Welcome to Smart Teachers Play More in Finland

Sunday Welcome:

Our Sunday Welcome will take place at Helsinki Normal Lyceum.  Located at Ratakatu 6, 00120 Helsinki, Finland.  Helsinki Normal Lyceum is one of Finland’s most respected teacher training schools and operates as part of the University of Helsinki. Founded in the late 19th century, it has a long tradition of academic excellence and plays a key role in Finnish teacher education by combining high-quality basic and upper secondary schooling with supervised teaching practice for future teachers. The school is widely known for its prestige, strong pedagogical innovation, and close integration of research, theory, and classroom practice.  We’ll begin our week with a warm welcome and registration at 17:00. You’ll meet your course leaders, get an introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More concept, and join in some fun games to practise some essential Finnish and get to know some local tradtions and facts. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow participants and start an unforgettable week together!

Our course centre: 

During the week, all of our courses will take place at Metsätalo (The Forest House), part of the University of Helsinki, located at Unioninkatu 40 in the heart of the city. Having all of our participants together in one venue creates a wonderful atmosphere and gives you plenty of opportunities to meet teachers from different countries and courses throughout the week. During the morning, we will be providing coffee, tea, biscuits and fresh fruit, giving everyone the chance to relax, chat and share ideas together.

Metsätalo is a beautiful university building with bright, well-equipped teaching rooms and plenty of spaces for to meet and study. There is also a UniCafe cafeteria in the building, where you can buy breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee and drinks throughout the day.

The venue is within easy walking distance of many of Helsinki's main attractions, including Senate Square, the Market Square and the harbour, making it a great base for exploring the city before or after the course. 

Here are some of the special activities you’ll enjoy alongside your course sessions — a chance to experience Finnish culture, connect with others, and make your time in Helsinki even more memorable!

Monday Evening - Cultural Evening at Villa Kivi:

Join us for a relaxed and memorable evening at Villa Kivi, a beautiful historic villa set on the shores of Töölönlahti Bay, just a short distance from the centre of Helsinki. Surrounded by nature, this charming venue is home to Finland's Writers' House, where many Finnish authors have worked and created their books over the years. Today, it continues to be a place that celebrates creativity, culture and community.

We'll enjoy some traditional Finnish snacks and soup together, and everyone is warmly invited to share a little of their own culture by bringing a favourite local food, drink, music or story. The evening will also include fun team-building activities and music games, making it a wonderful opportunity to get to know colleagues from across Europe, celebrate our different cultures, and create lasting memories together.

Tuesday Afternoon - The Amazing Race – Suomenlinna Island  UNESCO Site:

Experience one of Finland's most treasured landmarks through a fun and interactive outdoor adventure. Hosted by our Finnish colleagues, The Amazing Race takes place on the beautiful island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where participants will work in teams to complete a series of engaging challenges inspired by Finnish culture, history and traditions.

As you explore the island, you'll enjoy breathtaking sea views, historic fortifications and peaceful green spaces while taking part in activities that encourage teamwork, communication, creativity and playful learning. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the Finnish love of nature, the outdoors and learning together in an unforgettable setting.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing, as we will be outside for most of the afternoon. We will travel to and from the island by ferry, and as the weather can change quickly by the sea, bringing a waterproof jacket is highly recommended.

Thursday Morning - School visit and Finnish Education System presentation 

Gain a unique insight into the Finnish education system through an inspiring visit to Helsinki Normal Lyceum.

The visit begins with an introduction to the Finnish education system, followed by a presentation about the school itself, providing valuable context before you explore the learning environment. During the guided tour, you'll see the school in action, experience its welcoming atmosphere, and gain a firsthand understanding of how learning spaces are organised and used to support children's wellbeing and learning.

After the visit, there will be time to reflect on what you've seen, discuss key ideas with colleagues, and compare aspects of the Finnish approach with your own educational context. This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange perspectives, ask questions, and consider practical ideas that you can take back to your own school.

Thursday Afternoon - Sharing good practice and Erasmus partner finding

During our Sharing Good Practice session, we invite you to share a favourite classroom activity or game with the group — something practical we can all try together (about 5 minutes). Afterwards, there will be an optional meeting for schools interested in future project partnerships. You’ll have a chance to briefly introduce your school or organisation, discuss collaboration ideas, and exchange contacts. We’ll also share an online form to help everyone stay connected.

Friday - Evaluation and vision planning (as part of our course morning):

On Friday morning, our second session will focus on reflection, evaluation, and future vision planning. Together, we’ll look back on what we’ve learned, share key takeaways, and set goals for applying new ideas in our own contexts. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a digital certificate of attendance.

Saturday - Helsinki city museum:

On Saturday morning, we visit Helsinki City Museum and together reflect on the week and strengthen our new relationships.  The Helsinki City Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's history, culture, and daily life, from its founding to modern times. Highlights include the immersive Time Machine, the interactive Children’s Town, and engaging rotating exhibitions. Personal stories and historical artifacts bring Helsinki's past to life. You can also do this activity on Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Extra optional activities:

For those of you who are interested in doing something together outside our regular programme we offer:

Wednesday afternoon: A Guided tour of Helsinki
Enjoy a 2-hour guided walk led by local experts to uncover the historical and cultural highlights of Helsinki. Experience the city’s rich heritage and modern charm with a fun and joyful twist, making it a memorable exploration of Finland’s vibrant capital. Price: €30 per person

Early Friday morning (before the course): Allas Sea Pool
Relax and rejuvenate at the Allas Sea Pool, a unique wellness retreat in the heart of Helsinki. Unwind in the warm outdoor pools, embrace the invigorating Finnish sauna experience while enjoying stunning views of the Baltic Sea. A perfect way to combine well-being and cultural immersion!  Price: €19 per person

If you need any additional information, just let us know.

We are really looking forward to meeting you.

The STPM team