kool@porkunikool.ee porkunikool.ee

1. Porkuni Kool kool@porkunikool.eewww.porkunikool.ee Porkuni village Tamsalu Rural Municipality West-Viru county 46001 Estonia by Urve Karp

2. Location

3. Higher Education 12% Vocational education (on the basis of secondary education) 70% 8% Gymnasium 20% Vocational education (on the basis of basic education) 72% 28% Graduate from basic school Education System in Estonia • Levels of education • pre-school education (ages 3-6) • basic education (ages 7-15, grades 1-9) • secondary education • higher education Maximum class size 24-28 students State schools funded by the state Education is compulsory until completion of basic school, or up to the age of 17

4. How it all started? Some dates to demonstrate our increasing tasks……. • 1925 The school for children with special needs was founded • 1925-2000Porkuni School specialized in teaching of deaf children • 1995Porkuni School started to teach students with learning disabilities. New classes with simplified curriculum were opened. • 2001 Coping classes for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties were added. The last simplified curriculum class was transfered to Vaekyla special school in 2005. • 2004 A kindergarten-group for SEN children was opened • 200… Two groups for children with multiple disabilities were opened.

5. School in numbers 2011/2012 This year we have • 80 children; • 70 employees: • (35 teachers; • 21 assistant teachers; • 14 staff.)

6. Children in Porkuni School At present there are 80 students in Porkuni School: 11 multiple disabilities(deafness/blindness/physical disorder) 10 in wheelchair 4 in nursery 30% with of children have different somatic diseases

7. Applying for school… Application by a parent and a decision of the counselling committee based on medical, psychological and pedagogical research. The councelling committee consists of five members: • A special education teacher • A speech therapist • A psychologist • A social worker • A special medical specialist (if needed) • A representative of the county government A councelling committee has the right to: • Assign a SEN child a curriculum or a form of study • Refer a SEN child a school or class • Decide (at the request on parent) on postponing the obligation to attend school

8. The goal of societyTo create equal opportunities for all pupils to get quality education according to their needs and abilities School 2 classes for children with multiple disabilities 9 copingclasses Kindergarten-group I schoolstage- 1 class prolonged study- 2 classes II schoolstage- 2 classes III schoolstage- 4 classes Maximum number of children in coping class is seven

9. Main subjects • the Estonian language • math • orientation subject ( science, history…) • drawing and handicrafts • bodybuilding • domestic science • music • woodwork • rhythmics class • physical education Students in III schoolstage (prolonged study) are taught according to the alternative curriculum. They study subjects like social competence, functional reading, history, anatomy etc.)

10. National curriculum • Basic and secodary school curriculum • curriculum for pupils with moderate learning difficulties (9 + 1 years)- general learning disability (labelling before=border line case and mild mental retardation IQ 50-70) • curriculum for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties (9 + 3 years) Specific learning disability (labelling before= moderate and profound mental disabilities IQ lower than 50)

11. Support system Employees • Speech therapist • Doctor • Nurse (massage) • Instructor of special physical education 6 Special education teachers 11 Pedagogues with high pedagogical educations 5 Pedagogues with other high education (psychologist, social worker) 5 pedagogues with proffessional pedagogical education • Living- and education conditions • SCHOOLBUILDING • music therapy classroom • handicrafts classroom • gym (trampoline, grossing) • therapy class (special medical gymnastics) • student cafeteria • IT classroom • music classroom BOARDING HOUSE (manor house) • assembly room • domestic science room • living- and bedrooms Porkuni School is located on a small island which is surrounded by Lake Porkuni. Learning outside is an important part of the curriculum

12. Rehabilitation team Rehabilitation team has been working in Porkuni school since 2007. Team consists of: • 2 psychologists • 3 special education teachers • 3 speech therapists • 2 social workers • a doctor • a nurse • a physiotherapist The team writes rehabilitation plans for children and conducts planned activities. Parents get counselling by experts.

13. Prolonged education The focus is on learning practical skills. The school curriculum includes: • Cleaning practice • Practical work instruction for boys • Handicraftsfor girls • Domestic science • Cooking and service practice Our children visit Väike- Maarja Education Centre where they have opportunities to learn more about vocational specialities. Two years ago we started cooperation with companies teach students how to manage inreal work environment.

14. Other activities • Traditions: • 1 september; St. Martin's Day, exhibition of children´s work in autumn, winter and spring; Teacher´s Day; Independence Day; song contest; sports day, hiking day;Christmas party with parents; springparty with an auction. • Every summer teachers organize a summer camp in Porkuni School. • Our children can participate in swimminglessons in Tamsalu. • Sport is very popular- once on a week our children to take part in different sports competitions. • The most excellent students can participatein international competitions. • Clubs: • Weaving • Singing and musical instruments • Woodwork • Photography