice principal will discuss with the student. A message about this will be sent to the student’s guardian or legal representative and the homeroom teacher. In addition, the disruption will be recorded in Wilma. 

1. In cases of persistent and repeated inappropriate or disruptive classroom behaviour, the principal will invite the student, their guardian or legal representative (if the student is a minor), and the homeroom teacher to a meeting. Persistent inappropriate behaviour may lead to a written warning or to the student being excluded from school-organised trips and excursions.
    

Tardiness 

• The teacher points out the late arrival to the student and marks it in Wilma. 

• Repeated tardiness will be discussed, just like inappropriate or disruptive behaviour in lessons. 

This is how we work: 

Students are expected to arrive on time for lessons. If a student arrives late, they may join the lesson up to 15 minutes after it has started, or at another point the teacher deems appropriate. The student will be marked as tardy in Wilma. 

If a student arrives later than 15 minutes after the lesson has begun, they will be marked absent. The teacher will admit the student to the lesson at a suitable point. 

Notification of late arrival (time and reason): students must inform the school of their late arrival and the reason for it at least 15 minutes before the lesson begins. 

Tardiness will affect the student’s assessment. The reason for all absences must always be explained, either through Wilma or with a separate certificate. The guardian or legal representative of a minor student must indicate the reason for the absence in Wilma. 

If the teacher is more than 15 minutes late, students should contact the principal, vice principal, or study and careers adviser. 

Harassment on the way to and from school 

By law, when a principal or teacher in a comprehensive school, general upper secondary school, or vocational school becomes aware of any harassment, bullying, discrimination, or violence at school or on the way to or from school, they must inform the guardian or legal representative of both the student suspected of the behaviour and the student who has been subjected to it. In this context, the names of those involved in the incident may be disclosed to the guardian or other legal representative. 

As part of its educational role, the school is also responsible for guiding young people towards good behaviour, safety and responsibility on the way to and from school. 

Unauthorised and unexcused absences  

• At the start of the school year, and at the beginning of a study unit, if necessary, all students are clearly informed about the impact of absences on completing the unit and the procedure for making up missed work. 

• Students will discuss absences with the subject teacher. 

• The homeroom teacher monitors the accumulation of absences and discusses them with students. The homeroom teacher is also responsible for contacting the student’s guardian or legal representative to clarify the reasons for absences. 

• Students with unauthorised absences are not entitled to remedial instruction. 

• The homeroom teacher will consult student welfare services when necessary, and if absences continue, the homeroom teacher will convene a pedagogical meeting or a MER (multidisciplinary expert group) meeting. 

• Intensified support measures and monitoring will be initiated if a student is absent for one month without a clear and consistent reason. A certificate of termination of studies may be issued, and with appropriate guidance, the student may be directed to another place of study. (Section 24 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education) 

Absences due to trips taken outside the school’s holiday periods  

• If a minor student’s absence lasts between 1 and 3 days, the guardian or legal representative must request permission from the homeroom teacher. 

• If the trip exceeds 3 days, the guardian or legal representative must request permission from the principal via email. 

• The student must notify their teachers of the absence at least five days before the start of the trip. 

• The student is responsible for keeping up with their studies during the absence. 

• Taking a computer on trips is not allowed.   

• If the student is given assignments to be completed during the trip and fails to submit them by the agreed deadline, the teacher is not obliged to assess the work.  

• The student is not entitled to remedial teaching for any learning gaps resulting from the trip. 

• It is the responsibility of the guardian or legal representative of the minor student to ensure that the student completes their schoolwork during the trip as agreed with the teachers. 

Failure to complete assignments and low number of completed studies  

• At the beginning of a study unit, the teacher and students agree on the assessment and the assignments to be completed during the study unit. 

• If a student fails to complete their assignments, the teacher records this information in Wilma and discusses it with the student. 

• If the same situation is the same in several subjects, the homeroom teacher will contact the student’s guardian or legal representative. 

• The homeroom teacher will arrange a meeting with the student and their guardian or legal representative. An individual, multidisciplinary student welfare meeting will be held, if necessary, to review the student’s situation and progress in detail, and to agree on measures and monitoring. 

Incomplete study units  

A student is given a grade of K (kesken, incomplete) if they cannot be assessed due to excessive absences or missing work. 

