Congratulations to IB graduates

Mattlidens Gymnasium and Etelä-Tapiolan Lukio are performing above the global average in results. - This year, the IB went back to the full assessment model (all exams in all subjects). This did have an effect on the results globally, says Mattlidens Gymnasiums’s IB Diploma Coordinator Anna Martikainen. - But the highest flyer gained an impressive 43 points out of 45 points, says Etelä-Tapiolan Lukio’s IB Diploma Coordinator David Crawford. 

IB studies are demanding but both schools have the spirit, which helps with the studies. - - There’s no competition between the students. If somebody succeeds, everybody is happy and congratulates them. If somebody fails, others will cheer them up, says IB graduate Venla Pajukangas about spirit in Mattlidens Gymnasium. 

The IB in Finland continues to be a popular choice for students.  - Every year there are more applicants than available spots, and inquiries are made throughout the year, says Anna Martikainen. - The demand is greater than IB schools in the Greater Helsinki area can absorb, says David Crawford. 

Although the diploma is different than the national Finnish curriculum, the graduation ceremony is similar.  There are speeches, music, diplomas and awards. - We congratulate all our graduates and applaud their success!, says David Crawford. 

- With this diploma, I can go abroad to study. In addition to my degree, the fact that I speak many languages is useful to me. I know how to meet people from different backgrounds. My dream is to study for a bachelor's degree in Finland and a master's degree in France, says Venla Pajukangas. 

30 years of IB in Mattlidens gymnasium 

This year, IB in Mattlidens gymnasium, together with SYK (Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu), is celebrating 30 years of IB. To celebrate the occation, Mattlidens gymnasium has an alumni reception for all Mattlidens alumni after the IB graduation ceremony today.  

Gun-Maj Roiha, the first IB-coordinator in Mattlidens gymnasium, is taking part in the celebrations today. -I still feel very strongly, that this is a great programme. Because the students only have six or seven subjects, their knowledge in these subjects is very profound. The sense of unity among the students is strong because they spend so much time together. They support and help each other, going through this challenge together, she says. 

The history of the IB programmes begins in the 1970s when the Finnish Academy annually awarded two Upper Secondary School students scholarships for studies at the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales. The Board of Education showed interest, and a working group was appointed in september 1989 to investigate the possibilities of an English-language diploma in Finland. 

Many aspects had to be considered: legislation, funding, whether the diploma would be recognized for further studies at the university, and so on. In the working group, the then-principal Hilding Klingenberg for Mattlidens gymnasium and Vesa Nikunen, who was the principal at SYK, were involved. Seven months later, in August 1990, the IB programs began at both Mattlidens gymnasium and SYK. 

-It must be a world record, Gun-Maj Roiha laughs. But the motivation was high, and there was a great interest in starting the programme, she continues. The teachers were very dedicated, and education started immediately with excellent results. IB has been popular ever since, and in Mattlidens gymnasium, the number of study places increased from 25 to 50 in the year 2000. 

Next week, festivities will be held at SYK to celebrate 30 years of IB graduates from both schools. The program will consist of speeches, music, and an open microphone session, followed by a cocktail reception. All former students from both schools, as well as current and former staff, are welcome to participate.