An innovative high school curriculum in Finland is designed so that the year is divided into six 6-week periods. In an experiment begun in fall 1989, English second language instruction was provided to second-year students in the form of content-area instruction in computer science, chemistry, and physics at one of two levels. Each course lasted for two 6-week periods, at the rate of 3 hours of instruction per week. It was found that most students adjusted quickly to classroom instruction in English. Demographic information about the students indicated that they were generally lower achievers in math and chemistry but achieved better in English. Student questionnaires revealed that, on the whole, the students were pleased with the program and had little language difficulty. Recommendations for improvement include better distribution of instructional materials, early distribution of a vocabulary list, reduction of the class's pace, and required use of English by students. Participants' school-leaving examination results show some overall improvement in English skills, and significant improvement in chemistry achievement, but little improvement in physics or computer science. (MSE)