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What an experience!
Having the chance of joining a course like this, at least once in your life, should be an opportunity that every teacher must have.
Discovering a culture, with a fundamental value: the respect for its nature; the consideration to elves and trolls, believing or not in them; the necessary contact with it to learn anything; the weather conditions cosidered a form of life and not being a problem for anything...
But it is also, a way of meeting teachers from other countries, to discover other ways of working, to interchange opinions, to share time with your own partners (in my case, Isabel) that in the daily routine is almost impossible to have a relax chatting, and to see how similar we are when we talk about education values, even coming from all over the world.
It has been a pleasure to meet Rita, and all the partners in the grop!!
A big hug!

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I have learned much about connecting themes like nature, legends and folktales, culture and identity in a creative and productive way. I think that much of what we did is also possible in a German classroom, with sone preparation of course since every culture is unique. Also got some idea how different school life could be if the institutions would alliw for more freedom, like teaching outside or in other unconventional places. Still, at least in my home, we have a long way to go.

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Throughout this week I feel I have learned much to bring back to my students. This includes the joy of belief and the shared community story telling brings. I have considered styles of learning and education different from my own and looked out for opportunities to bring some of our cultural heritage to life again, as this is something that is in some ways lost at home. Similarly, the respect for nature and the will to be a part of it no matter the weather has helped put the UK take-up of outdoor teaching into perspective. I’ve had an unforgettable time and I thank you all for it! I hope to return to Iceland again soon!

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This week was an amazing experience of nature's gifts and cutural heritage as well as personal encounters (human and plushy ones - yes, I'm talking about you, Winston). The group was unique and I really had a great time with all of you!
The sculpture of Sun Voyager reminds me of the importance to seek new goals outside the "comfort zone" and to travel foreign and uncharted ways - which we did and it was worth every second!

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Firstly, I wanted to thank everyone for helping to build what can only be described as an unforgettable opportunity. I’m not sure I’ll ever have a week like this again!

As far as what I’m taking back, my initial reflections are below however I am sure there will be more:

1. Icelanders are brilliant. What friendly, helpful and accommodating people!

2. Iceland is stunning. The natural beauty is breathtaking and it’s reminded me that I need to take time to step away from the computer and enjoy what is freely around me. It’s all too easy to lose yourself in what you are doing and forgetting to step away from it.

3. Icelanders have a strong, common bond through belief. It appears that their history, their religious belief systems, their appreciation for nature and the stories of the hidden people compliment each other and work together; they don’t seem to be in conflict - it’s so refreshing! As a result, it seems that they have created a harmonious and tolerant society.

4. I don’t believe the UK’s curriculum spends enough time building understanding and respect for our traditions and cultures. When we return to school, we need to build this through our school as a continuous thread. It might not be in the National Curriculum but it can be at BHA.

5. I’m incredibly lucky to work with some fantastic people, who helped bring a little BHA magic to the trip, as well as to be able to make links with some wonderful teachers from across Europe.

6. Winston is a rock star!

It’s been very difficult to choose one photo that’s my favourite so I have included a video to make you all smile.

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This week has been an incredible and eye opening experience that I will never forget. I was moved by the Iclenadic landscape and the people who inhabit it. I was intruigued by the eagerly shared stories and the beliefs held by the Icelandic people. The experience has highlighted, for me, the importance of recognising and preserving my own cultural  heritage and relationship with the natural world.

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A great experience - I really liked that we had direct learning experiences.  Learning first-hand on site in nature and in a team, not theoretically in workshops and seminar rooms.
I was impressed by the Icelanders' attitude to life, to live modernity and tradition equally and to live in harmony with nature.

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This week, I have learnt too much to fit into one padlet but here is my attempt:
1. Icelandic people are some of the friendliest and helpful people I have come across on my travels.
2. Icelandic history enriches the culture of Iceland and all of its people have an extremely strong cultural identity.
3. The acceptance of the hidden world, by extension, allows the Icelandic people to be tolerant of and accepting of other cultures and identities.
4. That enriching the curriculum with aspects that build a strong cultural identity is a stepping stone towards internationalisation.
5. That travel is such a positive experience and we should encourage our children to explore as much of the world as they possibly can!

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This week has been incredible. Iceland has, at every turn, taken my breath away. Given the weather, this has sometimes been literally, but there are many aspects of this wonderful country and its people that have left a lasting impression.

Icelanders are grounded in nature and history. The natural world is almost dreamlike in its hostile beauty, inspiring a respect that permeates into every aspect of  Icelandic culture.  Its history is brutal, bloody and fascinating.

Icelanders know where they come from and where they belong. Their approach to life is inspiring and many of the lessons I have learned, whether they are small details such as how to say 'thank you' or grander concepts such as their intimate relationship with nature, will stay with me.

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What a spectacular week! First of all, thank you to each of you reading this for your important roles in making this trip so memorable.

I think the illuminating message from this week has been how much Icelanders have their culture, stories and history as a core within themselves. Something I feel those of us from England could take heed of!

Iceland geology shapes and inspires the people in every way and it truly takes your breath away with its force and beauty.

I will endeavour to use all that I have learnt this week to inspire the next generation to just....do it!!!

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They say that an average teacher talks, a good teacher explains and an excellent teacher inspires. The course did not talk at us, it did not explain. It made us discover, absorb and express in our own ways Icelandic nature and heritage. It has made us want to pass on the beauty of that nature and heritage as well as search for similar beauty in places that we seemingly know all too well, but which we have never looked at closely enough. It has been an inspiration. Thank you!

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Isabel - Iceland, where Nature is the absolute queen

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Isabel - Iceland, where Nature is the absolute queen

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I never imagined that I would participate in a course like this, and even less that it would be in Iceland. Oh my God, I wanted to get to know him better!
I carry with me many learnings, emotions, reflections and illusions but, having felt the power of Nature, of water in all its states and presentations and of lava narrating the creation of this nation, imagining it full of trolls and protected by elves and knowing directly Your educational system... has been, honestly, wonderful.
I thank each person in the group for their kindness and sympathy and, of course, those Easter details with which they have given us (beautiful cards that the children have made and you have brought from the United Kingdom). Thanks to our course leader (good job, Rita!!!), see you (maybe) in Guadalupe? To Winston, for accompanying Lucrecia in this great adventure and, also,to my tireless Mireia, because her effort, dedication and shared enthusiasm for improving education,has brought us so far.

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This course showed me again that it is so worthwhile to constantly expose yourself to new situations. It widens the view and lets you view your own little world from afar. Nevertheless many internal and external hurdles have to be overcome at the beginning.
As in fairy tales , the hero has to face many adventures before there is a happy ending. In the case of our training, it was a flash when I read the course description for the first time. My intuition should come true: it was a great week with great people, impressions and conversations. The days could not have bern denser with experiences and adventures. So I am looking forward to letting others participate at home and implementing some of the many new ideas.
Thank you to everyone who helped out so much!

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It has been an amazing week - you are such a wonderful group!
During the week we have experienced some wonderful moments of friendship, some magnificent lanscapes, amazing encounters with nature, full blast of harsh Icelandic weather and extraordinary warmth of local people!
I hope you return home fully charged with new ideas and inspiration with a strong believe that we, as teachers, have a power to change the world to be a better place for everyone!