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:

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.

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:

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:

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.