​With two workshops completed this autumn and more in preparation, the ACAδIMIA project is beginning to transform the professional landscape for teachers across the Reykjanes Peninsula. Creative, inclusive pedagogy is no longer an abstract idea, it is becoming part of continous teacher training activities of teacher in the ten primary schools in the area..

A European Vision Anchored in Local Practice

ACAδIMIA brings together partners from eight European countries and collects 11 creative teaching methods—ranging from drama and dialogue to Creative STEAM, digital storytelling, gamification and Montessori-inspired practices—into one shared curriculum. The aim is straightforward: to strengthen teachers’ confidence and expand their pedagogical toolbox through hands-on, collaborative learning.

A Regional Effort with Wide Participation

The impact in Reykjanes is already significant. Close to 60 teachers from all primary schools within Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark have already taken part in Acadimia seminars, both in Iceland and during Erasmus+ training abroad, with more to join over the next few months. This level of engagement has created a regional professional learning community unlike anything seen here before.

Workshops hosted in Ásbrú and Njarðvík this autumn introduced teachers to Creative STEAM, Digital Storytelling, EAR (Dialogue and Drama) and Gamified Learning. Each session has sparked new ideas, encouraged experimentation and strengthened ties between schools.

Strengthening Collaboration, Creativity and Confidence

Teachers report that these methods bring immediate value:

• learning becomes more engaging and participatory,
• students of different abilities find more entry points into lessons,
• collaboration between teachers grows stronger, and
• creative approaches help meet the increasing demands of modern classrooms.

The involvement of the University of Iceland School of Education adds academic depth, ensuring the project is grounded in both research and practice.

A Long-Term Investment in Education

Over the coming months, all 11 ACAδIMIA methods will be introduced through regular workshops across Reykjanes. The long-term goal is clear: to build a sustainable professional platform where teachers can continue learning, sharing and innovating long after the project ends.

Reykjanes is becoming a vibrant hub for creative pedagogy in Iceland, supported by active municipalities, committed schools, and GeoCamp Iceland’s expertise in outdoor learning and STEAM education.

For students in the region, the ripple effects will be felt in richer, more engaging classrooms. For teachers, this is the start of a new chapter of collaboration, creativity and confidence.

​Taking part in European projects is more than just attending a course. To me, it’s an investment in the future of education. Projects like ACADIMIA – the European Teachers’ Academy for Creative and Inclusive Teaching Methods – open doors to new ideas, new connections, and new ways to meet the diverse needs of students.  

In collaboration with teachers from eight European countries, we gain opportunities to learn from one another’s experience, to test methods that work in different cultural settings, and to adapt them to our own classrooms. It’s not just theoretical – it’s practical, realistic, and based on approaches that can be gradually introduced into everyday teaching.

Why does this matter? Because education is becoming increasingly complex. Student groups are more diverse, expectations are higher, and we as educators need to keep evolving. By broadening our horizons, engaging in international cooperation, and giving ourselves the chance to grow, we strengthen not only our teaching but also our professional confidence and creativity.

I’ve already shared my experience of GeoCamp Iceland and the value of European projects with my colleagues at Grundaskóli, about 50 teachers in total, to encourage others to see how beneficial this can be for professional growth and school development. These projects allow us to be part of a wider community of teachers who learn from one another and work towards more creative and inclusive schools.

The goal is clear: to build a professional community of teachers who share knowledge, learn together, and develop methods that can be applied directly in the classroom. European projects like ACADIMIA are the key to this. They offer training courses, online learning, and a platform for collaboration that reaches far beyond national borders.

The opportunity is here. Whether you want to strengthen your teaching methods, meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds, or simply find renewed inspiration in your work – this is the way forward. Through collective effort, we can make education more creative, inclusive, and engaging – for our students, and for ourselves.

Gunnhildur Björnsdóttir
Teacher at Grundaskóli Primary School in Akranes, Iceland

The 5th meeting and teacher training event of the European project ACADIMIA took place in Iceland 4 - 6 November 2025, jointly hosted by GeoCamp Iceland and the University of Iceland – School of Education.

