The task of instruction in basic education's optional subjects is to deepen and broaden knowledge and skills in basic education's core subjects, especially home economics and other artistic and skill subjects; and as desired, in cross-curricular themes, in accordance with the pupil's choice. It is also the task of instruction in optional subjects to give pupils a chance to deepen their personal interests and find new objects of interest. Optional subjects support the objectives of basic education.
Optional subjects' instruction is given in the eighth through the ninth grade and the number of weekly lessons is six. Pupils can choose from different subjects such as foreign languages, drama, home economics, visual arts, music, physical education, crafts and information technology.