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Finland, Turku
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The school offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) at Turku International Upper Secondary, preceded by a one-year Pre-DP programme. The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). The mission is to develop internationally minded, caring and reflective builders of a sustainable future, and to encourage knowledge exploration across local and global contexts. About 95% of DP graduates enter universities worldwide.
Arts (Group 6) is not offered in the Diploma Programme. Creativity is a core element of CAS, the DP's activity and service framework that runs throughout the programme and invites creative thinking. The DP page provides CAS stories illustrating student engagement, including Kalle's CAS story and Jenny's CAS story.
The Pre-DP year uses English as the language of instruction. In the Diploma Programme, languages include English A and English B, Finnish B, French B, German B, and Spanish B, with Group 1 and Group 2 language options detailed in the curriculum. Other language studies can be arranged with the DP coordinator.
Creativity, activity and service form the DP's CAS, designed to engage students in creative thinking, physical exertion and community service. CAS is not formally assessed, but students reflect on CAS experiences as part of the DP. The programme features real-world CAS projects and student-led initiatives to showcase engagement beyond academics.
The DP core's CAS component includes community service and projects. Examples include involvement with the Together association in Turku, participation in Green Work Hubs in Germany, and collaborative projects such as an E-magazine, demonstrating international and local collaboration.
The school lists an IB-coordinator, Marianna Vanhatalo, and a CAS coordinator who also serves as deputy head of school, Anu Waltari-Grundström. The upper secondary leadership includes the Principal of Upper Secondary School and IB World School, Katrina Vartiainen. The guidance counsellor is Lotta Sundgren, supported by a welfare team that includes a school psychologist and other welfare staff.
Health care is provided by a school nurse, Vilma Alcenius, with the aim to enhance students' health and their ability to study. The welfare team focuses on the students' physical, mental and social welfare and promotes safety within the school community. Guidance and counselling services support students' well-being, study planning, and access to higher education opportunities.
Turku International School delivers IB Diploma Programme for secondary students in Turku, Finland. The school is a public institution under the City of Turku, with the Diploma Programme taught at Turun Normaalikoulu and pre-DP year bridging to DP in English to prepare students for university study worldwide. The DP follows six subject groups, with three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, plus core elements Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. Language offerings include English A and B, Finnish B, French B, German B, and Spanish B. The IB campus is housed in the Turun Normaalikoulu building at Annikanpolku 9, and a library with about 10,000 items provides access to university databases. Free daily lunch is provided. CAS is a core element, featuring real-world projects and service, such as involvement with the Together association. About 95% of DP graduates proceed to universities worldwide.
