SPECIAL NEEDS AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, ICELAND. A practical course on recognising and building students’ individual strengths and setting motivating goals through creative projects

Group photo of participants finishing their Smart Teachers Play More course with big smiles and positive gestures.

Third-party on-site course

SPECIAL NEEDS AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, ICELAND. A practical course on recognising and building students’ individual strengths and setting motivating goals through creative projects

An empowering course that engages practitioners in discussion and activity around inclusivity in the classroom.
• Holistic approach which strengthens learning opportunities for all.
• Extensive bank of engagement ideas.
• Designed in collaboration with students with learning disabilities, their teachers, families and support teams.
• Innovative, fun and solution focused.

Last updated: 28.03.2025

Next upcoming session:

20.07.2025 - 26.07.2025

Iceland , Reykjavík

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Description

This course explores the importance of combining global progress with continuing to invest in our local communities. We will examine how to strengthen relations between teachers, students, families and their communities and how this cohesion can promote individual ability and growth.
How we celebrate different abilities in a school environment can shape the future for our children. Alongside academic progress, we want all our young people to have the opportunity to develop in compassion for themselves and others, grow in confidence in who they are and what they can achieve.

CONCEPTS AND ACTIVITIES EXPLORED:

The four Wall Concept (self/student/family/community) - how the connection of these four principles are vital in building a strong support foundation.
The Power of Creativity for All – in providing varying and responsive access points to the learning process.
Access for all – how small changes can have a powerful impact on the well-being of the whole student body.
How to include young people with different needs in conversation about their education.
The Support Chain – the value of trust and connection with families and support staff.
How to engage with the community in a positive and productive way.

OUTSTANDING TRAINERS:

Rachel Bennett, an experienced and innovative creative arts practitioner from England, who has worked positively and proactively with people with learning disabilities and support staff for over twenty five years. Her practice is underpinned with a dedication to inclusion, a celebration of ability and a holistic approach. For the past 14 years she has worked as a leading arts practitioner on the Suffolk Artlink team.

SCHOOL VISIT:

As part of the course, you will visit an Icelandic school at each educational stage and witness how Iceland, with only 360,000 inhabitants, produces so many well-known athletes and artists. You will see how outdoors, sport and practical subjects are given the same priority as academic ones.

Learning objectives

To create a fun learning environment where teachers can share experiences and learn from like-minded professionals.
To identify what you are already doing in the area of inclusion.
To use tools to further develop inclusive practices and activate them on all levels across your setting.
To use creativity as a technique to invest in yourself and empower your students.
To help change perspectives on the value of what it means to succeed in life by celebrating the ability of all and the value that we can all bring to the world.
To give participants a close-up and personal insight into the Icelandic school system.
To encourage physical activity whilst learning.
To give teachers the opportunity to share successful inclusive activities they use in their own school/country so we can learn from each other.
To help teachers plan the vision for their ‘inclusive’ classroom with time to reflect on their individual schools and plan realistic steps for implementation and success.
To connect teachers for future international collaborations and projects.

Methodology & assessment

• Fun ice-breaking activities and team-building activities.
• Regular brain-breaks when necessary to demonstrate energising, calming and brain-gym activities.
• Strengthening Your Foundations - practical activities to identify strengths, challenges and areas of growth as a person and as a practitioner.
• Activities and discussion to explore your role as a motivator and CEO of your class.
• The Directors of Learning - how can we include hard to reach students within the classroom - practical examples.
• Revisit, Reflect, Respond - engaging activities to include and celebrate students in their own learning journey within a class environment.
• A Slice of Utopia - practical examples and tips on how classroom tone, activity and environment can provide a haven and a safe space for learners to develop, grow and contribute.
• The Fourth Wall - The Community - practical activities to support how we can embrace our community, strengthen links with others and increase the visibility of all our learners to help to secure their future in our world.
• Reflection and discussion opportunities focused on how to adapt and design activities for our own classroom settings.
• Sharing good practice session encouraging participants to share successful activities from their own practice.
• Structured networking opportunities so teachers can find suitable partners to continue their Erasmus learning journey.
• An Icelandic school visit including presentation of the school, Q &A session and classroom pop-ins.
• Vision planning session at the end of the course to plan short, medium and long term action based on learning during the mobility.
• Presentations of vision plans.
• Active listening session to reflect on course experience.
• Cultural activities including the “Icelandic Corner” presentation and visits to local hot tubs to practise the Icelandic art of well-being and reflect on the course.
All slides and materials are given to the participants during the course.

Certification details

Letter of Intent/Invitation.
Certificate of Attendance.
Europass Mobility Document.
Learning Agreement.
Evaluation form.

Pricing, packages and other information

Price:

595

Euro

Additional information

Language:

English
Target audience ISCED:

Primary education (ISCED 1)

Lower secondary education (ISCED 2)

Upper secondary education (ISCED 3)
Target audience type:

Teacher

Head Teacher / Principal

Not-for-profit / NGO staff
Learning time:

25 hours or more