Recommended Order for Completing Study Units
First year: preparatory Finnish study units (SU)
Second year: choose S21, S22 + S23, S24, S25, recommended optional units: S212 and S214T
Third year: S26 + S27, S28, recommended optional units: S29, S210, S211
Also recommended: S212, S213, S214
Compulsory study units
S21 Interpreting and Producing Texts (2 cr)
The aim of this study unit is to broaden the student’s understanding of texts, for example by observing the use of linguistic structures and expressions in different types of texts. The student practices the process of producing written texts and learns to use various texts as a basis for their own writing. Assessment focuses on the student’s mastery of the writing process.
S22 Language and Text Awareness (1 cr)
The aim of this study unit is to develop the student’s language and text awareness. The student learns to make use of different language-use situations and environments in developing their language skills. Assessment focuses on the student’s language and text awareness or their ability to manage different communicative situations.
S23 Interaction 1 (1 cr)
During this study unit, the student develops their communication skills and confidence and deepens their understanding of themselves as a communicator. Assessment focuses on the communication skills required in upper secondary studies.
S24 Literature 1 (2 cr)
This study unit introduces literary genres and provides practice in analysing literature both in writing and orally. Students become familiar with the characteristics and expressive methods of performing arts, for example through theatre or film visits. At least one complete work of Finnish literature is read to develop the student’s command of linguistic structures and vocabulary. Assessment focuses on skills in analysing and interpreting literature.
S25 Interpreting Texts 1 (2 cr)
The aim of this study unit is to strengthen the student’s critical literacy, particularly media literacy. The student learns to examine the argumentative techniques used in various texts and to justify their own opinions more extensively. A complete work of fiction or nonfiction is read during the unit. Assessment focuses especially on the student’s mastery of persuasive and argumentative techniques.
S26 Writing (1 cr)
The student becomes more confident as a writer, learns to manage the stages of the writing process, and learns to produce and revise extensive factual texts. Texts are also produced and assessed collaboratively. Assessment focuses on the student’s writing skills.
S27 Interaction 2 (1 cr)
During this study unit, the student develops communication skills and confidence and deepens their understanding of themselves as a communicator. The unit includes practicing listening comprehension and conversation strategies, producing texts related to interaction situations, and examining phenomena of group communication. Assessment focuses on purposeful interaction skills.
S28 Literature 2 (2 cr)
The aim of this study unit is for the student to learn to analyse literature in different contexts and understand the significance of context in literary interpretation. The unit covers the development of Finnish literature as part of world literature and examines literature from different eras and perspectives. The student becomes familiar with key works and themes of Finnish literature and learns to evaluate their significance. A major or topical literary work is read during the unit. Assessment focuses particularly on the student’s knowledge of Finnish literature in its original context.
National Optional Study Units
S29 Interaction 3 (2 cr)
The aim of this study unit is for the student to develop their interaction skills and learn to evaluate the significance of interaction and communicative competence in interpersonal relationships, studies, working life, and society. Key objectives include learning to analyse cultural features of interaction and factors that influence various communicative situations and relationships. Assessment focuses on the student’s ability to analyse interaction from different perspectives. At the end of the unit, the student may take the national upper secondary communication examination (PUHVI), which is organised and assessed according to national criteria.
S210 Writing 2 (2 cr)
During this study unit, the student develops their writing skills and the entire writing process, from the use of source materials to linguistic accuracy. A topical literary work or nonfiction book is read during the unit. Assessment focuses broadly on writing skills.
S211 Interpreting Texts 2 (2 cr)
This study unit provides practice in interpreting texts and deepens the student’s critical and cultural literacy. In addition to analysing and interpreting informational and media texts, the unit includes studying fictional texts by reading a play or a poetry collection. Assessment focuses on the student’s ability to interpret diverse and multimodal texts.
School-Specific Optional Study Units
S212 Strengthening Language Skills I (1–2 cr)
During the study unit, the student strengthens their language skills in a variety of ways and develops their readiness for upper secondary school studies. Basic aspects of the Finnish language and language accuracy are reviewed according to students’ needs, and strategies needed for text comprehension and text production are practised. In addition, the study unit may focus on effective text planning and revision, language editing, and, for example, touch-typing skills. The management of the writing process may also be developed further, and students may become familiar with text skills required in different subjects. Assessment of the study unit focuses on the development of language skills and the completion of exercises. Assessed with a pass mark.
S213 The Joy of Reading (2 cr)
Various aspects of reading literacy are practised, and the creativity-enhancing and well-being-promoting effects of reading are explored. The significance of reading in different contexts of human interaction is examined. Reading is made a visible and valued activity within the school community through the organisation of various literature-related activities, such as spoken word events, reading circles, book recommendation activities, cultural festivals, and other fair-type events. Students prepare to act as reading tutors or reading ambassadors within the school community. Assessment emphasises active participation in lessons and involvement in various projects. Assessed with a pass mark. Studied in the same teaching group as the study unit ÄI13 Benefits and Well-being through Reading.
S214 Creative Writing (2 cr)
The student becomes familiar with various genres of fiction (such as poetry, prose, and drama) and applies this knowledge to their own writing. Students are supported in finding their own personal mode of expression, encouraged to seek creative solutions, and guided in building their own well-being. The study unit is suitable for anyone who wishes to develop particularly as a writer of fiction, and participation does not require any previous experience in creative writing. Assessment of the study unit is based on active participation in a variety of ways and, for example, the completion of a portfolio. Assessed with a pass mark. Studied in the same teaching group as the study unit ÄI14 Creative Writing.
S215 Developing Language Skills through Discussion (1 cr)
The study unit encourages interaction and participation within the student community, both in upper secondary school studies and in society. Current topics and discussion themes arising from different subjects are explored. Vocabulary expands, subject content becomes more familiar, and interaction skills develop through conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. The student gains confidence in self-expression and in presenting opinions. During the study unit, students may also, for example, read current texts, write opinion pieces, or participate in discussions on social media. Assessment emphasises active participation in lessons and engagement in discussions. Assessed with a pass mark.
S216 Strengthening Language Skills II (1–2 cr)
The study unit provides skills required for written work in different subjects. The objective is to develop the student’s writing to an upper secondary school level and to a standard suitable for further studies with regard to content, structure, and especially language. In addition, the study unit may focus on effective text planning and revision, language editing, and, for example, touch-typing skills. Assessment of the study unit focuses on the development of language editing and writing skills as well as the completion of exercises. Assessed with a pass mark.
S217 S2 Study Project (1–2 cr)
A pass mark for the study unit may be awarded, for example, for studies completed elsewhere or for participation in a project. Assessment emphasises the key aspects of the study project.
About Studying Finnish as a Second Language (S2)
At Pyynikki Upper Secondary School, students may complete all compulsory and all advanced Finnish as a Second Language (S2) study units, as well as additional optional units according to their needs. The S2 group at Pynsä forms a supportive and cohesive community where the atmosphere is encouraging. Encounters between different cultures are natural and respectful. S2 study units provide support and peer guidance for the demanding nature of upper secondary studies.
The Finnish as a Second Language curriculum is intended for students whose first language is not Finnish, Swedish, or Sámi. The student’s home environment is typically bilingual or multilingual, or the student has attended school abroad even if the home language is Finnish.
The primary objective of Finnish as a Second Language instruction is for the student to achieve a level of Finnish that enables full participation in all upper secondary subjects and allows them to continue their studies and function in working life using Finnish. Together with instruction in the student’s own mother tongue, Finnish as a Second Language education strengthens their multicultural identity and lays the foundation for functional bilingualism.