Education in compulsory school is primarily based on the Act on Compulsory Schools, No. 91/2008, as well as regulations that have been issued in connection with the Act. Article 2 of the Act explains the role of compulsory school and Article 24 explains the content of studies and emphasis areas that are not specifically related to specific subjects or fields of study. Article 25 states that the National Curriculum Guide shall include provisions on the content and organization of teaching in specific subjects and fields of study.

According to the law, the goal of compulsory school is twofold. On the one hand, general education that promotes the all-round development of all students and their active participation in a democratic society, and on the other hand, the role of preparing students for participation in the workforce and further study. This involves the student becoming aware of their strengths, both those related to academic knowledge and no less those related to professional knowledge and practical skills. General education strengthens the individual’s abilities that are considered necessary for the person concerned to be able to live and work in harmony with themselves, have the opportunity to develop in and with their environment, and have the opportunity to improve their living conditions by, among other things, being able to make conscious decisions and continue their studies.

Based on the objective articles of the Act on Preschool, Primary and Secondary Schools, the basic elements of education have been highlighted. These basic elements, together with the emphasis elements specified in Article 24 of the Primary and Secondary Schools Act, define the competencies that students are to acquire in primary and secondary schools. The relationship between these elements is explained in the following figure.