Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu, commonly abbreviated SYK is a free Finnish elementary, middle and high school located in the district of Etelä-Haaga in the city of Helsinki.

SYK continues to be held in high regard. It offers education from 3rd to 9th grade as well as the three high school years. The school’s matriculation examination results are usually among the best in Finland. According to a 2010 survey, compared to most other secondary education institutes, a disproportionate number of alumni continue with university-level studies, especially in fields such as engineering, economics or legal studies.

SYK is noted for its internationality. It is one of the 15 schools in Finland to offer the IB Diploma Programme in the equivalent of the 11th and 12th grades. After the PISA (2004 and 2005) results came out, Chinese headmasters have been a familiar sight in the corridors. Traditionally, SYK has an amicable rivalry with Helsingin normaalilyseo, another school that was originally situated in central Helsinki.

Unlike most other schools, SYK takes in students from all over the Helsinki metropolitan area in addition to its own district. Places are limited, so second graders have to pass entrance tests to get in. Tests measure mostly command of written Finnish and readiness to learn foreign languages, in line with the official “language focus” in the school’s curriculum.

Language education

3rd graders begin with French, German or Russian as their first foreign language; English is only offered to those whose English level is native, or who have had their first school years taught in English.

In year five they start studying English. A year later, 6th graders take on Swedish as the second national language. Elective fourth language starts in year eight (French, German or Russian), and more are available in the high school. A typical high school graduate takes the matriculation exam in 2 to 4 foreign languages.

Another special task the school has is to take in repatriating Finnish children who may have studied in international schools abroad, offering English teaching that matches their level and possibly giving special tutoring in Finnish or other subjects. These children have the option to take French, German or Russian as their second foreign language in year 5 instead of English.