ENGLISH MATTERS

REYKJAVIK 19.03.-25.03.2017

Structured Educational Visit to Schools/Institutes &

Training Seminar in Iceland

Made by János Fricz participant

“Structured Educational Visit to Schools/Institutes & Training Seminar in Iceland”

Reykjavík, Iceland 19th – 25th March, 2017

Study report

Date: 19/3/2017

Registration & Introduction to programme

Introductory meeting was held at Hotel Radisson Blue Saga. All participants were involved in a

breaking ice activity/workshop to meet new colleagues from all around the world so new friendships

were created on the first day. We had to find the reasons which encouraged us to apply for this

project. A detailed schedule for the next day was also presented.

Key aspects of programme

European Dimension & Erasmus+ Spirit:

1. openness – connectedness – sharing… networking

2. Structured CPD Course: combination of Seminars & Educational Visits to schools in order to get to know aspects of the Icelandic education system

3. Field Projects: “©ontexts4Content” Approach to cultural, historical, geographical, geological, social… experiences

4. Professional Development: Reflective journaling, Portfolio

5. Dissemination of learning into teaching practice and among educational community

Date: 20/3/2017

School of Education-University of Iceland

We attended an interesting lecture about Education System in Iceland and Icelandic history and

society. Interesting is in Icelandic evaluation system , the students get school credits which are

calculated based on their participation in classes, work-based learning under supervision, on-the-job

training or training at school, assessment, homework, project work and other work expected of

students. We were surprised to see how a support system for disadvantaged students is well

organized in a comprehensive prevention team. At the end of this meeting we were given a detailed

schedule and instructions for following visits to schools.

Some facts about Iceland:

Date: 21/3/2017

Visit to school I. - Fjölbrautaskólinn í Breiðholti

Very educational visit to vocational school that educates students in various fields - licensed practical

nursing, beautician, carpenter and electrician. School is dividied into two schools; a normal day

school for pupils who are between 16 and 19 years of age and an evening school for adults.

We were impressed by their FabLab - a „fabulos laboratory“ that consists of specialized and well

equipped classrooms where students explore their creativity and produce various handmade

products that they sell later on during school fair. This is a great way to introduce vocational students

to real world of work.

Field project - Thjódminjasafn Íslands (National Museum)

Our knowledge of Icelandic history and society was profounded by this visit, we learned when the

settlement took place and how icelandic society was builed through the ages.

Date: 22/3/2017

During our second school visit we were divided into groups so we visited two different schools.

Visit to school II-a. - Bruarskóli- serskóli

This school was founded in 2003 and is a school for children with severe mental, behavioral or social

difficulties. Teaching takes place in small classes, usually with two special teachers combined with a

small class. Schooling is of a traditional format, except that the student's timetable is compressed in

such a way that the entire school time of the school is a teaching time. Teachers therefore have

students throughout their school hours.

Visit to school II-b. – Menntaskólinn í Kópavogi

This school has modular system and three major areas of study – junior college (academic subjects),

hospitality and culinary school and school of tourism. We visited different classes and saw how

students' projects are implemented into curriculum. Students are required to wear slippers or be

barefooted so we were given visitors slippers that made us look a bit funny.

Field project - Reykjanes Penisula – Bridge between the continents

During this filed project we were amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Reykjanes peninsula.

Our first stop was Bridge Between the Continents which connects the American and Eurasian

tectonic plates. After that we took a short stop at magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves

by the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. At the end we visited two different geothermal areas: Krýsuvík -

Seltún and Gunnuhver. We took a lot of breathtaking photos that will make life memories so maybe

the easiest way to describe this field project is to say that it was a true inspirational experience!

Date: 23/3/2017

Visit to school III. - Verzlunarskóli Íslands

The Commercial College of Iceland is a four-year senior high school - college for students 15+ years

old. Unlike previous schools it is organised on the basis of a form system, all students in the same

form having the same timetable. Students are in college full-time from 8:15 – 15:40, Monday - Friday.

We were divided into groups and each group participated in classes of their field of education.

Date: 24/3/2017

Day Study and Field project - The Golden circle

A full-day field project included three of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland - Þingvellir National

Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area. We started our tour at Þingvellir National Park,

one of UNESCO’S world heritage site both for its geological uniqueness and its historic significance.

Icelandic parliament Alþingi was founded there in the year 930 AD. After that we visited beautiful

waterfall Gullfoss and geothermal area around the incredible spouting hot springs of Geysir and

Strokkur. We were absolutly overwhelmed by Strokkur which erupts every 5-10 minutes, sending

boiling water up to 20 meters up to the air.

Date: 25/3/2017

Evaluation

Evaluation meeting was once again held at Hotel Radisson Blue Saga. All participants briefly

presented what they have learned over the past few days and shared the most memorable moments

experienced during their visit to Iceland.

János Fricz