Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1: 

Introduction to STPM and building connections

Start the week with an active introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) approach, emphasising the importance of collaboration, creativity, and well-being in education. Participate in energising ice-breaking activities to connect with European colleagues and build a supportive learning community. Discover Spain’s rich cultural heritage through “The Spanish Corner,” featuring engaging activities and traditions. Explore digital tools for sharing resources and fostering collaboration. Conclude the day with a relaxed social gathering at a local venue, setting the tone for a dynamic and inspiring course.

Day 2: 

Foundations of Positive Psychology (PS)

Discover the principles and methods of Positive Psychology, a science-based approach to enhancing well-being and happiness using the PERMA model as a guiding framework. Learn the importance of creating healthy habits and explore key benefits, including increased happiness, calmness, nurturing well-being, and boosting mutual respect. This course day provides practical insights to foster a supportive and positive classroom environment while empowering teachers to take meaningful, positive action for their own well-being and growth. It also introduces some mindfulness and breathwork as effective tools for stress management in a calming and revitalising beach session.

Day 3: 

Discovering and developing character strengths

Explore your unique character strengths and learn how to harness them to boost happiness, motivation, and personal well-being. Engage with practical tools and strategies to help your students identify their own strengths, build a skill bank, and set meaningful, motivating goals that boost confidence and growth.

Implementing Mindfulness with "Now Minutes" – an Icelandic approach

Using the Icelandic concept of "Now Minutes," learn step by step how to implement mindfulness, meditation, and calming activities into daily classroom routines. Discover how calm activities can also be integrated with academic objectives to create a balanced and focused learning environment.

Day 4: 

Learning, reflecting, and building relationships in Altea

Experience a day of inspiration and relaxation in the picturesque village of Altea, blending learning, exploration, and cultural exchange. Begin the day by transforming the local beach into a dynamic outdoor classroom. Engage in whole-class teacher-directed movement activities and calming games designed for open spaces, fostering creativity and mindfulness. Following refreshments and a reflective session, enjoy free time to connect with European colleagues while exploring Altea’s charming streets, unique shops, and Mediterranean views.

Conclude the day with a cultural evening, featuring presentations of participants’ local foods, drinks, music, and traditions. Enjoy team-building activities and music games, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and celebration.

Day 5: 

Value checking and visual goal-setting

Gain clarity on your core values through simple, reflective exercises that highlight what truly matters to you. Explore the difference between values and goals and understand how aligning them can positively impact well-being and motivation. Discover how visual tools, such as vision boards and other creative visuals, can reinforce commitment, keep goals in focus, and inspire consistent action toward personal and professional growth.

Sharing inclusive practices - A European Dimension

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

Day 6: 

Developing emotional vocabulary and positive classroom interventions

Discover the power of emotional vocabulary as a key tool for understanding and managing emotions. Engage in role play and core movement games that introduce and provide opportunities to explore emotions and encourage meaningful discussions in a safe and supportive setting. Experiment with small interventions that can shift mindsets and improve physical and emotional well-being.

The positive classroom action plan

Using digital collaboration tools, create an actionable plan to implement positive interventions in your teaching practice. Select specific strategies that align with your goals and define short-, medium-, and long-term actions to promote engagement, resilience, and focus in your classroom. Strengthen your commitment through collaborative discussions and shared intentions, and conclude with course evaluation and feedback to ensure clarity and direction moving forward.

Day 7: 

Reflection and connections at Santa Barbara Castle

Spend the final morning of the course with a walking visit to the iconic Santa Barbara Castle. Reflect and engage in mindfulness activities while taking in the breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean. This serene setting offers the perfect opportunity to consolidate the week’s learning, deepen connections with new colleagues, and celebrate your collaborative journey.