Page 35 - 樂善堂梁銶琚學校（校刊2019）

Olari Secondary and Upper Secondary

Secondary School Education

Upper Secondary Programmes
After completing nine years basic education, students can choose either vocational education
or upper secondary school. Olari upper secondary school provides three years of general upper
secondary education, with a strong emphasis on science and mathematics. Before graduation,

students are required to pass 75 courses, each of which comprises approximately 38 classroom
lessons plus related activities. Each student must select at least four subjects to study in the final
year, before taking the nationwide matriculation examinations by which university entrance is

decided. To attain the national standards, the school participates in many nation-wide projects,
such as an immersion programme in Germany, and provides a wide range of courses, not only
related to the science and mathematics curriculum, but also in languages, social sciences and other
subjects.

Students learning
The students in Olari School are active, friendly and confident. They speak fluent English even
though they only start learning the subject in grade 4. They are eager to learn, love reading and

enjoy taking part in discussions. They often hand in their assignments in digital format. In general,
they seem to feel less pressure than Hong Kong students.

Reflection
Finnish education has a strong focus on equal opportunity for everyone, from the smartest
students to those with special needs. The inclusion programmes are particularly successful in
catering for SEN students. Another important element of the education system is trust. Based
on trust, there is no appraisal system and few complaints from parents. Teachers can pay more

attention to pedagogies and curriculum design, and spend more time motivating students and
facilitating their learning.

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