Programme

A Day in the Life at an OPPI-Affiliated School

An OPPI-affiliated school follows the rhythm and structure of Finnish pedagogy while operating within the school hours and calendar of its own country. Here is what that generally looks like for a K-5 pupil.

In brief

The day is built around shorter lesson blocks broken up by regular movement and outdoor breaks, following the same principle as recess in Finnish schools.
Several subjects are often taught together through a single phenomenon-based project rather than as separate, disconnected periods.
Homework load is generally light in the early primary grades, consistent with the approach described in Finnish homework practice.
The school day operates within local hours and calendar requirements; it is the teaching approach, not the timetable itself, that follows Finland's model.

Morning: literacy, numeracy and movement

Mornings typically open with core literacy and numeracy, taught in shorter blocks than a conventional 40 to 45 minute period, with a break for outdoor free play between lessons. Teachers use small-group and hands-on activities rather than lecturing the whole class for long stretches.

Midday: a connected, project-based lesson

A significant part of the day is often organised around a phenomenon-based unit, where a single real-world topic, such as water, the local community or a season, is explored across science, language and art in one connected block, rather than as separate unrelated subjects.

Afternoon: skills, wellbeing and a light finish

Afternoons commonly include arts, physical education, or a life-skills subject, alongside time built in for social and emotional check-ins. Pupils generally leave with little or no formal homework in the early grades, with the expectation that the school day itself, not extra work at home, carries most of the learning.

Frequently asked questions

Does an OPPI-affiliated school follow Finland's school hours?

No. The school follows local school hours and the local academic calendar. What it borrows from Finland is the teaching approach and daily rhythm, such as shorter lessons, regular breaks and connected, project-based units.

Is there a lot of homework?

Generally not, particularly in the early primary grades, in keeping with the wider Finnish approach of keeping most learning inside the school day.

How much of the day is outdoors?

Regular short outdoor breaks between lessons are a consistent feature, though the total time varies by school and local climate.

Bring Finnish pedagogy to your school

OPPI affiliates a selective cohort of schools each year for its K-5 Finnish-pedagogy programme, backed by Education Finland. Tell us about your school and our team will reach out.

Backed by Education Finland. Over 20 schools have already affiliated, including DPS, Radcliffe and Sanctus. Places in each cohort are limited.

Apply to the affiliation cohort →