Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.Read more
This is the standard requirement for most courses. Participants at this level can participate actively in discussions and manage everyday and professional situations. If they are unsure about their English level, they can test it here or explore our courses facilitated in Basic English.
Cross-Curricular.Read more
The listed audiences are those for whom the course is especially recommended, but courses are not exclusive to them and are open to everyone. In fact, most of our workshops are built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles enriches the learning process and is highly encouraged!
Introductive Course.Read more
This course is designed as an entry point to the topic. There are no entry tests, and it is open to everyone, as the exchange of diverse perspectives enriches the learning experience. If you prefer a more advanced course on the topic, we encourage you to explore our catalogue further.
Description
WHO Global School-based Student Health Survey reveals that approximately 30% of students aged 13-15 are involved in bullying, either as victims, perpetrators, or both, and according to FRA, about 20% of school students face bullying daily.
Cyberbullying is becoming more complex, highlighting the urgent need for effective and comprehensive strategies to create safer, more supportive school environments.
The focus of this course is on Finland’s cutting-edge methods for tackling bullying and improving student well-being.
Through engaging workshops and practical, real-world examples, participants will acquire actionable tools and strategies to address all forms of bullying and cyberbullying.
The course will introduce participants to four sets of tools and strategies for anti-bullying that are widely used in Finnish schools of different levels.
The first tool is the transformative KiVa School Program, renowned for its research-backed approach that mobilizes the entire school community to manage bullying.
The second tool is the VERSO peer mediation system, a restorative approach that equips students with skills to mediate conflicts among peers.
This empowering method fosters open dialogue, empathy, and lasting behavioral change, enabling students to resolve disputes constructively and maintain positive relationships.
Thirdly, participants will explore the Steps of Responsibility model to guide students in understanding the impact of their actions.
Lastly, the Huomaa Hyvä! (See the Good!), a method that champions positive reinforcement by celebrating students’ strengths and achievements.
This approach creates a nurturing, respectful school atmosphere, effectively reducing the risk of bullying and fostering a sense of belonging.
Throughout the course, participants will be engaged in hands-on workshops, review case studies, and learn from real-world examples provided by Finnish schools.
By the end of the course, they will be equipped to create a safer, more supportive school environment, reduce bullying and school violence, tackle cyberbullying challenges, and foster the emotional and social growth of all students.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help participants to:
- Learn about Finnish anti-bullying strategies;
- Implement effective anti-bullying tools and activities in your educational settings;
- Develop strategies to prevent and manage bullying;
- Foster a supportive and positive school culture using proven methods;
- Design a practical plan for enhancing your school’s approach to bullying.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools.
Finland’s holistic approach to bullying
- Introduction to Finland’s educational philosophy;
- National anti-bullying policies.
Day 2 – KiVa School Program, a comprehensive, research-backed anti-bullying tool
- Introduction to the KiVa School Program;
- Key principles and framework;
- Practical Workshop 1: KiVa Classroom activities.
Day 3 – VERSO peer mediation system & step of responsibility
- Explore the VERSO system and how it empowers students to mediate conflicts among peers;
- Examine how the Steps of Responsibility Model encourages students to understand the impact of their actions and promotes a culture of accountability;
- Practical workshop 2: Active listening, empathy, and dialogue through role-play.
Day 4 – Huomaa Hyvä! (See the Good!), strength-based approach to fostering a positive school environment
- Overview of the Huomaa Hyvä! method: how, what, and why?;
- Case Studies from Finnish Schools: See the good! The method in practice;
- Practical workshop 3: How to design a learning environment that fosters positivity and belonging?
Day 5 – Wrap up and future planning
- Review of anti-bullying strategies and key takeaways;
- Future planning and action: creating your school’s anti-bullying plan.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
Download or share
Add to favouritesGet weekly recaps on confirmed sessions!