The event brought together educators, researchers and project partners from across Europe to advance one of Erasmus+’s most ambitious initiatives in teacher education, creating a European Teacher Academy for Creative and Inclusive Learning.

A European Collaboration for Innovation in Education

ACADIMIA unites universities, training centres and schools from eight European countries. Its goal is to integrate creative and inclusive pedagogies into mainstream teacher education and professional development. The project builds on ten successful EU-funded initiatives and connects them through a shared curriculum and a networked Community of Practice for teachers.

At its core, ACADIMIA promotes ten creative teaching approaches — from digital storytelling, drama in education and gamification, to STEAM-based learning and strength-based inclusion — all designed to make learning more engaging, equitable and sustainable.

Iceland’s Role and Local Impact

For Iceland, hosting this fifth meeting is both a milestone and a reflection of growing momentum. Over fifity local teachers from the Reykjanes region have already taken part in ACADIMIA’s international training activities, applying new creative learning methods in their classrooms.

According to Sigrun Svafa Olafsdottir, Project Manager of Education at GeoCamp Iceland and Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, the project is gaining a real momentum in Reykjanes “Teachers are interested in using more inclusive, hands-on and creative approaches — whether through digital storytelling, creative STEAM projects or collaborative drama activities. It’s exciting to see how these European ideas take root locally.”

The collaboration between GeoCamp Iceland and the University of Iceland strengthens the country’s capacity for field-based, sustainability-focused teacher education — a natural fit for Iceland’s landscape and GeoCamp’s expertise in outdoor learning.

A Three-Day Programme of Ideas and Practice

The meeting opened on November 4th at the University of Iceland – School of Education. Partner sessions will focus on progress in teacher training, professional communities, evaluation and long-term sustainability. In the afternoons, Icelandic and international teachers participating in parallel training workshops on creative methodologies such as MONTECH, EAR, SEDIN, and Talentmaker.

On the final day, participants step outside the classroom for a field-based learning experience led by GeoCamp Iceland, exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, visiting sites like the Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver hot springs and the new lava fields near Grindavík — powerful examples of how Iceland’s dynamic landscape can serve as a living classroom.

The training event concludes with sessions on Digital Storytelling and Drama in Education, linking creative expression with environmental and place-based education.

Building a Lasting Legacy

The Iceland meeting marks an important step toward ACADIMIA’s long-term vision, a self-sustaining European network of teacher training providers who champion inclusive, creative and cross-disciplinary education.

For GeoCamp Iceland and its regional partners, we look towards a lasting impact with better-trained teachers, stronger ties between schools and universities, and a richer integration of creative and inclusive learning, as well as outdoor andfield-based learning into mainstream education.

As Europe and the world face rapid social and environmental change, projects like ACADIMIA remind us that education can be both creative and grounded in reality — rooted in place, collaboration and shared learning.

GeoCamp Iceland hosted, in collaboration with University of Iceland and Stapaskóli in Njarðvík, the second hands-on Acadimia teacher training workshop, this time focusing on EAR (Dialogue and Drama) and Gamified Learning. The session took part in Stapaskóli on 13 October 2025 and was part of the ongoing Erasmus+ project ACAδIMIA, which brings creative and inclusive teaching methods to classrooms across Europe.

Twelve teachers from five primary schools on the Reykjanes Peninsula took part in the workshop, contributing to a growing local community of educators interested in creative pedagogy. The training was led by Brynja Stefánsdóttir (Stapaskóli), Tryggvi Thayer (University of Iceland School of Education), Freydís Kneif Kolbeinsdóttir (Háaleitisskóli) and Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, GeoCamp Iceland’s project manager for educational outreach and representative of Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark.


Bringing European Pedagogy to Local Classrooms

ACAδIMIA is a three-year Erasmus+ project—an evolving European “teachers’ academy” that unites 11 creative and inclusive teaching methods under one framework. The methods originate from different European countries and draw on Montessori, theatre and dialogue, gamification, creative coding and more. They are flexible, accessible and suitable for learners of all ages and abilities.

