Study guide

Completing upper secondary school without fixed groups requires guidance and support. Student guidance and support involve homeroom teachers, subject teachers, guidance counselors, special education teachers, tutors, the vice principal, the principal, the school secretary, student welfare staff, and other personnel.

Homeroom teachers

Each student has their own homeroom teacher, who is the student’s closest advisor at the school. The homeroom teacher introduces students in their group to the school’s practices, monitors their progress, helps with study-related matters, and intervenes in problems when necessary. During the first periods, teaching for new students takes place within the guidance groups.

The nickname for the group guidance session is "rotovi". Guidance groups meet in their homerooms on dates marked in the calendar and in Wilma, approximately every two weeks, to discuss current matters with their homeroom teacher. Rotovi sessions are part of the student’s OP1 study unit and are essential for completing upper secondary school.

Subject Teachers

Teachers can be reached during the school day in classrooms, their offices, or the teachers’ lounge. You can see each teacher’s timetable in Wilma. We are all here to help you, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance. In front of the teachers’ lounge are teachers’ mailboxes where students can leave paper mail intended for teachers.

Guidance counselling

The guidance counselor helps you when planning your studies, the matriculation examination, or further education. Plans for extending or accelerating studies are made together with the guidance counselor. The guidance counselor also holds personal discussions about further studies and career plans with all graduating students. You can book an appointment for personal guidance through the electronic booking system. Of course, the counselor can also be contacted via a Wilma message.

Upper secondary school includes two compulsory study guidance modules. OP1 (Me as a Student) is organized during the first year, and OP2 (Further Studies, Working Life, and the Future) is spread across the second and third academic years.

Special Education

A special education teacher provides information, teaching, and guidance for a variety of learning difficulties. In upper secondary school, special education includes for example guidance in study skills through co-teaching and studying together. Special education supports the development of the student’s self-awareness, agency, and study strategies, and guides the student in using their own strengths in learning. Upper secondary studies are based on the student’s own active role. The student seeks support when needed, which the special education teacher plans and coordinates. Subject teachers, guidance counsellors, and home room teachers implement and regularly monitor support measures in collaboration with the special education teacher. Student welfare services participate in the planning and implementation of support when necessary. First-year students complete an initial assessment of their language skills, known as a digital literacy screening test (digilukiseula). Based on the screening test, students’ wishes and needs, and the recommendations of the (special) teacher, students are offered individualized special education at agreed meeting times and, where appropriate, the opportunity to participate in LUE study modules. Special education teachers also assess students’ literacy skills and, when necessary, prepare statements for the Matriculation Examination Board.

Remedial Teaching

We have permanent remedial teaching groups in mathematics, Finnish language and literature, Finnish as a second language (S2), English, and Swedish. In Finnish language remedial teaching, you can also receive support for written assignments in other subjects. Information about the schedules of these regular support groups is provided in Wilma’s weekly bulletins. For remedial teaching in other subjects, you can ask the subject teacher directly.

School Secretary

Our school secretary serves on the second floor. She helps with Wilma and computer account matters, as well as issues related to student financial aid, school travel support, and student cards. Any changes to your name or personal information must be reported to the school secretary. Updated information must also be corrected in Wilma. The school secretary is mainly available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

School Social Worker and School Psychologist

The school social worker helps especially with social situations and everyday challenges. You can discuss stress, absences, motivation, relationships, bullying, loneliness, or difficult life situations with the social worker. The school psychologist supports students particularly in matters related to mental health and well-being. You can talk with the psychologist about anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, self-esteem, or study pressure.

Both social worker and psychologist services are free of charge for students.

Equality Coordinator

Equality means that all people are equal regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, skin color, language, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. At Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School, the equality coordinator is philosophy and religion teacher Tony Pelkonen. You can contact Tony if you have experienced or observed discrimination based on any of the personal characteristics or reasons mentioned above.

Pyynikin lukio does not tolerate discrimination, racism, or any form of bullying. Addressing inappropriate behavior is the responsibility of every member of the school community. You may report your experiences or observations to any member of staff. Investigations into bullying are started immediately. All reports of bullying are handled confidentially. If you wish, you can also use the “Report bullying or inappropriate treatment” link found in Wilma.

