Penkkarit and Marticulation Exam

Seniors ride in a truck, make noice ,and throw candy to spectators.

Penkkarit is a traditional “good-by” truck ride around the city by high school seniors. They make lots of noise and throw candies to spectators. Over 100 high schools were involved. This was the last day for them in classrooms. Studying continues outside the classrooms. Next students have one month to prepare for the matriculation exam which is held on March 12-28. In order to graduate from high schools, students are required to take at least 4 exams and pass them.

1. Finnish, which is mandatory to all the Finnish speaking students. This takes two days; language and writing. Then students need to choose 3 additional exams from the following categories: 2. Swedish (Listening and reading exams). 3. Foreign Language, listening and reading. (English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, Italy, Latin, or Portuguese). 3. Mathematics (advanced which is called long mathematics or regular eq. short. 4. Science and Humanities (Psychology, Philosophy, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Health). Of course, you can take several of these exams.

After these exams, students prep and take entrance exams to universities and colleges.