If a student has been absent from lessons so many times that the teacher cannot assess their competence and progress based on the agreed assessment criteria, they will receive the letter K on their school report. 

If a student cannot be assessed because they have not completed required parts of the study unit, they will receive the letter K on their school report. 

Completing a study unit to remove the letter K: 

1. The student must complete the make-up assignments and any incomplete tasks specified by the teacher during the following study period. In this case, any completed parts of the incomplete study unit will remain valid. The teacher will determine whether the student is allowed to take the final exam at the end of the period.  

1. The student will complete the entire study unit independently according to the instructions given by the teacher. The student has two study periods to complete the unit, and any previously completed parts of the incomplete study unit will not be counted. The curriculum of Turun normaalikoulun lukio determines which study units cannot be completed independently. 

1. The student completes the entire study unit by participating in the teaching again. Sometimes the study unit may not be offered until the following school year. 

Once the study period has started, the student cannot drop a study unit they have chosen. It must be completed in full. Absences must always be explained. 

Mobile device and phone use 

Students may use smartphones and mobile devices during lessons only with the teacher’s permission. Recording video or audio of others’ conversations at school is not allowed unless the principal has given special permission. 

Students are not allowed to have smartphones with them during exams. Wristwatches are also not allowed. If an supervisor sees a student with a smartphone or wristwatch during an exam, the student will be disqualified from the exam. For more information, see Cheating and plagiarism. There are separate instructions for the matriculation examination. 

Use of tobacco products and intoxicating substances 

Smoking and the use of tobacco products (including nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes) is prohibited. If a student is seen using them at school, on school grounds, or during a school-organised trip or excursion, the matter will be discussed with the student, and the school rules and relevant laws will be reviewed. The guardian or legal representative of a minor will also be informed about the matter. 

If a student has intoxicating substances with them at school, they will be confiscated. If a student is visibly intoxicated at school and/or during a school event, the student will be removed from the school for the remainder of the day. The principal or a teacher will inform the minor’s guardian or legal representative about the incident and file a child welfare notification. 

The homeroom teacher or principal will organise an individual student welfare meeting to agree on further actions and division of responsibilities. Based on this agreement, the school’s multidisciplinary group will monitor the situation. 

Cheating and plagiarism  

Plagiarism refers to dishonest conduct in written assignments, such as essays, reports or other written work. It includes the unauthorised borrowing of information, insufficient referencing to another person’s text, and presenting someone else’s text as one’s own. Plagiarism is literary theft: it involves using another person’s writing, sentences, paragraphs or entire work, or even presenting someone else’s thoughts or ideas, without proper citation. In this context, presenting work completed by someone else as one’s own, or presenting collaboratively completed work as one’s own, can also be considered cheating. Sources must also be cited for any borrowed texts, tables, diagrams, images and literary excerpts. 

If, after hearing the student, the teacher considers the plagiarism or cheating to be evident: 

First time: If the teacher suspects cheating, the teacher is obliged to discuss the matter with the student. If it is established that cheating has occurred, the teacher informs the homeroom teacher and the principal of the incident. The principal records the incident in the school’s administrative system. The homeroom teacher informs the guardian or legal representative of the minor student about the incident. The teacher rejects the student’s work in question. The work cannot be resubmitted, which will negatively affect the assessment of the study unit. The student also loses the opportunity to receive feedback on their work. 

Second time, plagiarism or cheating is evident: The teacher, homeroom teacher, student, principal, and the guardian/legal representative of a minor student hold a joint discussion. After hearing the student, the principal issues a written warning to the student. The principal records in the administrative system that a discussion has been held and a written warning issued. 

Third time, plagiarism or cheating is evident: If a student is caught plagiarising for the third time during their general upper secondary studies, the principal will decide whether to start suspension proceedings for a fixed period. The principal talk to student before making this decision. 

Use of AI applications in studies 

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are continuously developing tools of the future workplace. Therefore, it is important for both teachers and students to familiarise themselves with how AI applications work, their features and usage. 

AI can be used to support learning, but it does not replace the student’s own learning process. AI applications may be used to help with idea generation, as well as combining and repeating information, but the student must still carry out the thinking independently. If a student uses AI to generate text, images or other content, they are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the material and for properly citing sources. The use of AI applications must always be clearly indicated. 

The use of AI applications in a study unit is agreed upon at the beginning of the study unit or when necessary. Teachers have the right to prohibit the use of AI applications in a study unit or in a specific assignment. 

