Student Guide

Once a student has received an actual study place, he or she has the right to continue in the School of Fine Arts until the age of 20. For a justified reason, you can apply for a gap year for studying.

The preparatory studies are intended for 6-year-old students.

The first four years (approx. 7-11 years old) students participate in basic studies, which include practicing different skills needed for image making – practicing making observations, getting acquainted with different materials and tools, etc. The work emphasizes one’s own personal expression, imagination and creativity.

The fifth and sixth years (c.11-13 years old) are divided into four periods. Each period focuses on some method of expression (the fifth is painting, graphics, ceramics and sculpture, the sixth is comics, animation, digital photography and image editing). In the spring of the sixth year and from then on in the spring, the student chooses the workshops for the next school year.

In the workshops (approx. 13-19 years old), the student focuses on one workshop of their choice per semester or study year. The teaching includes small homework assignments, as well as joint exhibition visits during classes and other art examinations, excursions and excursions. They are used to study the environment, past and present culture – all of life.

In preparatory studies, the teaching session is 60 minutes, in the first four years of basic studies the teaching is 2 x 45 minutes weekly. Starting from the fifth grade, the classes are 3 x 45 min or 2h 15 min. Classes begin and end at the exact time indicated.

The beginning of the lessons is important, because then the teacher starts a new task with various pictorial reflections and questions or the presentation of a new medium. Sometimes at the beginning of the class a small excursion is made to the neighborhood to see and study some phenomenon. So it’s a good idea to come to classes on time.

Regular participation in classes is important for your own learning and also for team spirit. It is a good idea to report absences to the teacher or the school office. If a student is absent unannounced several times in a row, he or she may be considered to have left the school and a student place will be given to a child or young person queuing up for a fine arts school.

At the end of the class, parents are welcome in class to discuss and familiarize themselves with the goals and results of each lesson. Try to set aside time for pick-up so that the student can finish their work and clean up their place of work in peace. Our goal is for students to feel responsible for the tools and working space.

Abnormal times or places are reported by the teacher by e-mail or SMS. It is important that the school has up-to-date contact information. We are happy to help you with this.

After the eighth grade, the student receives a certificate of completion of basic studies before moving on to advanced studies. A pupil receives a certificate of completion of the comprehensive syllabus of basic education in the visual arts if he or she has participated in basic studies for at least four years and two years in advanced studies, as well as completed his or her final thesis and complementary studies. If desired, the student can also request a certificate of participation for their unfinished studies.

All materials are included in the tuition fee of the School of Fine Arts. In the classes, you paint, draw, shape and build – so it’s worth putting on mess-proof clothes! It is a good idea to have your own indoor shoes or slippers with you. The school is not responsible for any damage to a student’s clothing or belongings. It is important that the pupil is also equipped with weather-appropriate outerwear for possible outdoor work or excursions.

Trust and cooperation between guardians and the school is important. If the child has special needs related to learning or working in a group, it is a good idea to tell the teacher about them. There is no school assistant available at the School of Fine Arts, so sometimes it may be necessary to involve a parent in the class. It is also important to discuss possible cases of bullying or other issues that affect the student’s motivation with the teacher or principal, so that we can take care of the matter when possible.

Supporting childrens’ hobbies require besides physical transporting and general encouragement but also appreciation in the terms of quality of their work. Parents are the main sources of feedback to the child; Feedback and appreciating the child’s work are always an encouraging message for the child.

Teachers want open feedback from guardians on all the issues they encounter – be they sorrows or joys.

Parents are asked for permission to use pictures of student work and students in school information. The permission given is valid for the entire duration of the School of Fine Arts, unless it is specifically cancelled.

The School of Fine Arts organizes 1-2 student exhibitions annually. The opening of the spring exhibition is the highlight of the school year, families are always warmly welcome to the opening ceremony and exhibitions.

The student is usually allowed to take all the work completed during the school year home no later than in the spring, when the teaching ends. The School of Fine Arts does not have facilities to store work, therefore the work left at the school must be picked up by the given date. The work left at the school after that date will be  regarded as property of the school and may be disposed of.

It is the duty of parents to report changes to the school office regarding the general information of a student and their contact information.

If a student finishes his/her studies, this must always be reported. The notification can be made by e-mail to ktk-bks@kokkola.fi.

Tuition fees are paid twice a year, as a rule, in October-November and February-March. Exemption from tuition is granted on the basis of applications for one study year at a time. An exemption may be granted to 10% of pupils. The application process will be announced separately in the start of the school year bulletin and on the school’s website.

The student insurance for comprehensive school children also covers activities that take place during the school of fine arts. In case of accidents, it is necessary to contact the school office.

The entrance on the Kansakoulukatu side of the school is for students and the yard area on that side is completely protected from car traffic. Thus, students can safely move from the gate across the yard to the inside. The part of the yard facing Katariinankatu is reserved as a parking lot for teachers.

The pupil is the responsibility of the guardian until the start time of the classes and after the end of the class. It is not possible to organize constant supervision in the lobby areas and courtyard of the School of Fine Arts. We strive to arrange the premises and conditions as safe as possible.

We use materials and equipment safely and in a controlled manner. If necessary, pupils use protective equipment.

We organize group-specific exit exercises every year. The emergency plan is updated regularly with the authorities.

As a rule, the evening warden of the School of Fine Arts works between 15:00 and 20:00.

1. The classes arrive on time and the classes end punctually. A student can leave the class earlier if the guardian has agreed on this with the teacher.
2. The use of mobile phones in classes is prohibited, unless specifically agreed with the teacher.
3. It is necessary to follow the instructions of the teacher.
4. It is forbidden to run at school premises.
5. Everyone is given necessary peace at working and no one should be bullied.
6. The working in general and work of others is appreciated.
7. Everyone cleans their own tools and participates in class cleaning.