How a European Project and Icelandic Partnerships Are Inspiring Environmental Awareness and Collaboration.

Nestled in the quiet beauty of North Iceland, the University of Akureyri plays a key role in reimagining education through its partnership in the European project Green Tales. Led by educators Anna Karen Úlfarsdóttir and Sigrún Rósa Kjartansdóttir, this collaboration brings international creativity and environmental awareness into Valsárskóli, a small rural primary school in Svalbarðsströnd. Known for its personalized learning and strong community ties, Valsárskóli shows how rural schools can become dynamic spaces for innovation. Through storytelling, animation, and interdisciplinary teaching, Green Tales fosters digital fluency, ecological consciousness, and a stronger sense of European identity, opening new paths for cultural exchange and collaboration.

_{Valsárskóli, in the rural village of Svalbarðsströnd, North Iceland.}

Can you describe the unique social and cultural environment of your school?

Valsárskóli, located in the rural village of Svalbarðsströnd in North Iceland, is a small and modern primary school rooted in values of personalized learning, strong interpersonal relationships, and deep community connection. Beyond its role as an educational institution, it serves as a cultural and social anchor for the area, offering access to music, arts, and various extracurricular activities.

The school’s mixed-age classrooms and nurturing environment ensure that every child is seen and valued. Outdoor education, environmental awareness, and a celebration of local heritage are central to the curriculum. Since autumn 2024, the school has adopted a phone-free policy during school hours, encouraging presence, focus, and meaningful interaction, while still maintaining access to essential digital tools for learning.

With safety, well-being, and early intervention as guiding principles, the school fosters strong partnerships with families and has clear support systems in place. Valsárskóli is a testament to how rural schools can flourish through innovation, care, and a sense of collective purpose, where education and upbringing are deeply intertwined.

_{Students and their teacher outside Valsárskóli, a moment of pride and togetherness.}

What are the current educational challenges faced by schools in Iceland?

Schools in Iceland are currently navigating a range of pressing challenges. Among the most significant is a growing shortage of qualified teachers, especially in rural areas and in subjects like mathematics and science. Meanwhile, student mental health has become an increasing concern, with rising levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional strain observed across age groups.

There is also a continuous effort to balance the integration of technology into the classroom with the risks of excessive screen time. Classrooms are becoming more diverse, with an increasing number of students requiring additional support or learning Icelandic as a second language, needs that many schools struggle to meet due to limited resources.

Additionally, regional disparities in educational access persist, and efforts to modernize the curriculum must keep pace with evolving social and technological realities. The expectations placed on schools now extend far beyond academics, demanding that they also respond to wider social responsibilities, often stretching their capacity and roles.

How are digital tools and artistic approaches currently integrated into teaching at your school?

At Valsárskóli, digital tools and artistic approaches are integrated thoughtfully to create personalized and enriching learning experiences. Students have access to tablets and assistive technologies, allowing them to engage with modern learning resources. This is done within a balanced framework, supported by the school's phone-free policy during hours, which fosters attention and interpersonal connection.

Artistically, the school offers music education on site, thanks to its affiliation with the Eyjafjörður Music School. Visual arts and crafts are also integral to the student experience, with thematic and hands-on learning activities such as woodworking and textile work enhancing both creative expression and practical skills.

Moreover, Valsárskóli frequently collaborates with the local museum, Safnasafnið, involving students in projects and exhibitions that link their education to the cultural fabric of the community. The fusion of digital and artistic elements helps shape a dynamic, inclusive learning environment, one that supports both academic development and personal growth.

_{students creating inganimated scenes with handmade characters.}

To explore more articles on this project, head over to the Creative Room Green Tales.

Curious to learn more about this European project? Check out the official Green Tales website.