The workshop at Stapaskóli gave teachers practical experience in two of these approaches:

• EAR (Dialogue and Drama)
  A method that encourages students to explore ideas through movement, voice, improvisation and discussion. It strengthens communication skills, confidence and collaboration.
  
  
• Gamified Learning
  A structured method that uses game elements—challenges, storylines, rewards and strategy—to increase motivation, engagement and learning depth across subjects.

A Growing Movement in Reykjanes

Educators from the Reykjanes Peninsula, together with GeoCamp Iceland staff, represent the Icelandic partner group in ACAδIMIA. The University of Iceland School of Education contributes academic insight, connecting local practice with European research on creative pedagogy.

Interest continues to rise. More workshops featuring all 11 ACAδIMIA methods will be offered in the coming months, giving teachers in Reykjanes sustained opportunities to explore, test and adapt new approaches for their students.

The response so far shows a clear appetite for playful, inclusive and student-centred learning—exactly the kind of environment today’s learners need to thrive.

On Monday, 29 September 2025, GeoCamp Iceland, in collaboration with Háaleitisskóli at Ásbrú in Reykjanesbær, hosted a hands-on teacher training workshop introducing two creative and inclusive teaching methods: Creative STEAM and Digital Storytelling. The event was part of the ongoing Erasmus+ project ACAδIMIA, a three-year European initiative focused on strengthening creative and student-centred pedagogy across the continent.

The workshop drew strong participation from across the peninsula, with 27 teachers from seven schools attending, representing both preschools and primary schools. Sessions were led by an excellent team of local educators: Sara Ross Bjarnadóttir (Gerðaskóli), Freydís Kneif Kolbeinsdóttir (Háaleitisskóli), Ragnheiður Alma Snæbjörnsdóttir (Akurskóli), and Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, GeoCamp Iceland’s project manager for educational outreach and representative of Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark.

A European Academy for Creative and Inclusive Teaching

ACAδIMIA brings together teachers from eight partner countries, including several educators from the Reykjanes region and staff from GeoCamp Iceland. The School of Education at the University of Iceland also plays an active role, alongside teachers from the capital area and Akranes.

The project functions as a kind of European teachers’ academy, exploring and sharing 11 creative teaching methods developed in different parts of Europe but brought together under one framework. These methods draw inspiration from Montessori, drama education, dialogic teaching, gamification, creative coding and other innovative approaches. They are designed to be flexible, inclusive and suitable for diverse groups of learners — from early childhood through upper primary and beyond.

Building Skills, Confidence and Community

The Reykjanes workshop gave teachers practical tools they can apply directly in the classroom. Creative STEAM encourages hands-on, interdisciplinary learning rooted in curiosity and problem-solving, while Digital Storytelling invites students to experiment with narrative, identity and technology.

ACAδIMIA has developed a shared curriculum for all partner countries. Over the coming months, workshops across Europe — including on the Reykjanes Peninsula — will deepen teachers’ skills and help build a community of practice around creative and inclusive pedagogy.

GeoCamp Iceland is proud to support this effort and to invite more teachers from the region to participate. As classrooms become increasingly complex, these methods offer practical, inspiring ways to reach students and strengthen learning across subjects.

More workshops will be offered in the coming months, covering all 11 methods featured within the ACAδIMIA project.

GeoCamp Iceland, together with the University of Iceland’s School of Education, took part in the Acadimia Teacher Training Seminar in Girona, Spain, from 30 June to 4 July. An inspiring event under the Erasmus+ Acadimia project bringing together European teachers to explore creative and inclusive methodologies in education.