Scope of Upper Secondary School Studies

The scope of upper secondary school studies is at least 150 credits. There is no maximum limit. Of these credits, 94–102 credits (depending on whether you choose advanced or basic mathematics) are compulsory studies. In addition, students must complete at least 20 credits of national optional studies. The remaining credits may consist of either national or school-specific optional studies.

Study units are usually worth two credits. One study unit consists of approximately twenty 75-minute lessons as well as work completed during the final assessment week. A study unit is completed by attending lessons, participating in the final assessment day activities, and completing the assignments given during the module.

Specific Educational Programme

Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School has a specific educational programme in music and musical theatr). If a student admitted through the specific educational programme completes at least 24 credits in music and musical theatre studies (usually 12 two-credit study units), they are allowed to omit 16 credits of compulsory studies (usually 8 two-credit study units) from their curriculum. However, at least half of the compulsory studies in each subject must still be completed. Students must complete all compulsory study units in the subjects they choose for the matriculation examination.

Five Periods per Academic Year

The school year is divided into five periods. Each period lasts 7–8 weeks and ends with a final assessment week. Timetable codes 1–7 each have their own final assessment day. Students choose study units for each period according to their personal study plan. One study unit may be selected for each timetable code from 1 to 8.

Preliminary course selections for the following academic year are made at the beginning of the year, usually in February. In the preliminary selection, students indicate what they intend to study the following year. The course tray is created based on these selections. The actual timetables are prepared in Wilma later in the spring.

Wilma’s course tray is reopened for possible changes before every final assessment week, allowing students to make changes to their timetables. At other times, changes are made together with the guidance counselor.

Duration of Studies

Students must complete the entire upper secondary school curriculum and participate in the matriculation examination within a minimum of two and a maximum of four years. A fifth year of study may be granted upon application only for particularly compelling reasons. 

Studies may be interrupted for up to one academic year without losing one’s study place if justified by a valid reason (for example, student exchange studies abroad).

Students graduating in three years usually complete about 60 credits per academic year (30 two-credit study units), which means an average of six study units per period.

Students are required by the Upper Secondary School Act to attend classes. If a student has numerous absences, the study unit must be retaken. Only a medical certificate or another special reason can grant the right to complete the study unit without retaking it.

Students must ensure that all absences are immediately accounted for. For underage students, the guardian accounts for the absences, while adult students provide their own absence explanations. Absences are recorded and explained in Wilma.

If illness or another reason prevents attending school for several days, the student must inform their homeroom teacher by the third day at the latest. If the absence concerns participation in an exam or a scheduled student presentation, the student must notify the teacher of their absence via Wilma message or email by the morning of the day in question.

If the number of unexplained absences exceeds 10 lessons or 3 lessons for a specific study unit, the student's homeroom teacher will immediately contact the guardian of the underage student or the student who has reached the age of 18.

Known absences in advance must be requested beforehand. The request is made in Wilma under "Applications and Decisions" by the guardian of the underage student or the adult student themselves. Homeroom teachers can grant a 1-5 day absence upon request. The principal grants longer absences based on a justified request.

It is the student's responsibility to find out the homework and other tasks for the period of their absence. The student may participate in a resit examination if they notify in advance of a possible impediment on the exam day or partial exam day. Absence from school events and theme days is only allowed with the permission of the homeroom teacher or principal.

Completing studies online

In the upper secondary schools of Tampere, students can also complete their studies online. The online course tray offers study units and modules in almost every subject across five different online periods. Students can choose up to two online study units per period, and registration for these study units is done only through the guidance counselor.

The online course tray is available in Wilma, where other study unit selections are also found. The main platforms for online studies are Moodle and Teams, but publishers' own online platforms may also be used. At the beginning of the study unit, the teacher will contact students via Wilma, and the studies should be started immediately.

Independent completion of a study unit

If you cannot find the required study unit on the online course tray and cannot attend classroom instruction, independent study of the study unit may be possible. First, discuss the independent completion with the teacher. An application for independent study is made in Wilma under "Applications and Decisions." 