Damaging property and endangering security  

Damaging school property or another student’s property 

The principle investigates what has happened, for example, by interviewing or reviewing surveillance footage. 

The principal holds a meeting with those involved, and decisions about the matter and any compensation for the damage are made according to the circumstances. 

If necessary, the principal will contact the police. 

Possession of prohibited items 

When the matter comes to light, the student is asked to hand the item over to a teacher or the principal. If the student refuses to hand over the item or denies possession, a search is conducted by two staff members. 

The item is confiscated and, depending on the situation, may be returned to the student at the end of the school day or handed over to the guardian or legal representative of a minor. 

The teacher or principal informs the guardian or legal representative of the minor, and depending on the situation, the matter may also be reported to the police. 

A student who is disruptive or endangers safety 

According to Section 41 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education, a student who disrupts instruction may ordered to leave the classroom or other place of instruction for the remainder of the lesson, or be ordered to leave a school function.  

According to Section 43 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education, the principal and teacher have the right to remove from the classroom or other teaching facility or school function a student who fails to comply with the order to leave referred to in the Act. If the student to be removed resists the efforts to remove them, the principal and teachers have the right to remove the student using reasonable coercive measures deemed necessary with due regard to the student’s age and the imminence of the threat or the degree of resistance put up by the student based on an overall assessment of all relevant circumstances. 

A student who uses a mobile device without permission may also be removed from the lesson or an event organised by the school. However, the right to confiscate as stated in Section 45 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education does not apply to phones or other mobile devices. The right to inspect items in a student’s possession, as stated in Section 46 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education, does not allow the inspection to be carried out for the purpose of confiscating a phone or other mobile device. 

A report is made to the police in cases where safety is endangered. 

Threats made online are also reported to the police. 

Disciplinary measures  

Under Section 41 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education, a written warning may be issued if the student 

• repeatedly disrupts instruction 

• breaches order 

• cheats 

Before issuing a written warning, the student must be heard and any other necessary information gathered. Before imposing a disciplinary sanction, the guardian of a minor student must be given an opportunity to be heard. The written warning shall be issued by the principal. 

Suspension for a fixed period 

If the breach is serious or if the student carries on with the inappropriate conduct after being issued a written warning, the student may be suspended from the school for a fixed period of time not exceeding one year. If the student is within the scope of compulsory education they may be suspended for a maximum period of three months. 

Before suspension, the student must be heard and any other necessary information gathered. The guardian or legal representative of an minor student must also be given an opportunity to be heard. The decision regrading suspension is made by the principal of the general upper secondary school.  

Matters currently under court proceedings and cases leading to an exclusion process are always handled and resolved on a case-by-case basis. Serious and repeated breaches during the school day may also result in a report of an offence to the police and/or a child welfare notification. If a student is under investigation for a suspected crime, their right to attend school may be suspended for the duration of the investigation if justified by the nature of the suspected offence or related circumstances. This is done in cooperation with the lead investigator. 

Principles of compliance with the general principles of legal protection in governance when using disciplinary measures 

If disciplinary action is to be taken, the student concerned must be heard. The student always has the right to request the presence of a guardian or legal representative during the hearing. The principal conducts the hearing, unless they are involved in the matter. If the principal is involved, the vice-principal handles the matter. The hearing is documented and signed by the principal, the student concerned and, if present, the guardian or legal representative of the student. The measures must be based on appropriate, generally accepted and objective reasons. The same sanctions must be imposed for similar acts regardless of who committed them, however so that recurrence of acts may be taken into account as aggravating circumstances. The disciplinary consequences must be in proportion to the act. They shall not be used for inappropriate purposes, such as to humiliate the student. 

Study welfare team

Health care

School nurse Vilma Alcenius  (tel. 040 149 8500)

The school nurse’s room is located on the 1st floor next to Lounge A in the elementary school section.

• at 8 – 9 reception  without pre-booking
• at 9 –  reception with advance booking
  

The aim of school healthcare is

• to enhance the students’ health and ability to study effectively, and to support life control and the process toward adulthood
  
• to recognize the need for special support and to guide the student to make use of our welfare team and the suppotive measures
• to observe and promote the health, welfare and safety of the whole school community and environment.

