Vesturbær and Miðbær school band wins Icelandic Education Awards
The Vesturbær and Miðbær school band won the 2025 Icelandic Education Awards for exemplary school operations that are considered highly ambitious and successful. The awards were presented at Bessastaðir on Nov. 4 during a ceremonial event and were announced yesterday evening. The awards are given in five categories: exemplary school or educational reform work, teaching, development projects, trade and vocational education, plus special Inspiration Awards.
Sought-after band for exhibits and events
The success of the Vesturbær and Miðbær school band is considered unique and collaboration with the group is highly sought after. The band has performed in exhibits at Reykjavík City Theater, with the Icelandic Dance Company, at Dark Music Days, on television, at numerous concerts and various events, as well as visiting nursing homes, to name just a few. In recent years, a high percentage of students in the band have continued their music studies.
The school band's goal is to create a platform for children with an interest in music to work together on music creation and performance. The music selection is both diverse and original, and it should simply be fun. Friendship, respect and trust are the band's core values.
Recognizing those who stand out
The awards' goal is to draw society's attention to ambitious and quality school and recreational activities with children and teens. Additionally, encouragement is given to individuals, groups or organizations that have contributed to educational reforms considered outstanding. The awards cover preschool, elementary and secondary school levels, as well as arts education and social and recreational activities.
The award for exemplary teaching went to Örvar Rafn Hlíðdal, a physical education teacher at Flóaskóli, for outstanding performance in his work. The development project award went to "Small Steps Toward Literacy," a collaboration between Grænuvöllur preschool and Borgarhólsskóli in Húsavík on language stimulation and literacy. The award for exemplary work, achievement or contribution to trade or vocational education went to Framhaldsskólinn í Vestmannaeyjum (Vestmannaeyjar Secondary School), which has established a strong position in recent years in teaching metalwork and engineering subjects.
Viewing multiculturalism as a strength
The Inspiration Award went to Háaleitisskóli in Reykjanesbær. Seven out of every 10 students at the school are of foreign origin, and about 30 languages are spoken at the school. The school has managed to create an exceptionally positive school culture by, among other things, viewing multiculturalism as a strength of the school.
Photos by Mummi Lú.