For students under 18, the application is made using the guardian's Wilma credentials. The teacher supports the application and provides instructions and tasks related to the study unit completion. The schedule is agreed upon together. The teacher forwards the independent study application to the principal, who grants permission. Generally, only one independent study unit can be completed at a time.

The objectives of an independently studied study unit are the same as those of a normally completed study unit. However, the assessment criteria may differ since, for example, class participation cannot be evaluated. The teacher must explain the assessment criteria to the student. The independent completion must be passed successfully.

In Tampere, there are diverse opportunities to study outside your own upper secondary school and include the completed studies in your upper secondary school syllabus. You can study in other upper secondary schools, vocational education and training, universities of applied sciences, and universities. Instruction is offered both in-person and remotely.

See, for instance, cooperation studies for upper secondary students offered by Tampere University, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, and Tampere Summer University. Ask your guidance counselor for more information.

Upper secondary school studies can recognize previously acquired upper secondary level competence and also credit other completed studies and skills, such as studies at music institutions, a driver's license, and much more. Bring your certificates or other clear documentation of your skills and competencies to the student affairs secretary in the office. We will request further details if necessary.

Study Unit Assessment

The assessment criteria are reviewed with students at the beginning of each study unit. It is important to know what kind of demonstrations of competence are required to meet the assessment criteria and what the minimum requirements for the study unit are. The study unit is assessed at its conclusion.

The assessment is diverse and based on e.g. written exams, continuous observation of study progress, and evaluation of the student's knowledge and skills - it is not solely based on traditional exam performances. The student's self-assessment is also taken into account, utilizing, among other things, study unit assessment discussions.

Final Assessment Week

Participation in the final assessment day of a study unit is compulsory. The final assessment day may include a written exam for the module, but it can also consist of presentations, group work, study trips, written and oral demonstrations of competence, course evaluation, and feedback.

Study modules scheduled in timetable slot 8 do not have a separate final assessment day. Evidence of competence is collected and any exams are held during the study module itself.

Students must inform the study unit teacher if they are unable to participate in the final assessment week activities due to illness or another comparable reason. Only by notifying the teacher of their absence does the student retain the right to complete the module later, for example during a retake exam session. Otherwise, the absence will be interpreted as a failed attempt to complete the module.

Numerical Assessment

Numerical grades are given for compulsory studies and national optional studies, except for guidance counselling study units, which are marked with a pass (S). For school-specific optional studies, a numerical grade or a pass mark is given according to what is recorded in the school's curriculum. The traditional scale of 4–10 is used for numerical grading of study units. A grade of 5 indicates poor, 6 fair, 7 satisfactory, 8 good, 9 very good, and 10 excellent knowledge and skills. A failed performance is marked with a grade of 4. Even a grade of 4 requires that the assessment criteria are sufficiently met.

S, H, T, and K Marks

In addition to numerical grades, the marks S (completed study unit), H (failed study unit), T (study unit to be completed), and K (discontinued study unit) are used. H, T, and K do not count towards the student's study unit accumulation. A national study unit completed with a grade of four (4) is counted towards the study unit accumulation if the subject's syllabus is satisfactorily completed. School-specific optional study units that are successfully completed are counted towards the school's study unit accumulation.

A T grade means that the study unit could not be assessed due to insufficient and missing assignments. Missing assignments are recorded in Wilma's additional information. Required completions must be made by the next period at the latest. If completions are not made, the T grade is changed to either a lowered grade or a failed study unit (H), as the assessment criteria have not been met by the given deadline.

A K grade means that the study unit has been discontinued. A student can discontinue a study unit for a justified reason after agreeing with the subject teacher or guidance counselor. A discontinued study unit cannot be completed but must be retaken to receive a grade. A teacher can discontinue a student's study unit due to excessive absences after hearing the student. A warning and justification for the risk of study unit discontinuation are recorded in the notes field associated with the absence mark. The study unit is not discontinued if the student provides a medical certificate for their absences and agrees on the completions with the teacher. Completing the study unit in these cases must always be agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.