Health inspections of the senior high students

School health care is mostly taken care of by the school nurses and school doctor. They will contact other health services such as hospital inspections, treatment or rehabilitation if needed. All 1st-year senior high students are called to the health inspection carried out by the school nurse. 2nd-year students are inspected by the school nurse and doctor together but it is possible to meet the doctore earlier on request.

The aim of the health inspections is to get an overall view of the students’ health and welfare situation and to guide the students to make choices that promote their health. Special attention is paid to the students’ life situation, study motivation and health risks.

The students’ health situation is evaluated from the point of view how well they are able to do well in their studies. The doctor’s inspection in the 2nd year includes the inspection for the army as a pre-measure to the official army inspection.

It is vital that new students inform the school nurse, form or subject teacher about any underlying diseases or other conditions or symptoms that may affect the future studies.

Accidents and sudden illnesses that require medical doctor’s treatment are taken care of in the local health centre or on-duty hospital (TYKS, T-hospital, Savitehtaankatu 1, Turku; telephone advice 02-313800). First aid is given by the school nurses. The treatment in cases of school accident is free for the students. See for more information in Wilma.

Dental treatments

Dental treatment of the students is carried out in the student’s own dental clinic in his/her postal area. The students must book the time themselves and the treatment is free for anyone under 18. Turku central dental clinic tel. 02-2660 644. Those who are not permanent residents of Turku are obliged to book a time in their own community.

• IB Diploma Programme is a challenging pre-university programme of international education offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (Diploma programme at the IBO website)
• Founded in 1968, the IBO is a non-profit educational foundation
• There are more than 2700 schools in about 140 countries offering the IB Diploma Programme. In Finland the number of IB DP schools is 16.
• The IB Diploma Programme leads to a qualification that is widely recognized and appreciated by universities all over the world.
• In Finland the IB Diploma is considered equivalent to the Finnish “ylioppilastutkinto”.

IB Diploma Programme in Turun normaalikoulu is preceded by a one-year Pre-DP Programme which follows Finnish national upper secondary school first year curriculum. The language of instruction in Pre-DP is English. Pre-DP is implemented in order to ensure sufficient skills in the language of instruction (English) and to introduce working methods that are typically used in the IB Diploma Programme.

Around 95% of the IB Diploma graduates enter universities in Finland, Britain, other European countries or elsewhere in the world. The most successful graduates often gain admission to prestigious European and North American universities.

DP subjects

The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay (EE).

Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.

The DP subjects are chosen at the end of the pre-DP year. Students must choose 6 subjects from DP subject groups 1-5, at least one subject from each group (group 6, Arts, is not offered). Three subjects must be chosen at higher level (HL) and three subjects at standard level  (SL). It is possible to choose 4 higher level subjects and an additional 7th subject.

At higher level the number of teaching hours is 240 and at standard level 150.

If a student needs all sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) for medical studies at university he/she does not need to choose a group 3 subject. A specific permission by the IBO is required.

DP subjects

Pre-diploma year

• The IB Diploma Programme (DP) lasts for two years and is preceded by a pre-diploma year aiming at developing the students’ general knowledge as well as study and language skills.
• The pre-DP year curriculum is a modified version of the national curriculum and the language of instruction is English.
• Students complete 25-30 courses in the pre-DP year.
• All students study either German, Spanish or French. Students with no previous studies in these languages study 4 courses and advanced students study 2 courses. The courses are compulsory.
• Other language studies must be approved by the DP coordinator.
• In addition, Turku International Upper Secondary students with previous knowledge of the Finnish language  take 2 courses of Finnish B in the pre-DP year.
• Students with little or no knowledge of Finnish take 4 courses of Finnish in the pre-DP year.
• If a student intends to take some other Language A than English, he/she has to study it with a private teacher during the pre-DP year at his/her own cost.
• DP coordinator can be consulted on questions regarding other Language A arrangements.

Subjects and Number of Courses

Languages:

Language A English 3

Language B Finnish 3-4
Language B (advanced): German, Spanish or French 2
Language B (beginners): German, Spanish or French 4

Mathematics 4 or 5
Natural Sciences: Biology 1-2, Physics 1-2,  Chemistry 1-2, Integrated sciences 1
Humanities: History 2, Psychology 1, Social Studies 1, Academic thinking skills 1, World today 1
Other subjects: Art or Music 1, Physical Education 1, Guidance and counselling 1

Independent studies

• Due to family or medical reasons a student may have to be absent from school and work independently for some time.
• The school should be informed of such a case and preferably in advance, if possible.
• The permission application for absence is made in Wilma.
• The principal grants permissions to do the required course work independently.

