Introducing the school

Our school has four nature education (LUKA) classes that are led by our seven nature education teachers, covering education all the way from primary education to the 6th grade. LUKA activities are implemented diversely in classes. Phenomena-based activities and project learning, child-centred working methods, regular trips and learning outside are central to many of the nature education classes. The primary goals of LUKA classes are to enable the pupils to build a connection with nature and the environment through practical activities, to strengthen their environmental awareness and to build a sustainable future. We learn in nature, about nature and together with nature. Teacher training students focused on sustainability and nature education train annually in the LUKA classes. 

Music-focused teaching is provided for grades 3 to 6. In music-focused teaching, the pupils have three hours of music lessons per week throughout these grades. 

Music-focused teaching emphasises class-based instrumental studies using instruments commonly available in schools, as well as choir singing skills. Pupils practice playing both individually and in groups, in addition to practicing singing in groups of different sizes, gaining performance experience through practice. The choir of the music classes performs in concerts organised by the music classes, as well as in the school’s own celebrations. The skills of the music class pupils are also showcased outside the school by organising performances at different public and private occasions. Music classes offer plenty of opportunities for collaboration and social interactions. Experiences gained from doing things together increase the sense of togetherness and safety, as well as support the development of pupils’ self-identity. Arousing curiosity, play-like activities and spending time together all support the development of pupils’ creative musical thinking. The key goal of music classes is not to educate musicians but to inspire the pupils to have music as a diverse hobby. In addition to national reasons, the music class teaching aims to support the pupils’ competence in a goal-oriented, active and long-term manner. 

All grade 2 pupils in Rovaniemi’s schools can apply to music-focused teaching. We will inform parents of the matter through the schools’ Wilma system. Enrolment and exams are held annually in February. 

Pupils are admitted to the music classes based on a musical exam. Pupils are chosen starting from the highest points. The lowest accepted points are 30 % of the total. 

Classroom teacher and special education teacher students 

The teaching practices that are part of the University of Lapland’s Faculty of Education’s classroom teacher training are completed at the university’s Teacher Training School, apart from applied practice. In addition to teaching practice, the school is responsible for developing classroom teacher training together with the Faculty of Education. 

Apart from applied practice, the guided practice of students aiming to become classroom teachers is concentrated at our training school. During the practice period, there are 2 to 5 students in training per class. 

Teacher students complete their advanced practice in two parts, which makes it possible for students to graduate halfway through the year. In applied practice, teacher students work in teaching groups in pairs. In addition to training periods, we arrange didactic training on some of the subjects. 

Special education teacher students complete 2 teaching practices at our school. 

Art education teacher students 

Besides classroom teacher students, art education students from the Faculty of Art and Design also complete practices in our school. The following practices fit into our school’s schedule while accounting for classroom teacher practices: Advanced Practice, Teaching Practice II and III. Around 10 such students train in our school each school year. 

Steering group 

At the training school, the practice periods are planned and developed together by the practice team and steering group. The steering group of practices includes representatives of the Faculty of Education and the training school (bachelor’s and master’s levels, people in charge of practices as needed), a representative of Rantavitikka comprehensive school, as well as student representatives. To ensure the consistency of theory and practice, the training school lecturers and guiding lecturers of the faculty have planning and assessment meetings together before each teaching practice. 

Research, experimentation and development 

The Teacher Training School of the University of Lapland takes part in research, experimentation and development activities of Finnish teacher training schools in a networked manner. Many training school lecturers participate in these activities with their own and the school’s shared projects. 

Research can be conducted at the school only with a permission. Permits for research conducted at the Teacher Training School of the University of Lapland are provided by the school’s rector. Use the following form as your research permit application (attachment). Please also fill in the information on the research to the rector’s decision form. Send the forms by email to the rector (firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi). You can find templates for announcements made for parents and pupils here. 

The training schools are part of the teacher training of faculties of education; thus, we collaborate with the faculty and teacher training in research, experimentation and development activities. The school’s research, experimentation and development are coordinated by the research, experimentation and development team of the training school

Internationality is visible in the school in the following ways: 

• Multicultural activities within the school and our strengthening of internationalisation at home 

• Projects on internationality 

• Erasmus+ 

• Unesco 

• International pupils’ studies in our teaching groups 

• English language lessons 

• Observation Period Leading to the Teaching Experience 4 ects   

• Teaching Experience 4–8 ects  

• Observation of the support provided for learning and school attendance 

• Special and Inclusive Education school experience 4 ects  

• We introduce our school, the Finnish education system and teacher training to international guests. 

Pupil council 

The Teacher Training School of the University of Lapland’s pupil council is especially focused on supporting school attendance and well-being. 

A new council board is selected at the beginning of each term, and the board starts its work in September. The representatives of our pupil council act in our school’s restaurant committee and the pupil welfare steering group. Additionally, the pupil council representatives visit the staff and parent committee meetings, if needed. The pupil council organises different kinds of events and activities, and it also seeks to influence the development of the school’s organisational culture. 

Our pupil council works actively as part of the training school network eNorssi and participates annually in eNorssi’s student and pupil council event. All pupil council representatives of Finnish training schools participate in the event. 

Parent committee 

The training school’s parent committee continued its work in autumn 2024 after a long break. The parent committee seeks to strengthen the connection between homes and school, to promote shared understanding and experience and to support parental involvement. 

The parent committee organises activities for the parents of the Teacher Training School pupils, including e.g. sports events and other activities intended for families. Join our communication channels and stay on top of the parent committee’s work. 

Join our activities! 

Riku Alasuutari 

+358 5893698