Cheating in studies, such as plagiarism or cheating in exams, leads to consequences, which, considering the severity and recurrence of the act, include a reprimand from the principal, hearing of the student and, if necessary, the guardian, a written warning, or temporary suspension. Additionally, the consequence may be a failed partial performance of the study unit or a failed study unit.

Resit Examination and Completing a Failed Study Unit

If a student has been absent on the final day or has received a failing grade for the study unit, they must participate in a resit examination. Resit examination opportunities are available after each period. Each failing grade can be retaken once. For a special reason, a student may be granted the right to participate in a second retake. A passing grade can be improved by retaking the study unit. The better grade is always considered.

All resit examinations must be registered in Wilma under "exams." The resit examination dates and final registration dates for each period are listed in the event calendar in the "For Students" section on the upper secondary school's website. At the beginning of the school year in August, students can retake exams from the last period of the previous school year and exams for independent summer study units.

Students are required to attend classes on resit examination days. If a student has registered for a retake and does not provide a reason for their absence, the retake right is forfeited. If a student has multiple resit examinations from a period, they must arrange the completion with the study unit teachers and the assistant principal coordinating student support.

Final Grade

The final grade for a subject is determined by the average of the compulsory and national optional study units. To successfully complete the syllabus of a subject, the student must pass the majority of the subject's study units. The maximum number of failing grades (4) allowed in compulsory and national advanced study units is as follows:

Compulsory and national optional studies ... maximum number of failing grades:

• 2–5 credits ... 0 credits
• 6–11 credits ... 2 credits
• 12–17 credits ... 4 credits
• 18 credits or more ... 6 credits

A student can attempt to raise the final grade of a subject in a separate improvement exam at the end of their studies. The procedures are communicated annually in the graduation information sessions.

Use of sources in written works

In upper secondary school, students produce various types of written works: compositions, essays, reports, summaries, book or movie reviews, portfolios, presentations, and research papers. Often, these works are created using source material, while sometimes the text must be entirely original. The teacher's assignment will clarify how the task should be completed. The use of sources is regulated by copyright law (Copyright Act 8.7.1961/404).

Quoting or direct citation

According to copyright law, it is permissible to quote text verbatim from a published work. The quotation must be clearly marked with quotation marks, and the source must be mentioned. There must be a good reason for the quotation, and it must be closely related to the topic.

Paraphrasing

Source material is most often used by paraphrasing its ideas, meaning the original text is summarized and explained in one's own words. This type of source use must also be indicated to the reader with source references. Internet sources are cited in the same way.

Visual materials

Copyright law also regulates the use of all kinds of images, such as photographs, drawings, diagrams, or even tables. The conditions for borrowing these must be checked from the source material on a case-by-case basis.

The easiest materials to borrow are those marked with a Creative Commons license, which can be used according to the content of the license (see http://creativecommons.fi).

Plagiarism

Plagiarism means using someone else's ideas or conclusions in one's own name without mentioning the source, whether it is paraphrasing or direct quoting. Such use of a work is dishonest; sources must always be mentioned in the agreed ways. A work that is partially or entirely plagiarized will be rejected. Plagiarism always results in disciplinary actions (e.g., a reprimand and study unit interruption).

Internet

The same copyright principles apply to the use of Internet sources. It is not permissible to quote or copy anything from the Internet without providing source information, and the use of some materials may be entirely prohibited.

Sources and further information:

• Toikkanen, T. & Oksanen, V. 2011: Opettajan tekijänoikeusopas. Finn Lectura. Porvoo.
• http://creativecommons.fi
• http://creativecommons.org
• http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1961/19610404

School Lunch

Upper secondary school students’ lunch is served in the school cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Food for upper secondary students is available starting at 11:30 a.m., and students move to lunch in staggered shifts. You can check the schedule here.

Tuudo is an electronic student card that, among other things, allows you to receive a free school lunch. You can download it free of charge from your app store to your phone. The application is accessed using edu credentials.

Special diets are reported according to the instructions of the City of Tampere. The food provider is Voimia. Menus are displayed on the school’s information screens and are also available on your smartphone; see the instructions on the information screens.