Pre-DP year evaluation

• Students are assessed  five times a year at the end of each study period. The grade reports are available in Wilma.
• The courses are evaluated on a scale of 10 (excellent) to 4 (fail).
• If all course work is not submitted the student is awarded the grade K (= unfinished work).
• Teachers are not required to accept work which is turned in late.
• Students can try to raise a course grade by signing up for a retake exam via Wilma.
• A retake exam can be taken only once per course.
• The dates for the retake exams can be found on the school’s website.

Absences

• All students are expected to attend school regularly. Absences from school must have a legitimate excuse and teachers should be informed of them in advance, if possible.
• All absences must be cleared by a parent/guardian or a medical professional (doctor, dentist etc).
• If a student has three to four absences the teacher will determine whether he/she can evaluate the course.
• The last retake exam is arranged in mid-June.
• The pre-DP year cannot be repeated.

Conditions for moving on to DP1

• To choose a higher level (HL) subject the student should have at least a minimum average grade of 7.0, although an average grade of 8.0 or more is recommended.
• For a standard level (SL) subject the minimum grade average is 7.0.
• Students must meet the requirements below to select six DP year subjects (see section below for eligibility).
• Students have to choose 3 higher level (HL) subjects (max. 4) and 3 standard level (SL) subjects from DP subject groups 1 – 5.
• The sixth subject is chosen from groups 2 – 4.
• Students must have completed all pre-DP year courses with a grade 5 or above by the end of the school year.

Subject Group 1
English A (HL/SL)

Subject Group 2
Finnish B (HL/SL), French B  (HL/SL), French B ab initio (SL), German B (HL/SL), German B ab initio (SL), Spanish B (HL/SL) Spanish ab initio (SL)

Subject Group 3  History (HL/SL), Psychology (HL/SL), Economics (HL/SL), Business Management (SL),

• To qualify for Business Management SL students should have at least grade 7 in social studies (SOC).
• To qualify for Economics SL or HL students should have at least grade 7 in social studies (SOC), for Economics HL grade 8 or more in SOC is recommended.

Subject group 4
Biology (HL/SL), Chemistry (HL/SL), Physics (HL/SL)

Subject Group 5

Two different mathematical subjects are offered in the DP: Mathematics, Applications and Interpretation (MAI) SL and Mathematics, Analysis and Approaches (MAA) SL and HL.

• If the student chooses the short version of math (4 courses) in the pre-DP, they must take SL Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (MAI) course during the DP. 
• If the student chooses the long version of math (5 courses) in the pre-DP, they can take either Mathematics, Applications and Interpretation (MAI) at SL or Mathematics, Analysis and Approaches (MAA) course at SL or HL in DP.
• For MAA SL an average grade of at least 7.0 is required and for MAA HL an average grade of at least 8.0 is recommended. 
• For MAI SL an average grade of 6.0 is required.

N.B. Due to timetable reasons some subjects have to be taught at the same time. The overlapping subjects are physics and history / chemistry and psychology / biology and economics

DP subject briefs

The link above will take you to the official IBO Dipoloma Programme web pages where you can study the content, syllabus and evaluation of each of the IB subjects. TOK, CAS and EE information is there as well.

Evaluation in DP1 and DP2

• IB grades range from 7 (highest) to 1 (lowest).
• Thus 6 subjects give maximum 42 points, TOK and EE max 3 bonus points. So the maximum points in the IB Diploma is 45.
• Students are given grades after each of the five study periods as a course ends. In DP1, there are 5 HL courses and 3 SL courses and DP2 4 HL courses and 3 SL courses.
• In DP2 the students have two mock weeks (mid-term exam weeks) to practise time management and test their knowledge and skills.
• If a student is absent from a mock exam, they must present a doctor’s certificate or the quardian must clear the absence to the form teacher and DP coordinator. This is a requirement for rescheduling the exam.
• Failure to submit all course work can result in the grade T (= unfinished work). A numerical grade will be awarded once the work has been completed.
• Teachers are not required to accept or assess work turned in late.

Absence control in the DP

• All students are expected to attend school regularly. Absences from school must have a legitimate excuse and teachers should be informed in advance, if possible.
• All absences must be cleared by a parent/guardian or a medical professional (doctor, dentist etc).

