Draft:Espoo International School

Espoo International School, commonly abbreviated as EIS, is a free English-speaking primary and middle school, located at Liilhemtintie 1 in the Suurpelto district of Espoo.

History
The school was founded in 2015 with the combination of Postipuun Koulu, Komeetan Koulu, and Espoo International School (previously located in Tapiola). The school is one of the only English school (grades 1-9) in the City of Espoo. In addition, EIS offers the internationally recognised IB MYP-programme, for students in grades 7-9. The school also has been split between the Opinmäki campus, and the Kivimiehen Koulu campus.

Admission
Unlike most other primary schools, applicants must take an entrance exam to earn a seat as Espoo International School. Applicants usually take a written exam, as well as a spoken exam. English-language skills are given most emphasis. Applicants with previous studies in the English language are given priority when the admission process takes place. Admission tends to be competitive.

EIS today
EIS, with 662 students, is held in high regard for its English education, and MYP programme. EIS also offers a considerably more demanding middle school experience compared to other Finnish middle schools due the its MYP programme. Many teachers hold PhDs, and international guests from Italy, Qatar etc, are commonly seen wondering the hallways. Students are also taught IT from a young age, learning to use Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Wilma and more. Furthermore, the school is known for its multiculturalism and diversity, boasting scores of different nationalities. In addition, Espoo International School works alongside KiVa to ensure a safe learning atmosphere.

EIS also offers many unique events, such as Yristyskylä for 6th and 9th graders, HELIMUN for 9th graders, 6th grade trips to Haltia Nature Reserve, KULPS trips, as well as the World Peace Game for 8th graders. 7-9th graders also all take part in Täksvärkki Day every year, in addition with the 9th grade TET-experience. An 8th grade exchange trip to Holland was also a tradition for EIS students; however, in COVID-19 restrictions have ended this.

Campus
EIS is located in the Opinmäki campus which boasts a kindergarten, primary schoo l, middle school, a Helmet library, a sports hall, a 156 person auditorium, a canteen, lounges, a greenhouse, and more. Importantly, the campus includes two schools: EIS, and Olarin Koulu. Furthermore, a football pitch and a playground are some of the outdoor facilities. The campus includes physics, chemistry, biology labs for practical work, alongside kitchens and woodworking machinery for students. Foosball and ping pong tables are often seen around the campus too. Esa Ruskeepää Architects Ltd designed the building, prior to its construction in 2015. Sasu Marila was the lead architect behind the project, collaborating with Helimaki Acoustics. The building follows a modern yet brutalist design.

The sports hall is a key facility at Espoo International School, being the largest sports hall in the area. This has led to the traditional Independence Day Dance to be held at EIS, which thousands of students (citywide) attend. Furthermore, it also hosts the Vanhojen Tanssi for Mattlidens Gymnasium students. The sports hall is also used for hobby classes.

The school facilities are often booked for cultural performances, sporting events, performances, adult classes, workshops, presentations and more.

Student Led-Activities
EIS offers many different opportunities across grade levels. Some examples are listed below. Excluding the examples below, students take part in making the yearbook, and take part in the NUVA elections every 2 years.

Student Council
EIS offers a range of activities for its students to partake in. Since first grade, students are encouraged to join the EIS Student Council (STUCO). Here, they can represent their class, and help make decisions that can affect the school. Representatives must be elected in a class vote. The Student Council is led by a student-led leadership team, which is elected on the entire school level. The leadership team includes a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and two Espoo Representatives. The Espoo Representatives are also part of the School Board, and are officially employed by the City of Espoo.

Eco-School Committee
The Eco-School Committee has been in charge of creating a sustainable campus at Espoo International School. Students from grades 4-7, led by a board, partake in workshops, meetings, etc to plan the future of our school. The Eco-School programme includes over 300 schools, and helps to build a more sustainable future by engaging millions of students worldwide. Espoo International School has been awarded the Green Flag, for its work in building a sustainable future.

Mentor Programme
The transition from primary school to middle school can be overwhelming; thus, mentors from 9th grade are chosen to guide the incoming seventh graders. The mentors host games and events to build the seventh grade spirit. 16 mentors are chosen every year from 8th grade through an application process. Being a mentor is often seen as an honour.

Global Citizenship
The Global Citizenship team works to promote equality, diversity, acceptance and more at Espoo International School and beyond. Members attend meetings inter-municipally. Global Citizenship members are often collaborate with Täksvärkki ry.

Student-Led Clubs
Students across age groups are encouraged to start their own clubs alongside their friends, at Espoo International School. Clubs meet together to partake in activities from 9.50-10.10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

After EIS
The graduating class participates in the 9th Grade Gala (Ysigaala) before the official graduation on the 1st of June. After the principal's and the STUCO president's speech, stipends are handed out, followed by the distribution of report cards. Report card results averaged are compiled in a database, which dictates secondary school admission.

Due to strong English skills, EIS alumni commonly proceed to complete the IBDP at one of the 5 IB schools in the capital region. These include, Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu (SYK), Ressun Lukio, Etelä-Taipolan Lukio, Mattlidens Gymnasium, and Tikkurillan Lukio. Alumni also commonly attend bilingual schools in the capital region, such as The English School.