School leaders getting to know Finnish education
Twelve school leaders and education experts from Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia took part in Learning Scoop’s Principal Study Tour. The educational tour including some cultural highlights was organized in collaboration with our wonderful partner Tours for Teachers.
On the first day, the group explored the core principles of the Finnish education system and visited Harjuniitty School (grades 1–9). Principal Kari Ahonen warmly welcomed the guests, introduced the school, and answered their many thoughtful questions. Student guides led the visitors through different classrooms, where special interest was shown in crafts, home economics, and Finnish teaching methods, materials, and assessment practices. The day sparked lively discussions about the demands of teaching across countries—with the most animated debate around whether a risk analysis is needed for a forest trip (not in Finland 😄)!
On the second day the group visited a nature-oriented early childhood education group called Luhtaröllit. The pull-out beds from the cupboards and the impressive playground equipment in the daycare yard sparked interest. What impressed the group most was the children’s opportunity to freely explore their forest environment and the adults’ trust in the children’s abilities. The Finnish approach to education, based on equality and trust, was beautifully reflected in the activities of this outgoing group.
Tarja, the early childhood education teacher, made a strong impression on our group with her heartfelt way of working, as did the way all the adults encouraged the children to succeed independently. We also visited the facilities of Kurikankulma School and received an introduction to a typical preschool day. In the afternoon, we delved into the curriculum and the Finnish school system’s approach to supporting children in learning and schooling.
From village schools to the school of the future
During the week this group of school leaders had a chance to visit the small Lastunen village school in the rural area.
It soon became clear that this is a school operating in the heart of a very close-knit village community, where each student is treated individually and where all members of the school community have a great importance. A huge amount of warmth and trust within the school binds both children and adults towards a common goal.
On Friday we focused on how the School of the Future would look and feel like. We had a deep dive into educational trends like AI and STEAM with a lot of interesting discussion. After that we had a possibility to visit Pitkäjärvi lower secondary School with 500 hundred students. Led by the famous “No niin!” man Principal Tommi Roininen. A guided tour in classrooms was led by four 9th graders who charmed everybody with their language skills and openness.
This trip included some cultural experiences such as Finnish Sauna Experience, Finnish Nature Experience and Ice Hockey game at Nokia Arena. These delightful activities give insights how local people live, why nature matters and what kind of elements bring joy, relaxation and boost work-life balance.
Harness the joy of learning!
At the farewell lunch we enjoyed a lovely 3 course lunch and shared some reflections and key takeaways. We learned that many of the challenges are the same, no matter if in Finland or in New Zealand. Sense of calmness struck many of the visitors and gave food for thoughts: how can I slow down in my own work and give myself a permission to breathe? Globally, there is a tendency that parents become so called helicopter parents and teachers become educators who “mow down” obstacles for students to prevent them from facing struggles. Seeing how Finland works one advice is to stay back more and let kids grow and learn from their mistakes. In fact, kids are resilient and capable, we should not underestimate them.
Literacy skills were emphasized during the week and many of the students really enjoyed reading quietly. What impressed many is that students in Finland are capable people from early on: they walk home alone from school, use machines at the wood work and crafts lessons, they are taught how to be and how to learn at school, self-regulate themselves etc. In Finnish system, it is not about knowledge, it is skills from early childhood on and there is plenty of room for practical subjects in the curriculum. Other important topics such as trust, connection with the nature, flexible learning hours, playful learning and teacher autonomy were discussed during the lunch that wrapped up the educational part of the study tour.
Thank you school leaders for your enthusiastic approach, passion for education and work for a better future. We need more people like you! We are so honored to collaborate with the tour leader Christine & Tours for Teachers and meet wonderful educators and professionals around the world!
If you wish to have a similar experience and looking for a professional development program for yourself, you are warmly welcome to join the next batch in 2026! Contact Tours for Teachers for more information.
