Subject curriculum for foreign languages (FSP1-01)

Main subject areas

The subject has been structured into main subject areas with competence aims. These main subject areas supplement each other and must be considered together.

There are two levels to the subject curriculum:

• Level I is offered in both primary/lower secondary school and in upper secondary education

• Level II, which builds on level I, is only offered in upper secondary education

Foreign languages level I has competence aims after the tenth year of lower secondary school and after Vg2 in upper secondary education.

Foreign languages level II has competence aims after VG2/VG3 in upper secondary education.

Overview of main subject areas:

Language learning

The main subject area language learning covers insight into one's own language learning and language usage. Developing the ability to use appropriate learning strategies, such as defining one's own learning needs, formulating goals, selecting work methods, using aids and assessing work processes and goal attainment individually and in cooperation with others, could increase our of the subject.

Communication

The main subject area communication focuses on imparting meaning through the foreign language. This includes listening, reading, writing, oral production and spontaneous interaction in various communication situations, media, genres and language functions. This also includes the linguistic repertoire – vocabulary, syntax and textual cohesion – and specific linguistic skills required to master various communication situations. New media and use of the language across subjects and topics are also part of this main subject area.

Language, culture and society

The main subject area language, culture and society focuses on cultural understanding in a broad sense. It covers important topics connected to various aspects of the target-language country's societal life and culture. Working with various types of texts and encountering cultural forms of expression from the target language country can develop interest, understanding and tolerance, and enhance one's insight into one's own living conditions and identity. It can also contribute to the joy of reading, provide experiences and to personal development.