Students to be granted chance to study in English: Grahn-Laasonen

Minister of Education Sanni Grahn-Laasonen is leading efforts to explore the possibility of studying for matriculation examination in English.

The minister has set up a commission to determine the possibility of sitting for the matriculation examination in English, said the Ministry of Education in an official press release.

The introduction of English as the completion language of the diploma is part of the ongoing reforms in upper secondary schools.

“Finland is internationalizing and the demand for English language education in upper secondary schools is increasing. This is why we also need to explore the possibility of students graduating in English from upper secondary schools. Increasing the offer of English language education supports the internationalization of the youth and promotes the seeking of international expertise in Finland,” said Grahn-Laasonen.

According to the minister, there is need for more international schools and day care centres. “Our education must be redirected into strength in attracting experts,” added the minister.

The commission is led by Rector Harri Rinta-aho from Etelä-Tapiola upper secondary school and docent Kati Mikkola from the University of Helsinki.

The task of the investigators is to find out how matriculation examination can be organized in English. The report will be handed over to the ministry at the end of February 2018.