Library

Books located in the upper secondary school library’s lending collection may be borrowed. The self-service checkout machine works with a TOKI library card. You will receive the TOKI card from the library teacher during your first Finnish language or S2 study module.

Books may not be taken out of the library without using the checkout machine. If the machine is not working, write your name, the title of the book, and the item identifier on the form located at the lending desk. 

Return books through the self-service machine and place them in the box underneath the machine. The loan period is approximately six weeks. Loans can be renewed through the TOKI online library after receiving online credentials.

Gym

We want to encourage students to stay physically active. The gym located in the basement floor of the upper secondary school can be used from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The gym is available to all students of the school. During physical education lessons, the space is reserved for PE groups according to the instructions of the PE teachers.

The Securitas Flow app functions as the key reader for the gym. The app is downloaded to your phone, and you log in using your Wilma credentials in the format: [email protected] via the “Organization login” button. Entry to the exercise facilities is made through the “Log in” button in the application.

The key reader registers everyone entering the gym. General cleanliness and the school’s rules must be followed in the gym. Misuse related to cleanliness or gym equipment may result in a temporary ban from using the gym. Securitas Flow access rights remain active for the duration of upper secondary school studies.

Music Practice Facilities

Students in the special educational program for music and musical theatre may independently practice in the music rehearsal facilities in addition to lessons. These facilities are located in the basement floor of the upper secondary school. Use is permitted from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Securitas Flow app also functions as the key reader for the practice facilities. The app is downloaded to your phone, and you log in using your Wilma credentials in the format: [email protected] via the “Organization login” button.

Entry to the practice facilities is made through the “Log in” button in the app. The key reader registers everyone entering the facilities. General cleanliness and the school’s rules must be followed in the practice rooms. Misuse related to cleanliness or music equipment may result in a temporary ban from using the facilities. Securitas Flow access rights remain active throughout upper secondary school studies.

The upper secondary school has a student union consisting of all students of the school. The student union board is elected annually through elections. The student union plays an important role in planning and organizing activity days and theme days, as well as arranging program activities for different events. One of the student union’s main tasks is to improve school comfort and promote social interaction within the school community.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in developing the school. They are consulted before decisions that significantly affect studies or students’ status are made. Students mainly influence school matters through the student union board.

Upper secondary education is free of charge for students who started upper secondary school in autumn 2021 or later. However, reasonable fees may be charged for voluntary study trips, visits, and events. Information about these fees is provided separately. Students are not required to participate in trips, visits, or events that involve fees; instead, they may complete the related studies in other ways according to the teacher’s instructions.

Regarding the matriculation examination, the first five exams are free of charge. This makes it possible to complete the matriculation examination without fees. Additional exams and retaking passed exams for a higher grade require payment. More information is available from the Finnish Matriculation Examination Board: https://www.ylioppilastutkinto.fi/en

Upper secondary school students may receive state financial aid after turning 17 years old. For students aged 17–20, the amount of financial aid is determined based on their parents’ income and assets. More detailed information is available from Kela: https://www.kela.fi/upper-secondary-school-and-vocational-education

Student financial aid is applied for through Kela. Application forms are also available from the school secretary. Applications are processed by Kela, and the decision is sent to the student’s home address. Especially in the autumn, there may be congestion at the student financial aid office, so applicants should be prepared for a processing time of 1–2 months. The status of an application can also be followed through Kela’s online service.

Upper secondary school students may also receive school transport support from Kela under certain conditions. More information about school transport support is available from the school secretary and Kela.

Emergency procedures in accordance with the school’s safety plan are reviewed at the beginning of the academic year. Every classroom contains a summary for students explaining how to act in emergency situations. Teaching facilities also include maps showing emergency exit routes. Emergency situations, such as evacuation procedures and sheltering indoors, are practiced during the school year.

All of our educational institutions are smoke-free and substance-free. Possession or use of intoxicants, as well as appearing under the influence of intoxicants on school premises or during school activities, is prohibited. Everyone is obligated to intervene if they observe substance-related issues. According to the Tobacco Act, the use of tobacco products is prohibited both inside school buildings and on school grounds.

Students in upper secondary schools operated by the City of Tampere are covered by accident insurance during regular school hours on school premises, during lessons, breaks, and activities organized within the school curriculum, as well as during direct travel to and from such activities.

