News from the world: Northcote students overseas

Correspondent 1: Sam Sweatman in Finland

Finnish and Australian schools have differences and similarities. The classes are the same size 20-25 students, with groups of tables and teachers desk out front with a projector. School days are same length 6.5 hours, but this is where the similarities stop. 

They have 3 levels of school: Primary which is Prep to grade 5; Middle for years 6-9;  then Senior school  for years 10-12/13. The days start at 8am and finish at 2:30pm. The classes are 1 hour 15 minutes long and there’s 15 minutes in between each class. The classes they have are the same: Maths, English and Sciences etc, but it’s compulsory to learn Finnish and Swedish. They have an one hour lunch break where there is a free hot lunch for every student, usually soup or meat with vegetables and bread. 

The biggest difference is school for athletes that play common sports such as soccer, ice hockey and volleyball. Three days a week in the morning you train at your sports venue with a professional coach for 1.5 hours, but since they miss out on school they have the option to complete high school in 4 years instead of 3.

Sam Sweatman of Year 9 is currently on exchange in Finland.

Correspondent 2: Victorian Young Leaders to China

The Victorian Young Leaders to China team continue to enjoy their experience. They have been working with local students and building their language skills and inter-cultural awareness, as well as continuing to explore significant historical sites. Here are some of their latest pictures.