Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day-by-Day Exploration
Each day combines school visits, cultural experiences, and interactive sessions to deepen your understanding of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable teaching practices within the Icelandic educational context.

Day 1: Introduction to STPM and Building Connections
Begin with a warm welcome, registration, and interactive icebreakers to get to know fellow participants and course leaders. Explore the STPM concept, its mission and methodology, and gain an overview of the week ahead. Discover Icelandic culture through “The Icelandic Corner,” share expectations, and connect further during an optional social event.

Day 2: Sustainability Awareness and the STPM Approach
Engage in interactive activities introducing the STPM methodology and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore Iceland’s sustainability focus and reflect on your role as an educator through “Think Globally, Act Locally.” Discover practical approaches to Education for Sustainability, including the Eco-Schools programme, and participate in hands-on activities.

Day 3: Geothermal Energy, Sustainability, and Nature Exploration
Visit Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant to explore how renewable energy is produced and understand Iceland’s role in sustainable innovation. Continue with a guided walk through the surrounding lava and moss landscapes, reflecting on the relationship between nature, technology, and sustainability.

Day 4: Insights into Icelandic Education
Visit a local school to explore the Icelandic education system through a presentation, guided tour, and classroom observations. Engage with students and teachers to gain insight into inclusive practices, well-being, and everyday school life.

Day 5: Reflection, Outdoor Learning, and the Nature Pyramid
Reflect on the school visit using the STPM methodology, transforming observations into practical ideas through interactive activities. Experience outdoor learning through the Nature Pyramid, highlighting how connection with nature supports environmental awareness and sustainable behaviour.

Day 6: Sustainable Action and Future Planning
Explore environmental themes through reflective and calming activities that connect well-being with sustainability. Share course experiences through active listening and collaborative discussion, and develop a personal action plan with short-, medium-, and long-term goals.

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.