Any accidents occurring during school activities must be reported immediately to a teacher or the person responsible for the study trip, regardless of whether medical expenses arise.

Accidents are treated according to the instructions and referrals of the school nurse or doctor, either in public or private healthcare facilities. A damage report is completed at the school together with the school secretary. Costs resulting from the accident must first be paid by the student or guardian, after which reimbursement is claimed from the insurance company. Insurance also covers additional transportation to school prescribed by a doctor on the basis of a medical certificate.

Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School Rules

Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School follows the common rules and guidelines for upper secondary education in the city of Tampere.

1. Scope of the Rules
2. Rules for Upper Secondary Schools in the Tampere Region
3. Procedures and Authority Limits for Disciplinary Measures in Tampere Upper Secondary Education Based on the Upper Secondary School Act 714/2018
4. Other Considerations and General Guidelines

The aim of these rules is to ensure that students, staff, and visitors in Tampere's upper secondary education have the right to a safe and pleasant learning and working environment, as well as equal and fair treatment. The rules are based on the Upper Secondary School Act (10.8.2018) and the Upper Secondary School Decree (810/2018). More detailed guidelines are provided in the schools' own rules.

1. Scope of the Rules

The rules apply to the areas of Tampere's upper secondary education institutions and situations directly related to studying. They apply to all individuals operating or visiting these areas. The areas of the institution include the premises and buildings of the campuses, as well as areas where students are engaged in tasks according to the curriculum. Situations related to studying also include events organized by the institution outside of study hours and events organized by students in the institution's premises where students represent the institution. In workplace-based learning according to the curriculum, the student follows the workplace's guidelines and regulations, as well as good manners. The student must follow other guidelines of the institutions.

2. Rules for Upper Secondary Schools in the Tampere Region

The participating education providers specify the rules with institution-specific guidelines.

Discipline (Upper Secondary School Act 42§)

A student who disrupts teaching or otherwise breaks the rules or acts dishonestly may be given a written warning. If the offense is serious or if the student continues the inappropriate behavior after receiving a written warning, they may be expelled from the institution for a fixed period, up to one year, and expelled from the dormitory for a fixed period or the remaining duration of their studies. The aforementioned measures are disciplinary sanctions.

A student who disrupts teaching can be ordered to leave the classroom or other teaching space for the remainder of the lesson or the event organized by the institution.

A student's participation in teaching can be denied for up to three working days if there is a risk that the safety of another student or a person working in the institution or other teaching space will suffer due to the student's violent or threatening behavior, or if teaching or related activities are unreasonably hindered by the student's disruptive behavior. If a student is under investigation for a crime, their right to study can be suspended during the investigation if it is justified in relation to the crime the student is suspected of committing or related matters.

The education provider has a separate plan that includes guidelines for disciplinary sanctions:
1. Written warning: hearing the student and guardians in writing (principal)
2. Denial of teaching for three (3) days: hearing the student and guardian in writing (form as an attachment)
3. Temporary expulsion (expulsion and suspension from studies must be decided by a multi-member body)

Cheating in studies, such as plagiarism or cheating in exams, leads to consequences, which, considering the severity and recurrence of the act, include a reprimand from the principal, hearing the student and, if necessary, the guardian, a written warning, or temporary expulsion. Additionally, the consequence may be a failed partial performance of the study unit or a failed course.

Possession and use of substances, as well as appearing under their influence in the institution's premises and activities, are prohibited and always lead to a written warning. Violent behavior always leads to at least a written warning.

It is forbidden to bring or possess any object or substance during the working day that is prohibited by law, can endanger one's own or another's safety, or is particularly suitable for damaging property and for which there is no acceptable reason for possession. The teacher and principal have the authority to inspect the student's belongings and confiscate objects and substances that endanger the student's or others' safety.

The education provider has a separate plan with more detailed guidelines for confiscating dangerous or prohibited objects or substances.

In all situations involving the use of disciplinary measures, good governance and general principles of legal protection are followed, including equality, purposefulness, impartiality, proportionality, and protection of trust. Ensuring staff competence in using disciplinary powers is managed through communication and necessary training.

