Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1

Introduction to STPM - Building connections

Begin your journey with the STPM approach, where mindfulness and well-being take centre stage. Dive into Finland’s pioneering educational model and cultural heritage through "The Finnish Corner," and connect with new European colleagues through engaging ice breaking activities and a welcoming social gathering. This event takes place in Helsinki’s iconic library, a stunning blend of cultural house, community hub, and breathtaking architecture. This inspiring venue sets the tone for a week of creativity, connection, and learning.

Day 2: 

Empowering the educator

Celebrate your unique strengths and address your current classroom challenges through reflective activities and discussions. Create a proactive plan for personal and professional growth, identifying key areas for development to better support diverse learners. Explore your role as a motivator and leader, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered through positive connections and collaboration.

Day 3:

The Inclusive Classroom – Games, movement, and mindfulness

Discover a range of interactive games and activities designed to support learning and foster inclusion, with SEN students at the heart of every practice. Explore strategies that integrate movement, empathy, and mindfulness to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment where every student can thrive.

The Finnish educational system

We will conclude the day with an introduction to the Finnish school system, providing essential background knowledge in preparation for the upcoming school visit.

Day 4

Interactive school visits and reflection

Participants will spend the day visiting a Finnish school tailored to their teaching stage or subject area. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to gain inside knowledge, interact with Finnish educators and students, and explore the Finnish school system firsthand. Through conversations and observations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the practices that make Finland's education system stand out. At the end of the school day, we will come together as a group to reflect on the visits, share insights, and discuss how these experiences can inform and inspire your own teaching practices.

Day 5: 

Exploring creativity as an access point

Experience a range of creative activities that can be used as access points or gateways to learning across the curriculum. Practical activities to demonstrate how this model can be effective for different learners.

Sharing inclusive practices - A European Dimension

Share and be inspired by positive practices in a collaborative session where participants exchange successful inclusive activities and ideas from schools all over Europe.

Day 6: 

Embracing community connections

Engage in a practical activity designed to strengthen connections with the wider community, celebrating diversity and increasing the visibility of all learners. Explore strategies to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging, ensuring every student feels valued and prepared to contribute positively to our shared future.

Special needs and inclusion action plan

Using digital collaboration for vision planning, create actionable goals for implementing inclusive practices into your teaching. Define short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to foster well-being and focus, and strengthen your commitment through collaborative discussions and shared intentions.  Conclude with course evaluation and feedback.

Day 7

We’ll spend our final day together at the Helsinki City Museum, reflecting on the week’s experiences and insights. This time will also be an opportunity to strengthen the connections formed with new friends, celebrating the journey and looking ahead to future collaborations.