IB final examinations schedules

The link above will take you to the following two exam sessions. The exams of one subject is usually divided between two days. Sometimes the students have two different subjects tested on the same day.

Conditions for the award of the IB Diploma

• all six IB subjects are compulsory and have to be taken in the final examinations
• the students have 3 opportunities to take the examinations, this does not have to take place in consecutive sessions
• most subjects can be taken in May or November sessions
• a minimum total of 24 points in six diploma subjects
• a minimum average grade of 4 in HL subjects (note: 3 is sufficient if have grade 5, 6, or 7 in another HL subject)
• a minimum average grade of 3 in SL subjects (note: 2 is sufficient if have grade 5, 6, or 7 in another SL subject)
• a minimum of 12 points altogether in 3 HL subjects
• a minimum of 9 points in 3 SL subjects
• completion of all IA work,  done at home or at school and is part of the final grade being 25-50 % of the final grade.
• completion of all TOK components, no grade E
• completion of all CAS components
• completion of the Extended Essay, no grade E
• all pending fees must have been paid, the final exam cost about 600 euros
• Failing to meet one or more of the criteria above means no diploma awarded.

These pages have been updated in the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic honesty policy Turun normaalikoulu (Turku teacher training school) 2023

Admission policy in Turku teacher training school 2022

Assessment policy Turun normaalikoulu (Turku teacher training school) 2022

Inclusion policy Turun normaalikoulu 2022

Language policy Turun normaalikoulu (Turku teacher training school) 2022

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme. Studied throughout the Diploma Programme, CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies.  CAS is not formally assessed. However, students reflect on their CAS experiences as part of the DP, and provide evidence of achieving the seven learning outcomes for CAS.

Creativity – arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.

Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.

Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

Please read more: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/creativity-activity-and-service/

Here some examples:

Kalle´s CAS story: 

For my activity strand, my goal is to improve my balancing skills in skateboarding. It is an ongoing activity in which I regularly participate. I wanted to improve my balancing skills because it is one of my weaknesses in skateboarding. In order to achieve my goal, I need to push myself out of my comfort zone and practice intensely to learn more balancing tricks. Often, it is a strenuous process as I try a trick for hours at a time. Usually, I do not learn anything in a single session, but over time my body and board land in the right places and I learn a new trick. As this happens, I reflect on what my body is doing and figure out the techniques required for the trick. This is my favourite part of the learning process as I get a eureka moment. 

The photo above shows me performing a skateboarding trick called “kickflip to regular manual”. This was a significant moment in developing my balancing skills because it was my first flip trick to a balancing position. 

IMG_2879

*Kalle DP1 student

Jenny´s CAS story

CAS-project is something you need to do within the CAS program. It is a longer project that must last for over a month and be done in collaboration with others. My friend and I decided to join an organization in Varissuo, Turku, called Together association. Through that association we got to take part in a project called Green Work Hubs. It is an international project that lasts nine months. We had a training course in Krannenburg, Germany, in January and met people from abroad that we will be working in collaboration with. The aim of the project is to bring awareness on climate change and encourage people to take actions for it. Now for the nine months we’re making an E-magazine and keeping that up while doing local activities. It is a very interesting and fun project that me and my friend are both interested in. CAS does not have to be something you force yourself to do. Seek out for opportunities and you might find yourself collaborating with loads of people from different countries.

* Jenny DP1 student

Who  can apply to Turku International Upper Secondary?

The school is intended for international families moving to Finland, working temporarily or permanently in the Turku region and also for Finnish families returning to Finland after years abroad. The parent/parents must have a job or a confirmed admission decision from an educational institute.

The Turku International Upper secondary follows the IB Diploma Programme.

Is it possible to apply to TIS in advance?

It is possible to start the application process while living abroad. We recommend filling in the online application well in advance, if you are planning on moving to Finland.  Parents are advised to contact the TIS principal Mirjam Rasmus to inquire the student situation of the grade in question.

Please note, that in order to finalize the application process and confirm a student’s school place you need to have a residence permit and an address in Turku/Turku region. To get a residence permit to Finland, you have to contact the Finnish immigration authorities.

Can my child go to TIS even though we don’t live in Turku? 