The school informs about the rules and legally prescribed disciplinary measures. Information for students is provided by the homeroom teacher or other teaching staff, for example, during homeroom meetings. The education provider's student welfare plan includes a description of cooperation with various authorities and guardians. The student welfare plan also includes procedures for monitoring the plan and evaluating its implementation and effectiveness. All rules apply to all school events, including those outside the school.

3. Procedures and Authority Limits for Disciplinary Measures in Tampere Upper Secondary Education Based on the Upper Secondary School Act 714/2018

To make a decision on a disciplinary sanction, the act or measure leading to the matter must be specified, the necessary investigation obtained, and the student heard (Upper Secondary School Act 42§). Before imposing a disciplinary sanction, the student's guardian must be given the opportunity to be heard.

A written warning falls within the principal's authority. A written warning is given to a student who disrupts teaching or otherwise breaks the rules or acts dishonestly (Upper Secondary School Act 41§). The written warning form can be found in the school's administrative program and is recorded in the decisions concerning the student. The written warning for an underage student is also notified to the guardian.

Denial of teaching for three (3) days falls within the principal's authority. A student can be denied teaching for up to three working days if there is a risk that the safety of another student or a person working in the institution will suffer due to the student's violent behavior or threatening behavior, or if teaching or related activities are unreasonably hindered by the student's behavior. A written decision is made on the denial of teaching and is recorded in the school's admistrative program in the decisions concerning the student.

Expulsion from the institution for up to three months falls within the principal's authority. Temporary expulsion results from a serious offense or if the student continues the aforementioned inappropriate behavior after receiving a written warning.

Expulsion of a student for a fixed period, up to one year, falls within the authority of the education provider's multi-member body. Temporary expulsion results from a serious offense or if the student continues inappropriate behavior after receiving a written warning.

A student's right to study can be suspended during an investigation if the student is under investigation for a crime.

The teacher and principal have the right to remove a disruptive student from the teaching space for the remainder of the lesson. The same applies to events organized by the institution. If the student being removed attempts to resist, the principal and teacher have the right to use necessary force to remove the student, which can be considered defensible, taking into account the student's age and the threat of the situation or the seriousness of the resistance and the overall assessment of the situation. No force may be used in the removal. The teacher or principal who resorted to the use of force must provide a written report of the incident to the education provider (Upper Secondary School Act 43§). In Tampere upper secondary education, the report on the use of force is submitted to the principal of the respective institution and the director of upper secondary education.

4. Other Considerations and General Guidelines

The institution follows the laws on equality (L609/1989) and non-discrimination (L21/2004).

According to the Tobacco Act (L 698/2010 12 § paragraph 2), the use of tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes and snuff) is prohibited in the indoor areas of institutions providing basic education, vocational education, and upper secondary education, as well as in student dormitories and their outdoor areas.

Gambling in the institution is prohibited.

Separate data security and data protection guidelines and network usage rules must be followed.

Technical devices, such as phones and computers, are used in teaching situations only for study purposes, taking into account copyright. Filming/recording and distributing in various learning environments of the institution is prohibited without separate permission.

The institution's property must be handled carefully. Materials and supplies needed for activities must be handled according to instructions. If a student damages or destroys the institution's property, they are obliged to report it immediately to the teacher. The person causing the damage is liable for the damage caused according to the Tort Liability Act (L 412/74). Permission must always be obtained from the person responsible for the respective property to borrow the institution's property. The institution is not responsible for the storage of students' belongings or for any damage to them.

In all study situations, the work safety clothing, personal protective equipment, and appropriate clothing specified in the institution's guidelines must be used.

Work safety regulations and instructions must be strictly followed, and the necessary protective equipment must be kept in good condition and easily accessible. Any deficiencies related to safety must be reported immediately to the responsible person. If a student refuses to use protective equipment despite instructions, their work with equipment and in places prone to accidents must be prevented.

The institution's premises, both inside and outside, must be kept clean. The immediate surroundings of the campuses must also be kept clean.

Vehicles must be left in designated areas. Emergency access routes must be kept open.