Introducing preDP subjects
Finnish A
In A-level Finnish courses (3), the students learn analytical skills for prose, drama, and poetry, as well as other genres of literature. The students become familiar with the stylistic movements in the history of literature. The students practice writing academic literary analysis and develop skills as a participant in literary discussions.
Swedish A
In Swedish A Literature, students familiarize themselves with different genres (prose, drama and poetry) and practice using terms and concepts needed for analyzing literature. Students practice expressing themselves both orally and in writing about literature. Students read excerpts and works in Swedish and learn to analyze images, songs, poems, short stories, and novels.
English A
The three courses include analyzing literary works and academic articles. The focus is on understanding the purpose of a given text and identifying the authorial choices made. The students keep gaining experience in writing academic essays and giving formal oral presentations.
English B
In this subject, students study English as a foreign language. The goal is to reach a level where students are comfortable studying in the IB programme in English. You will practice your writing and speaking skills as well as reading and listening comprehension skills.
Finnish B
Finnish B is a subject where you study Finnish as a second language. The purpose of the subject is to develop your Finnish language skills so that you can perform better in Finnish-speaking society. In lessons, you practice speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills, as well as familiarize yourself with Finnish language culture. Our school offers five courses for beginners and three courses for more advanced students.
German B
Four courses for beginners (language B3), two courses for advanced beginners (language B2). B3 students start from scratch (courses 1 and 2), B2 students join the group when course 3 begins. On the courses you learn to talk about e.g. yourself, your hobbies, family and everyday life. If you wish to revisit basic vocabulary and basic grammar, you can take all four courses or join at course 3. Note: the preIB German courses are not for advanced German students.
French B
There are four courses available for beginners (Language B3) and two courses for the students who have already learned the basics of French previously (Language B2). The themes and topics for the courses are e.g. introducing yourself and your family, everyday life, hobbies, travelling and how to order food at a restaurant, among others. We will also familiarize ourselves with French-speaking countries around the world and discuss their varied cultural backgrounds.
Spanish B
There are four courses available for beginners (Language B3) and two courses for the students who have already learned the basics of Spanish previously (Language B2). The themes and topics for the courses are e.g. introducing yourself and your family, everyday life, hobbies, travelling and how to order food at a restaurant, among others. We will also familiarize ourselves with Spanish-speaking countries around the world and discuss their varied cultural backgrounds.
History
There are 2 courses. The first course examines the main phenomena of international politics, changes of international relations and their background from the late 19th century to the present day. It analyses international politics from different economic and ideological perspectives. Key themes include the tension between confrontation and cooperation, the pursuit of balance and security, and the competition between different political systems.
The second courses focus on the main turning points of Finnish History of 19th and 20th centuries. Student’s task is to learn and analyse the main changes. Turning points are: The Development of Finland’s state, Finland’s position in global view, From estate state to modern democratic republic (political, economic and cultural development).
Both courses will deepen the skills of searching for, analysing and producing information, as well as the interpretation and evaluation of different types of sources.
Social studies
In social studies the main focus of the subject is on economics. The course focuses both on microeconomics (e.g. individuals and enterprises) and macroeconomics (e.g. national economies). Economics is studied through classroom discussions, case studies, statistics and topical news. The course contents are the same as those of the second module of Finnish upper secondary school social studies titled “Economics”.
Academic thinking skills
This goal of this course is to help students to practice presentation skills, to understand the nature of scientific knowledge in different fields, and to foster curiosity in the production and acquisition of knowledge.
Psychology
Psychology is a wide-ranging subject, that investigates human behavior from different perspectives. The aim of psychology is to understand how human mind works and the different factors that influence it. The pre-ib psychology course works as an introduction to psychology as science. The course is based on three perspectives (biological, psychological and social) and key concepts related to them. In the end of the course, students will write an essay that showcase their skills to apply the psychological knowledge and analyze their own learning and studying.
Biology
The biology course will focus on biology as a natural science, the common characteristics of living organisms and the basic requirements of life, the evolutionary forces and mechanisms that have made the world of living organisms like it is today and the classification of living organisms. The course contents are the same as those of the first module of Finnish upper secondary school biology (”BI1: Life and evolution”).
Chemistry
In chemistry, studying knowledge is based on experimental working. In the lessons, concepts and skills are learned in hands-on practicals or teacher-based demonstrations. The main idea is to revise the basic knowledge and deepen the understanding of chemistry as a fundamental science and as a part of everyday life.
Physics
The physics course focuses on supporting the development of the student’s scientific thinking and worldview as part of a well-rounded general education. The course guides students to understand the significance of physics in everyday life, the environment, society and technology. The studying of concepts and skills is partly based through hands-on practicals and teacher-based demonstrations.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry course combines biology and chemistry. The studying is based on hands-on practicals. During the course the students become familiar with a small-scale scientific research process and learn to write a scientific essay.
Integrated science
Integrated science course combines physics, chemistry and biology. During the course students carry out extended laboratory works in groups, participate visitor lectures and learn the basic research skills. The main aim is to understand the interconnections between these three sciences.
Mathematics
Mathematics follows the national curriculum, where the first course has the same content for all students irrelevant to the level chosen later. The first course contains the topics of numbers, first degree equations, powers and roots.
-Standard level: After the first course, topics are equations of first and second degree, and geometry and trigonometry both in 2D and in 3D
Higher level: After the first course, topics include second and higher degree equations, geometry and trigonometry both in 2D and in 3D, analytical geometry with circles, and concepts of basic probability.
World Today (only for Turku International School students)
This course offers students a dynamic opportunity to explore both historical developments and contemporary global politics. With a comprehensive focus on the history and political landscape of each continent, the course gives a deeper understanding of the modern world. As a key component, students will undertake a focused research project on a country of their choice, analyzing its societal, economic, and political challenges to develop a well-rounded perspective on global affairs.