You need to live in Turku or its surrounding areas. Please contact the principal Mirjam Rasmus in order to find out from which municipalities in the Turku area students can attend TIS.

How much are the school/tuition and application fees?

Basic and secondary education in Finland is free of charge. TIS is a public school and therefore there are no school fees. The school materials and daily school lunch are free of charge as well.

However, that also means that we only serve families living in the Turku area, so you need to have a residence permit and an address in Turku before we can admit your child to TIS.

Does the school have boarding facilities?

Turku International School is a day school and the school does not provide any boarding facilities. Therefore, all our students live with their families in Turku region.  In addition, the school can´t arrange accommodation or visas.

Can a student apply to IB programme without a parent?

The International Baccalaureate programme at the Turku international school is intended for students (usually 16-19 years old), who have to move to Finland because of their parents’ work or for Finnish young people who have been studying abroad previously, but are now returning to their home country. Please note, that we do not enroll foreign students who would move to Turku without their parents.

 Note for applicants outside of Finland

Turku International school welcomes applications from outside of Finland, with a priority going to families relocating due to job opportunities or families returning to their homeland. We will only consider for admission students under the age of 18 who will reside locally with family members.

Turku International Upper Secondary is intended mainly for

• international families moving to Finland and living and working temporarily or permanently in Turku and surrounding municipalities
• Finnish families returning to Finland after years abroad
• We will only consider for admission students under the age of 18 who will reside locally with family members

International or national section?

There are two streams in the DP upper secondary school: International and national section.

Applicants with a Finnish basic education certificate completed in Finnish or Swedish apply to the national section through the Finnish national joint application system.

Applicants with an equivalent certificate completed abroad with good academic skills in English apply to the international section. These students should fill in the Turku International School online application.

Depending on the section, students are offered a different language programme. In the international section English is offered as Language A, and Finnish as language B. Swedish B is not offered for the students of the international section. National section students are offered Finnish or Swedish as Language A and English as Language B. Finnish speaking students of the national section are required to  study Swedish B.

The entrance exam of the international section contains 3 parts; two subtests of English and one subtest of Mathematics.

Applicants for the international section, please find more information below.

Applicants for the national section, please see Turun normaalikoulu website.

Applicants with a Finnish Basic Education Certificate

• The selection of new pre-DP-students is based on previous academic records. If the applicant has a Finnish basic education certificate, the grade average of academic subjects in this diploma is considered. Mathematics and English grades have double weighing. If the applicant has a Finnish Basic Education certificate, but the language of instruction has been Finnish/Swedish, he/she must take the entrance exam in May 2025. The invitation to the test will be sent out on the basis of the application forms submitted.

• The deadline for applications was by the 18th of March 2025 at the latest.

• Admission directly to DP1: It is possible for a candidate to apply directly to the DP1, without the preceding pre- DP year. Every application is considered individually. The academic skills of the applicants will be tested. The student is expected to have studied in an English medium program prior to the application. Since admission is based on academic achievements, the latest school reports must be attached to the online application.

• The deadline for applications was by the 18th of March 2025 at the latest.

Applicants with an International Lower Secondary Certificate

• The selection of new pre-DP-students is based on previous academic records and an entrance exam. The grade average of academic subjects is considered. Mathematics and English grades have double weighing. The entrance exam for 2025 pre-DP entry will be held on May 26-27, 2025 in Turun normaalikoulu (Annikanpolku 9, 20610 Turku). The applicants will be sent an invitation to the entrance exam.  The deadline for applications is 18 March, 2025.

• Admission directly to DP1: It is possible for a candidate to apply directly to the DP1, without the preceding pre-DP year.Every application is considered individually. The academic skills of the applicants will be tested. The student is expected to have studied in an English medium program prior to the application. Since admission is based on academic achievements, the latest school reports must be attached to the online application.
• The deadline for applications was by the 18th of March 2025 at the latest.

Admission test for students arriving to Finland during the summer 2025

• Admission test for students arriving to Finland during the summer 2025: The entrance exam for 2025 pre-DP  and DP1 entry will be held on August 4-5, 2025 in Turku normaalikoulu (Annikanpolku 9, 20610 Turku). Invitations will be sent via email given on the submitted online application. The entrance exam will be held only if there are spaces available in the pre-DP and DP1.

 For additional information, please contact guidance counsellor Lotta Sundgren at uhsund@utu.fi, tel. +358 50 3596682.