Innovation collaboration

Each school offered three workshops that ran twice, and then staff divided into discussion groups in the afternoon.

 

The agenda was impressive!

 

8:40-9am. Morning coffee

9-9:05am. Þuríður Óttarsdóttir, principal of Víkurskóli, opens the day - gymnasium

9:05-9:15am. Sigurður Arnar, principal of Grundaskóli, presents the Innovation Fund project

9:15-10:15am. Workshops first session

10:15-10:45am. Coffee break

10:45-11:45am. Workshops second session

12-1pm. Lunch - cafeteria

1-2pm. Panels

2-2:30pm. Summary, Jón Haukur, principal of Stapaskóli - gymnasium

2:30-3pm. Light refreshments provided by Víkurskóli - cafeteria

 

Here's more information about the workshops the schools offered:

 

Management: Ásrún Ágústsdóttir - Víkurskóli

This workshop examines how textile studies can empower individuals to tackle climate change issues, build environmental awareness, and develop social responsibility through creative processes.

 

Management: Yrsa Rós Brynjudóttir and Fiona Elizabeth Oliver - Víkurskóli

The workshop explores how formative learning and integration of four subjects in Owls supports improved student understanding, clarity and progress. The session places special emphasis on learning objectives and how they help make learning more purposeful and visible to both students and parents.

 

Management: Einar Viðarsson and Sigurður Arnar Sigurðsson – Grundaskóli

Grundaskóli has a long tradition of a robust drama program and staging large original musicals. In recent years, 10th-grade students have staged a musical as part of their final school project. All students participate and contribute directly to the production. Topics will include its structure, focus areas, and implementation.

 

Open School - developing support services 

Management: Ingibjörg Stefánsdóttir and Berta Ellertsdóttir - Grundaskóli

Grundaskóli has worked according to the Open School philosophy, seeking creative solutions in school operations. The school's support services have been reorganized to align with diverse learning structures across all age levels. This session outlines the organizational structure and procedures. The discussion covers the changing emphasis in support services, where diagnoses are not the primary driver for implementation or the development of professional practices.

 

Management: Aðalheiður Þráinsdóttir – Grundaskóli

Kids with Kids is a development project created in collaboration with KVAN. The project involves strengthening empathy and encouraging active participation from older young people to mentor younger ones. The project aims to strengthen positive leadership behavior and help prevent bullying. The presentation will also cover findings from a study of the project. This presentation reviews key focus areas and implementation.

 

Management: Haukur, Guðrún and Krummi - Stapaskóli

This workshop focuses on how teachers can apply the Heillaspor (Nurture Approach – Icelandic adaptation) and the methods of the Hugarfrelsi (Mindfulness and Well-being Program) to create a calmer, more connected, and positive school community. The session covers ways to enhance safety, trust and well-being in the classroom, emphasizing relationship building, emotional intelligence and student self-awareness. Teachers receive practical ideas and tools to support students' social and emotional skills, build positive relationships and create space for calm and focus in learning. The workshop suits anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of compassionate schooling and enhance their own job satisfaction and impact.

 

Management: Brynja Stefánsdóttir - Stapaskóli

This workshop examines how natural science education is structured at Stapaskóli. The workshop emphasizes the integration of academic learning and hands-on projects, both inside and outside the classroom, where outdoor learning and creative problem-solving play key roles.

We also introduce Stapavaka, an annual science competition for students in grades 7-10, where students work on diverse research projects and present their findings in engaging and entertaining ways.

Stapavaka has proven to be a powerful platform for strengthening students' critical thinking, collaboration and independence.

 

Management: Kristín Björk, Rut Bergmann, Bryndís Ósk and Sigr. Heiða - Stapaskóli

Play is young children's primary learning pathway and the key to building interest and intrinsic motivation for learning. In the youngest level of primary school, it's therefore essential to continue using play as a driving force in learning and develop ways to connect it with competency standards and educational goals. The discussion will explore how the joy of play can create a positive learning environment, strengthen student communication and collaboration, and lay the foundation for a successful educational journey.

 

Management: Loftur Þórarinn Guðmundsson - Víkurskóli

In this workshop, participants get to experience a thinking classroom in action. Participants will step into the role of students and experience the teaching methods firsthand.