In January 2026, five staff members from Holywell Educate Together National School braved the Nordic winter and travelled to Helsinki for an exciting professional development opportunity. Thanks to the school’s Erasmus accreditation, awarded in 2024, the visit was made possible through funding from the Erasmus+ KA121 programme, supported by the European Union. The goal was to attend the insightful course, A Finnish Lens on Positive School Environments.
What Makes Finnish Education So Special?
The course offered the Holywell team a fascinating glimpse into a world-famous education system, with a particular focus on how wellbeing, inclusion, and student voice are woven into the very fabric of school life. The group delved deep into proactive, whole-school strategies for building positive relationships, with a special emphasis on the renowned KiVa and Verso anti-bullying approaches.
Learning wasn’t confined to a classroom. The staff were fortunate to visit some truly inspiring local spaces, including the stunning Haltia Nature Centre, the modern Fyyri Library, and Kirkkonummi Kyrkslätt Primary School. Each visit showcased how learning environments—whether a library, a school, or the natural world—can be designed to put students at the centre.
Key Takeaways for Holywell: Wellbeing, Nature, and Community
So, what will the team be bringing back to Holywell? Here are some of the most powerful lessons learned on the trip:
- Embrace the outdoors: There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Outdoor play happens year-round.
- Prioritise wellbeing: Student wellbeing is the essential foundation for all learning.
- Build community: School canteens are vital social hubs that foster a sense of togetherness.
- Champion sustainability: A strong focus on reducing waste and caring for the environment.
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Empower student voice: Pupils are given real responsibility and ownership of their school community.
It was an inspiring and enriching experience for the Holywell ETNS team, and they are excited to explore how to apply some of these “Finnish lenses” to their own school environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about Erasmus+ opportunities for your own setting, you can get in touch with Leargas for more information.