Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1: Introduction to STPM and building connections

Begin with an active introduction to the STPM approach, highlighting Iceland’s innovation in education, sustainability, and technology.   Introduce digital tools for sharing resources.  Explore Iceland’s unique cultural and educational heritage through "The Icelandic Corner" and connect with new European colleagues through engaging ice breaking activities and a relaxed social event.

Day 2: You are the central character—setting the stage for learning

Begin the course by connecting as a group, reflecting on your well-being as an educator, and identifying your strengths and current challenges. Engage in activities, games, and discussions to build a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Explore shared understandings of drama and expectations for the week ahead. Delve into how drama complements the Smart Teachers Play More theory, with an introduction to multi-sensory and kinaesthetic techniques that enhance teaching and learning.

Day 3: Firm but fun foundations—performance through play

Discover how drama serves as a gateway to developing key transferable skills such as communication, imagination, confidence, and teamwork. Engage in dynamic games and activities that build these essential skills while fostering engagement and collaboration.

Explore how drama enables holistic learning by helping students absorb information through active, accessible, and innovative methods. Practise techniques that bring learning to life through play, ensuring inclusive and meaningful educational experiences.

Day 4: Insights into Icelandic Education and Sustainability

Visit one of Reykjavík’s newest schools, integrating kindergarten, primary, and secondary education. Discover how practical and academic subjects are equally valued, inclusion is a priority, and well-being is integrated into the curriculum.   Witness how outdoor activities rooted in Icelandic heritage build resilience. Explore how democracy and sustainability thinking shape the school community in a positive way.

Day 5: The power of performance—uniting process and outcome

Explore how creating a performance can unite students, build essential skills, and achieve learning objectives. Engage in practical tips and activities that show how performance outcomes foster collaboration, strengthen relationships within the classroom and school, and connect with the wider community. Learn how to balance process and outcome for impactful learning experiences.

Conclude the day by sharing good practices—bring your favourite school activity to inspire colleagues, exchange ideas, and celebrate creativity in education.

Day 6: Drama—The supporting role

Recap and consolidate your learning from the week through reflective activities and discussions. Explore how drama serves both as a core subject and a powerful supplementary tool to enhance learning across the curriculum. Discover how drama practices can support the development of life skills such as confidence, communication, and collaboration, enriching both academic and personal growth for students.

Using digital collaboration, develop a vision plan with actionable goals, and share intentions in a commitment-creating session. Conclude with course evaluation and feedback.

Day 7: Icelandic Thermal Wellness, Geothermal Sustainability and Reflective Practice

Participants begin with a short seminar on Icelandic thermal bathing traditions, exploring the role of geothermal energy, sustainability, wellbeing, equality, and screen-free social connection in Icelandic culture. The day continues with a guided visit to a local thermal swimming pool and hot tubs, where participants experience an important aspect of Icelandic daily life: gathering together in warm geothermal waters despite the cold outdoor climate, engaging in open conversation where every voice is valued, and learning about local customs of hygiene, trust, and shared social spaces, including the longstanding tradition of showering thoroughly without swimwear before entering the pools. Structured reflection and mindfulness activities encourage participants to connect these experiences to the course themes and their own personal and professional development.