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First of all, I was impressed by the local philosophy : we are not tourists but guests ! Waouh ! This makes a great difference ! Money should not come first ! But cultural exchanges are encouraged ! And indeed, Reykjavik seems to be economically very dynamic, welcoming workers from a great diversity of countries : there a construction sites everywhere ! Is this attractivity due to tourism ? Is it sustainable ? Who are the foreigners who come to settle here ? What does they look for ? Maybe, among other possible answers, this open-minded attitude and this respect..For, in a single day, you understand how Islandic people are respectful and discreet. This is something I value. When we visited the school these values were so obvious ! Along with a kind of modesty, and, what’s more, a real independance of the children : there school is there 2nd home, they wander everywhere during lunch time, they were not scared at all by us, foreigners, they even dare to talk with us in English ! This independance relies on confidence towards the adults, and, from this point of view, the simple fact that the teachers give their pupils the choice of their activities once a week should help enormously ! Importance is given to hand craft activities, which is part of what we are here for : untangible cultural heritage ! This made me thinking of how lucky I am to work in a secondary school were general, technical and vocational courses are mixed into a same place, where every secondary pupil can go to the school farm and learn with the people working there, where they can share their knowledges and interests into nature and animals ! I wish all secondary schools could be structured like this, so as not to loose this essential combination of manual and intellectual activities, with no reference to a stupid superiority of one compared to another. Like my colleagues, I was also impressed by the degree of equipment of the school, but as my German colleague pointed it to me, it’s not finally the number of computers that makes the difference : it’s the teacher, and, as Rita said, how passionnate he is and how motivated he is to share his passion with his pupils ! This has finally nothing to do with our actual modo of innovation or change…this really has to do with sharing an heritage ! One precision has to be made : the ratio adult / pupils is, in this primary school, of 1 per 10…Should inspire our governments…However, some aspects seen at the school chocked me, like seeing pupils visibly not interested in the task listening to music or playing on their smartphones…Maybe it’s indeed a good thing not to force pupils, but can’t we consider that it’s sometimes necessary as well to force ourselves doing things that we do not want to ? The afternoon visit at the Saga Museum stresses the link between religion and power, in reference to the acceptance of christianity by the Vikings to maintain peaceful relations with Norway. In fact, who controls the minds controls the lands, in this politics of extension that historically governed our western countries … It’s great that Icelandic people haven’t lost their pagan beliefs… It nearly makes me envious ! Not for the question of validity of these beliefs, but for the links that are strongly kept between humans and nature. This precise link we have lost in most of the other european countries since Aristotle, Plato, and even more since the start of the Industrial period. I wish these beliefs could come back with more popularity than the monotheistic religions, as it could help people understanding the urgency of environmental issues. In the museum, it was also obvious how the « mono » religion turns into a disadvantage the simple fact of being a woman (withcraft trial…). Here again, it might not be a pure coincidence that Iceland is also famous for its egality of treatment between men and women…The photo I want to add to this report is of a painting I saw on my way home. It represents this fusion human/nature, the importance of the sea in this culture. It’s peaceful, calm and harmonious. The creature wearing the hair is left invisible, we can only imagine it’s a mythical creature (mermaid ?), but what is interesting is that all living creatures, including the little human, are connected to this creature (their mouth catching its hair), just like it was their source of energy… Aren’t myths our  sources of life and identity ?

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The first day of our course has been so interesting. It was such a priviledge to visit the school and learn more about the education system in Iceland. It was inspiring to see how independent the children were in their learning. The way in which the school gives the children some lessons each week where they can choose their own activities meant that they were leading their own learning.

"If you give the children a choice, they will be more engaged".

This made me reflect on my own teaching and the possibility of trying to incorporate this idea, even in some small way, into my lessons.

The discussion with Rita about cultural heritage deepened my understanding. It also reminded me of how cultural heritage makes us unique and made me reflect on how this understanding can develop tolerance and have an impact on views.

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Our first day of the course has been very full and informative.
There is, surprisingly, a minister of elves in Iceland so no construction or roads can be built without their consent. It is similar to Islamic belief that other beings(spirits)live alongside us mainly in trees. Consent is needed through a person of high religious standing to cut trees to prevent their wrath. With such similar beliefs can this be taken as truth and not folklore?
To prevent war with Norway, Icelanders literally became Christians overnight. This was with the proviso they could continue their pagan belief in private. However many homes still have a nod to their believes with sculptures and stonework indicative of hidden folk.
My attention was taken by how respectful, independent and industrious the children were. They are given a bigger say in their learning and choices of how & when this takes place. Is this evolved from icelanders’ views that we are lesser than nature therefore do not see themselves in a arrogant, elevated way?
When we went to Hallgrimskirkja cathedral we bought tickets to the observation platform. We noticed how it was accessible without any checking of payment. This reminded us that Icelanders do not see visitors as tourists but guests. In return they expect us to behave respectfully and honestly like honoured guests. It was refreshing. I really am loving Iceland and it’s people.

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It was a lovely first full day in Iceland today. The visit to Vesturbaejarskoki school was fascinating. I was really impressed by the children’s independence and confidence. At the school there was a real emphasis on creativity, positivity and developing the ‘whole’ child (whether sporting, artistic, practical or academic). There were examples of children being given choices over their own learning which gave them ownership and motivation.
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I also find it very interesting to learn about the history of Iceland and its roots in Paganism. The respect for, and awareness of, the country’s cultural heritage is so strong and secure that there is a minister for elves in the government. This is fascinating and something that I aim to learn more about.

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Had a wonderful day today and on reflection I was thinking that how independant the children were at Vesturbaejarskoli amazing school. Thank you for sharing the story with us. I found the story of the Elves and the Hidden People very interesting
When Eve hid some children from God. She only presented to God her presentable children. When God looked at her children, he asked her wether she had more children she said no. God spoke to her. What you have now tried to hide before your God, that shall from now on be hidden from you and your husband and defendants. I can relate to this story because we believe one cannot hide any misdeeds from God. The saying is you reap what you sow!

Mayflower Primary School

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Day 1

I feel more than privileged to have had the opportunity of visiting an Islandic school. Entering a different school as a teacher probably feels the same way a conducter enters a new concert hall: the focus is on the uniqueness and talent of the musicians but it doesn't hurt to play and work with them in a hall that is well-equipped, inviting and has great acoustics. At Vesturbaejarskóli you can find all that. Confident pupils, differentiating materials and methods, bright walls and shelves showing the pupils' works of art and some extraordinary peace and quiet that isn't even disturbed by a bell or the squeaking of shoes!