School News

Over the summer, Alexis Wedgeworth, Assistant Head of School for Teaching & Learning, and Leigh Lewis, Student Activities Coordinator and 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, participated in a summer professional development program through Global Education Allies. They traveled to Finland to study the Finnish education system, which has consistently demonstrated very high levels of success in student learning through an approach that is often considered "unorthodox," differing significantly from the U.S. education system in many ways. Ms. Wedgeworth and Mrs. Lewis had the opportunity to attend lectures at the University of Helsinki, visit a variety of Finnish schools, and work directly with Finnish educators.

According to Global Education Allies, "Finnish schools are known for their high levels of trust and equity, lack of standardized tests, long outside recess, minimal homework, shorter school days and minimal pressure to perform. The Finnish school system has been in the limelight ever since the first results of the PISA surveys (conducted every three years by the OECD) put Finland at or near the top in reading, math and science."

"In Finland, the education system is all about building trust," said Ms. Wedgeworth. "Competition is non-existent, and there is a mentality of 'we're all in this together' in terms of learning."

The structure of the Finnish education system is set up so that students receive instruction from grades 1-9 with class sizes of about 20 students. The school day is 9am-1pm for grades 1-2, a significantly shorter day than in the U.S. For grades 3-9, the day is longer, taking place from 8am-2:30pm. Some of the lessons are taught outdoors, and students spend 30 minutes outside daily, even in the extreme cold (many students bring their own skis and ice skates for winter recess!).

Teachers typically instruct the same group of students for 2-4 years and have the autonomy to write their own curriculum. The school year starts with a review of material for the first nine weeks. While students have tests and projects, there is no homework and no standardized tests, which allows a focus on the process over the product.

After grade 9, students apply to either a traditional or vocational high school (some students attend both!). Their choices are often based on language, and students graduate speaking three languages fluently. All tools for vocational school are paid for by the government. Both options are considered equally professional and fulfilling for a career.

As far as teaching qualifications, teachers receive training across many topics. They spend five years working towards both a bachelor's and master's degree, either in language, music, or a handicraft to teach.

Upon returning home, both Ms. Wedgeworth and Mrs. Lewis were excited to share what they learned. Mrs. Lewis noted, "I would like to work on building community among the different age groups and incorporating more 'nature learning' and inquiry-based learning into my lesson plans."

And one thing they both agree on after gaining a new perspective of a completely different education system - St. Mark's is doing well! They look forward to a great 2022-2023 school year.