Welcome to Smart Teachers Play More in Finland

Our course centre:

Our courses are held at Helsingfors Arbis, the Swedish Adult Education Centre in Helsinki. Located at Dagmarinkatu 3, this vibrant and centrally situated institution offers a welcoming environment for learning and personal development. Easily accessible by public transport, Arbis provides a dynamic space for education and community engagement in the heart of the city.

Sunday welcome at Oodi:

We always kick off the course week with a warm welcome and registration session on Sunday. This takes place at the inspiring Oodi Central Library in Helsinki.

Registration is open from 16:00 to 16:30, followed by an introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More concept and an overview of the courses running during the week. You’ll also meet your course leaders, engage in fun and interactive games, and receive all the essential information to help you navigate the week ahead.

This session is a fantastic opportunity to connect with all the participants from your course and others taking place during the week. We’re excited to see you there and kick off an unforgettable week together!

Finnish School System presentation:

On Tuesday afternoon, join us for an insightful presentation on Finland’s renowned education system. Learn about Finland’s innovative approach to personalised learning, its focus on teacher autonomy, and the trust placed in educators to craft meaningful learning experiences. Explore how collaboration, equity, and student well-being are prioritised, contributing to Finland’s reputation as one of the happiest nations in the world.

Erasmus partner search:

On Tuesday after the Finnish School System presentation, we will also hold a meeting for those schools that are interested in finding future project partners. During the meeting, you will have the opportunity to briefly present your school/organisation and explain any projects or collaborations you would be interested in having. Then there will be time to chat and exchange contacts. We will also share an online form for those looking for partners so we have everyone’s details on one excel sheet. We will make this sheet available the week after the course. This meeting is an optional activity.

School visits:

On Wednesday, we have a full-day school visit to a local school in the city of Porvoo, offering valuable insights into Finnish education. Teachers will have the opportunity to visit classes that match the age group of their students or their specific subject area, ensuring a meaningful and relevant experience.

After the visit, we will gather for a reflection session at one of Porvoo's libraries. This will be an excellent opportunity to discuss your observations, share ideas, and connect theory with practice. It’s a day designed to inspire and enrich your teaching journey!

Cultural evening:

On Wednesday evening, you are all invited to a cultural evening where you will enjoy a taste of traditional Finnish soup, prepared to give you a true experience of local flavours. If you wish, you are also welcome to bring something traditional from your own country to share with the group. We kindly ask you to bring a flag or labels to display with your food, and we’ll provide you with a small space to showcase your dish so everyone knows where it’s from. This evening is always filled with laughter, delicious food, and cultural exchange—you’ll leave with both a full stomach and warm memories!

After dinner, there will be time to dance, play games, and enjoy the company of your fellow participants. It’s a night not to be missed!

Sharing good practice:

As part of our Sharing Good Practice session on Thursday morning, we invite you to present a favourite activity or game which you enjoy using with your students – just something that you could share with a little demonstration to the rest of the group (5 minutes).  Please make it a practical activity (not a presentation), if you can, so we can all take part. A big thank you in advance for this!

Evaluation and vision planning:

On Friday at 11:15 – 13:00 we will have our evaluation and vision planning session. If you have any documents you need signing or stamping you need to bring these on Friday. You will receive your certificate of attendance in digital format once the course is complete.

Helsinki city museum:

On Saturday morning, we visit Helsinki City Museum and together reflect on the week and strengthen our new relationships.  The Helsinki City Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's history, culture, and daily life, from its founding to modern times. Highlights include the immersive Time Machine, the interactive Children’s Town, and engaging rotating exhibitions. Personal stories and historical artifacts bring Helsinki's past to life. You can also do this activity on Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Extra optional activities:

For those of you who are interested in doing something together after our regular programme we offer:

Monday afternoon: A Guided tour of Helsinki
Enjoy a 2-hour guided walk led by local experts to uncover the historical and cultural highlights of Helsinki. Experience the city’s rich heritage and modern charm with a fun and joyful twist, making it a memorable exploration of Finland’s vibrant capital.

Thursday afternoon: Allas Sea Pool
Relax and rejuvenate at the Allas Sea Pool, a unique wellness retreat in the heart of Helsinki. Unwind in the warm outdoor pools, embrace the invigorating Finnish sauna experience while enjoying stunning views of the Baltic Sea. A perfect way to combine well-being and cultural immersion!

This will be organised on arrival.

If you need any additional information, just let us know.

We are really looking forward to meeting you.

The STPM team