Guidance counselling
The main purpose of guidance counselling is to support pupils’ growth and development, enabling them to enhance their study skills and social competence and acquire knowledge and skills required in life planning. Guidance counselling also connects schools to society and working life. It helps promote fairness, equality, non-discrimination and participation, while preventing exclusion from education and working life.Guidance counselling as part of basic education
Guidance counsellors take into account each pupil’s individual background and needs. Guidance is planned around pupils’ personal goals, experiences, hobbies, interests, skills, and factors affecting their life situation.
In lower secondary school, guidance counselling is provided through group-based lessons and one-on-one guidance. First and foremost, the guidance counsellor discusses upper secondary study options with the pupil. The counsellor does not make choices for the pupil but helps them clarify their thoughts and provides information about different options. If a pupil needs a lot of personal guidance, they can receive intensified personal guidance starting from the 8th grade.
Multidisciplinary cooperation is carried out to ensure the continuation of studies for pupils in need of intensified personal guidance and young people who are at risk of dropping out of education for a special reason.
The aim of guidance counselling is to help the pupil identify their strengths and areas of interest. It increases the pupil’s knowledge of working life and improves their learning skills and ability to make choices.
This page contains material to support pupils and guardians and increase the success of guidance counselling.
Guidance counselling in basic education
Exploring upper secondary education opportunities
Towards the end of basic education, pupils must apply for a place in upper secondary education. Applying is obligatory for pupils of compulsory education age. Through these links, you can explore upper secondary education options.