Hosted at the Facultat d’Educació i Psicologia of the University of Girona, the seminar welcomed 50 teachers from eight countries. Participants, including representatives from GeoCamp Iceland, engaged with innovative teaching practices such as Creative STEAM, Digital Storytelling, G.A.M.E. and Gamified Learning, and Empathy–Analysis–Reflection (EAR). Each day combined hands-on workshops with opportunities for networking and cultural immersion, reflecting the project’s belief that creativity and inclusion thrive through shared experiences.

Iceland was well represented with primary school teachers from Grundaskóli in Akranes, Sandgerðisskóli, Háaleitisskóli, and Stóru-Vogaskóli on the Reykjanes Peninsula, along with two teachers from Ingunnarskóli and Borgarskóli in Reykjavik. This collective participation highlights the strong and growing collaboration among Icelandic schools, University of Iceland, GeoCamp Iceland, and the Acadimia community.

The seminar demonstrated the power of international cooperation in education—equipping teachers with practical tools for creative learning and reinforcing the importance of building a supportive community where educators inspire one another across borders.

GeoCamp Iceland and the University of Iceland’s School of Education will continue this collaboration by hosting follow-up workshops with Acadimia representatives in Iceland. Interested teachers are welcome to contact us for more details about participating.

It is worth noting that we will be organising meetings and workshops with Acadimia representatives at the University of Iceland’s School of Education this coming November in Iceland. Teachers interested in joining these events are welcome to get in touch with us for more information. 

​To learn more about Acadimia’s innovative methodologies and to join the Icelandic Acadimia community, visit the project website here or join the Acadimia IS Facebook group here.

GeoCamp Iceland was thrilled to take part in the ACAδIMIA European Teacher Training Summer Campus from 26–28 June in Epidaurus, Greece—an inspiring gathering of educators in a place steeped in ancient history.

Trainers and teachers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Spain, and Greece came together for an intensive training experience built around the EAR methodology (Empathy – Analysis – Reflection) and Drama in Education. As a case study, participants explored Sophocles’ timeless tragedy Antigone, connecting its themes to today’s educational and social challenges.

A highlight of the summer camp was attending the world premiere of Antigone—directed by Ulrich Rasche—at the iconic Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its extraordinary acoustics and capacity of up to 14,000 spectators. Experiencing this powerful performance in such a historic setting brought the training’s themes of empathy, conflict, and critical thinking to life in a profound way.

A Unique Learning Experience

This unforgettable experience took place in a real camping environment, adding a spirit of adventure and community. We extend heartfelt thanks to our inspired trainers—Nikolas Kamtsis, Ifigenia Georgiadou, Ntina Aidona, and Bethlenfalvy Adam—whose expertise and energy made the training exceptional. A special thank you also goes to the Action Synergy team for their dedication and positivity, and to the wonderful staff at Bekas Camping for their professionalism and warm hospitality, which made everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

The summer camp combined:

• Interactive workshops exploring Socratic dialogue, Forum Theatre, and creative drama techniques.
• Hands-on activities fostering empathy, creativity, and social awareness among educators.
• Collective reflection sessions, connecting ancient narratives with modern classroom challenges.
• Shared community moments, including meals and discussions under the Greek sky—honouring the tradition of learning together that has defined Epidaurus for millennia.

GeoCamp Iceland is excited to bring these creative, inclusive approaches back to Icelandic classrooms, helping teachers empower every student through drama, empathy, and active learning.

GeoCamp Iceland is happy to share that our Acadimia project has reached a major milestone, the successful completion of its interim phase. As we stand halfway through this ambitious European initiative, we’re celebrating not only what we’ve achieved so far, but also the exciting opportunities this creates for schools and teachers in Iceland.

Halfway to a European Teacher Academy

Acadimia is an Erasmus+ project that brings together twelve partners from eight countries—including GeoCamp Iceland—to establish a European Teacher Academy focused on creative and inclusive teaching methods. These methods, proven to engage learners and foster social inclusion, range from drama and digital storytelling to creative STEAM approaches.

Our shared goal is to empower teachers across Europe with innovative tools and practices, and to embed creative teaching as a cornerstone of inclusive education.

