Denham embarks on Finnish education odyssey

POSTED April 11 2024 , Academic, Junior School, News

Our Deputy Head of Junior School (Curriculum), Natasha Denham, will soon travel to Helsinki, Finland to attend the Principal and Leadership Finland Study Tour, where she intends to learn more about the unique aspects of Finland’s internationally renowned education system.

The Finnish education system is often ranked among the best in the world. However, it is considered an unorthodox system in many ways, as it differs from the evaluation-driven, centralised model that many countries adopt.

Some unique aspects of the Finnish education system are that children don’t start school until they are seven years old, students are not assessed during their first six years of schooling, the national curriculum is only a broad guideline, there is an emphasis on outdoor education, all teachers in Finland must have a master’s degree and, in many circumstances, teachers will educate a group of students for five or more years.

Natasha hopes to return with valuable insights and innovative ideas that she can incorporate into St Mary’s Junior School learning programs.

“I have always found the Finnish education system intriguing and have read many articles on how it works. Our Junior School is a ‘Kath Murdoch’ school – it is our pedagogical approach to teaching. Kath Murdoch often cites Finland’s education system as her inspiration for several inquiry principles,” Natasha said.

“Interacting with Finnish educators – and other global education leaders – will enable me to share cross-cultural education practices, exchange ideas and explore innovative curriculum leadership strategies. I hope to establish lasting connections that will enrich our School community and promote international collaboration,” Natasha said.

Natasha was particularly interested in gleaning more information about Finland’s emphasis on outdoor learning programs and student-centred approach to learning, which are important aspects of St Mary’s academic offerings.

“The outdoor learning emphasis within Finnish education is something that could enrich our student programs such as Bush School, our Year 4 Edible Garden inquiry learning project and our Scientist in Residence program. By integrating insights from Finnish schools … we can create a dynamic learning environment that places student voice at the forefront, fostering creativity, critical thinking and lifelong learning amongst our students,” she said.

“Gaining insight into how student voice, equity and individual learning styles are accounted for in classrooms there could also inform our pastoral care policies. The Finnish system puts an emphasis on outdoor learning, which is cited to have a positive effect on resilience, wellbeing and cognition. Learning about their approach and implementing choice changes accordingly will target our priority (of developing) flourishing students who are courageous in approaching challenges.”

Natasha’s Finnish learning journey was made possible thanks to a Lynne Thomson Excellence in Education Scholarship.