The Icelandic Education System with School Visits

Inclusive, practical and digital.

Join us on this engaging and practical course with local Icelandic education experts and experience first-hand how culture and heritage have shaped their joyful approach to education.

A highlight of the course week is inspiring, personalised school visits, aligned with your teaching stage, where you will meet and engage with Icelandic teachers and students in their everyday classroom settings.

Explore how the Icelandic school system integrates sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage into everyday learning, creating a dynamic and supportive educational experience. Be inspired by how practical subjects—such as textiles, design, woodwork, art, and home economics—are valued equally alongside academic ones at all school stages, fostering inclusivity and helping Icelanders welcome new students, including those with language barriers or other challenges.

This course offers opportunities to connect with Icelandic educators and fellow European teachers, encouraging reflection, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. 

Hosted by experienced local teachers, this program provides a unique perspective on Iceland’s innovative approach to education.  Participants will examine both Icelandic and international educational methods, including team-teaching, practitioner research, formative assessment, and gender equality, gaining valuable insights to enrich their teaching practices. 

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Please find the course schedule here.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Educational insights: Experience how the Icelandic education system harmonises with culture, heritage, and community values.

Practical and academic balance: Learn how Icelandic schools use practical subjects and Project-Based Learning to foster inclusion and engage diverse learners.

Outdoor learning and sustainability: Explore how outdoor and hands-on learning connect academic objectives with well-being and sustainability, reflecting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Community integration: Learn how Icelandic schools collaborate with local sports clubs, music schools, and organisations to blend education and leisure for holistic learning.

Collaborative networking to adapt our teaching:Connect with European educators to exchange ideas, reflect on Icelandic strategies, and tailor these practices to suit your own context.

Classroom-ready activities: Take away simple Smart Teachers Play More activities inspired by Icelandic education to implement directly in your classroom.

METHODOLOGY:

• Experiential learning: Gain insights into Icelandic education through personalised school visits, interacting with students and teachers.

• Practitioner research: Observe how teachers optimise professional development through self and team reflection, setting goals to improve teaching.

• Smart Teachers Play More workshops: Discover how academic subjects can be taught through games, movement and sensory activities in a calming or active way. 

• Reflection and action planning: Develop personalized action plans to implement outdoor learning, sustainability, and inclusion in your classroom.

• Enhancing collaboration through digital tools:  Use digital tools to share resources, facilitate group reflections, support vision planning and course evaluation, strengthening collaboration and digital literacy skills.

• Collaborative networking: Exchange ideas and reflections with European educators to adapt Icelandic strategies to your teaching context, fostering connections for long-term professional growth.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE EDUCATION SECTOR:

This course offers learning opportunities for teachers and school staff across the education sector including: Kindergarten; Primary; Secondary; Adult education; Special Needs; Teaching assistants; School management; Vocational education; and Student teachers.

  AS PART OF THE COURSE WE ALSO PROVIDE:

• Morning refreshments
• Cultural evening
• Visit to the local swimming pool and hot tubs
• Course material
• Certificate of attendance, Europass Mobility Document, Learning Agreement (if applicable)

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND SIGHTSEEING:

Join us on our own tailor-made local tour of amazing Iceland with our SMART TEACHERS PLAY MORE TOUR PACKAGE for both participants and their families! A great way to enjoy the wonders of Iceland, network and get to know your new European friends.

ACCOMMODATION:

Don’t miss out on our EXCLUSIVE PARTICIPANT DISCOUNT VOUCHERS for a brand new trendy hotel we work with close to our course centre!

COURSE DATES:

23.02.2025 > 01.03.2025 CONFIRMED

16.03.2025 > 22.03.2025 CONFIRMED

20.04.2025 > 26.04.2025 CONFIRMED

11.05.2025 > 17.05.2025 CONFIRMED (Only for kindergarten and primary teachers) 

05.10.2025 > 11.10.2025 CONFIRMED

02.11.2025 > 08.11.2025 CONFIRMED

COURSE PRICE: 

595€ per participant

COURSE I.D. for Erasmus +: 

4475183

CERTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION FOR ERASMUS +:

Participants will receive:

• Europass Mobility Document
• Learning Agreement and Evaluation Form
• Any additional documentation required by your National Europass Agency or National Office.