Key Achievements So Far

At the project’s halfway point, we’re proud to report:

• The training of 51 specialist trainers, more than double the initial target—ensuring a strong foundation for teacher training in each partner country.
• 200 teachers trained across Europe, including future teachers in Iceland, who are now equipped to bring these creative methods to their classrooms.
• Finalisation of the joint creative curriculum, providing detailed guidance on 10 evidence-based methods for teaching diverse and multicultural classrooms.
• Launch of teacher training activities at the national level, setting the stage for wider adoption of creative practices.

Benefits for Icelandic Schools and Teachers

This milestone is more than a number on a timeline; it’s a transformative step for schools in Iceland. Thanks to GeoCamp Iceland’s active involvement, our region stands to benefit directly from:

• Access to innovative training aligned with international best practices.
• Resources and methods designed to support inclusive education, ensuring every child can thrive regardless of background.
• Opportunities for Icelandic teachers to join communities of practice with educators from across Europe, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
• A pipeline of creative approaches that connect traditional subjects like science, technology, arts, and humanities with new, engaging ways to teach.

Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Legacy

As Acadimia moves into its second half, the focus will shift towards scaling these successes and securing the long-term future of the European Teacher Academy. Together with our partners, GeoCamp Iceland is committed to making sure this project leaves a lasting legacy—one that continues to benefit Icelandic educators and learners for years to come.

Thank You to Our Community

We extend heartfelt thanks to all the teachers, trainers, school leaders, and partners who have contributed to reaching this milestone. Your dedication to creative and inclusive teaching is what makes Acadimia’s vision a reality.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey, and let’s keep working together to transform teaching and inspire every learner!

GeoCamp Iceland took part in a training event in Florence in October as part of the Acaδimia Project (https://european-acadimia.eu/), which included fifty teachers and teacher trainers from eight countries with the objective to explore and practice Creative and Inclusive Learning Methods.

Among the large group of teachers and trainers, were three participants from GeoCamp Iceland’s as well as teachers from Akurskóli and Gerðaskóli Primary Schools in Reykjanes on behalf of our organisation. 

The seminar was a vibrant hub of learning, collaboration, and exploration. For GeoCamp Iceland, it was especially rewarding to discover new ways of tackling environmental issues and STEAM topics in the classroom, presenting these challenges through the lens of nature and sustainability. Looking ahead, the project will now focus on equipping local teachers with the skills and tools to integrate these innovative methods into classrooms across Reykjanes.

“I found the trip absolutely fantastic!” shared Ragnheiður Alma Snæbjörnsdóttir from Akurskóli Primary School at the end of the five-day event. “The training sessions were highly beneficial, and networking both domestically and internationally was invaluable. We had the opportunity to explore new teaching methodologies; even familiar concepts were presented in a fresh context, making them immediately applicable in the classroom. Diverse examples were provided, allowing me to select those most suitable for my teaching practice.”
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In the group photo, GeoCamp Iceland’s team stands with project partners from the University of Iceland and teachers from Vesturbæjarskóli, Hörðuvallskóli, and Kársnesskóli Primary Schools, celebrating a successful step forward in educational innovation.

We are excited to share the highlights of the second Acadimia Project partners’ meeting, which took place on 29 - 30 May 2024 at the welcoming UCLL campus in Leuven, Belgium. The first day was filled with inspiring discussions, idea exchanges, and strategic meetings that set the stage for the next steps in our project collaboration.

The Acadimia project team, including representatives from GeoCamp Iceland, came together to evaluate the progress of our initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and inclusivity in education. The energy in the room was palpable as partners exchanged ideas and shared best practices, all with the goal of enhancing teacher training across Europe.

Special thanks goes to our generous hosts at UCLL, whose thoughtful itinerary and facilities provided an ideal setting for the meeting with productive interactions and meaningful discussions between project partners. The team is feeling motivated and ready to continue working on the exciting next phases of the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our mission to make a positive impact on education!

For more information about the project please visit: https://european-acadimia.eu/