Reykjavík receives five nominations for the Icelandic Education Awards

Strong framework for teaching Icelandic as a Second Language in Breiðholt

The Breiðholt Icelandic Bridge is nominated in the exemplary development projects category as a collaborative effort among all five primary schools in Breiðholt. The project focuses on strengthening Icelandic language instruction for children whose native language is not Icelandic. The nominating statement reads, in part: "It's safe to say that teachers have gone above and beyond to create a remarkable framework for Icelandic as a Second Language — a thriving peer community where teachers continuously develop their teaching methods and are especially enthusiastic about sharing all their materials, not just within the district but nationwide."

Ingibjörg is an outstanding role model in early childhood education

Ingibjörg Jónasdóttir is the multiculturalism project manager at Rauðhóll Preschool, and her nomination notes that she has exceptional abilities to engage people in positive and constructive ways. An official statement in one nomination proposal states: "Inga is an outstanding role model in professional leadership within early childhood education. She is extremely eager to learn and actively seeks to mentor student teachers, as she enjoys connecting with the latest research and developing herself through dialogue and collaboration."

Laufey has a unique approach to mathematics teaching

Laufey Einarsdóttir, a mathematics teacher at Sæmundarskóli, is particularly skilled at connecting mathematics with creativity, giving students opportunities to use creative methods and artistic talent in solving problems. She connects with students in remarkable ways, and teachers actively seek to work with her. An official statement in one nomination proposal states: "Laufey's ambition and professionalism are such that she has not only managed to plant seeds of ambition and interest in students but also inspires other teachers at the school."

The school band is sought after for collaborations with artists

The Vesturbær and Miðbær School Band receives a nomination in the exemplary educational institutions category for ambitious and successful musical work carried out with dedication and professionalism for children's benefit. The band has performed in exhibits, on television and with well-known musicians, and collaboration with them is highly sought after. The nomination notes: "For example, last school year the band performed in Reykjavík City Theater's production of the play Fíasól Never Gives Up, in the Icelandic Dance Company's award-winning dance work Rings of Orpheus and Other Gossip, performed an original composition at the opening ceremony of Dark Music Days at the beginning of the year, and performed all of Benni Hemm Hemm's first album with the singer and choir at a major concert at Háskólabíó in spring. The band has also appeared on the National Broadcasting Service's television program Vikan (The Week) with Gísli Martein, as well as performing at a concert in Laugardalshöll Arena with the band Sigur Rós in 2022."

Junior high focuses on comprehensive and interdisciplinary projects

Víkurskóli also receives a nomination in the exemplary educational institutions category for robust and ambitious development work emphasizing innovation, design thinking, integration and formative learning. The school is a new junior high where students work on many comprehensive and interdisciplinary projects involving multiple subjects. The nomination notes: "Creative and practical classes are taught in all grade levels and students receive more hours in them than the standard curriculum requires. This has resulted in diverse and valuable projects, including collaboration with Reykjavík Art Museum where students have both exhibited their own work and served as curators. Víkurskóli has also been a leader in developing formative learning and is one of the city's centers of expertise in that field. Its collaboration with parents is considered exemplary.“

This is the sixth time the awards have been presented since they were reestablished in 2020. Nominations were made in four categories with a total of 14 teachers, projects and institutions nominated.

All nominations can be read on the website of the Samtök áhugafólks um skólaþróun (Association of School Development Enthusiasts).