In today's rapidly evolving world, equipping our children with the skills they need to thrive is more important than ever. Education plays a crucial role in shaping not only their academic success but also their social, emotional, and personal development. Among the many educational systems worldwide, Finland's model consistently stands out for its remarkable achievements in fostering student well-being and cultivating a love of learning, leading to consistently high academic performance.

We are going to delve into the core principles that make the Finnish education system unique and explore how Boundless Education has drawn much inspiration from this highly successful approach.

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The Finnish Finesse 

Finland's education system is built upon a foundation of core principles that set it apart from many others. These principles, meticulously crafted and continuously refined over decades, contribute significantly to its well-deserved reputation for excellence. 

Let's explore some of the key pillars of the Finnish approach:

🇫🇮 Focus on Play and Exploration

Contrary to the traditional model of rote memorisation and standardised testing, the Finnish system prioritises experiential and play-based learning, especially in the early years. This approach recognises the inherent value of play in fostering creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. The academic elements of schooling begin at age 7 in Finland. The focus before this is learning through play and the gradual development of fine motor skills. 

🇫🇮 Highly Trained and Trusted Teachers

Finland boasts one of the most rigorous teacher training programmes globally, attracting individuals with a strong academic background and a passion for education. These highly qualified educators are then granted a significant degree of autonomy in their classrooms, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. They are well respected, trusted and valued by parents and society alike. 

🇫🇮 Holistic Approach

The Finnish system recognises the importance of nurturing the whole child, not just their academic potential. This translates to a curriculum that integrates social and emotional learning alongside traditional academic subjects, fostering well-rounded individuals with the skills required to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Did you know that Finland is #1 in media literacy and education for the future?

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Incorporating the finest Finnish ingredients into Boundless Education

We’ve talked about WHY the Finnish education approach is at the heart of Boundless Education, but WHAT does this look like for our students, our educators and the curriculum? 

🧒🏽Our students 

• We have a strong emphasis on well-being which aligns with children’s rights.
• By rejecting an approach that is anchored in testing and peer-to-peer comparison, we decrease stress and competition and increase the potential for the exploration of personal passions and interests. Our students are called ‘Explorers’ for a reason. 
• Outdoor learning and ample break time help release excess energy and reset ourselves ready for more learning. 
• Play-based learning, experiments, and project-based interdisciplinary learning stimulate curiosity, aid motivation and increase overall enjoyment. 
• Negligible homework! Finnish Students have less homework than any other student on the planet. Even with fewer school hours, they are still completing all their work whilst at school. 
• Healthy, balanced snacks and meals help contribute towards focus and steady energy levels.
• A play-based approach for our Exploration students (aged 1-6) allows for an interest in learning to develop subtly and organically in preparation for a more academic approach from age 7. 
• Our Student-Led Conferences and Boundless Junior Forum encourage self-reflection, peer-to-peer feedback sharing and healthy issue and conflict resolution - which contribute towards the development of the whole child. 

Our educators 

• All our new educators undertake a rigorous training programme which includes a deep dive into the Finnish approach and how it is applied within Boundless Education.
• Our team is encouraged to pursue continuous professional development to diversify their skills and nurture their passion for teaching. 
• We cultivate an environment of mutual respect and trust that encompasses our educators, students, parents and the local communities. 
• Educators are empowered to use a whole array of teaching methods to meet the needs of all students and to maximise the potential to cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
• Our Boundless Education team collaborates across all of our locations to ensure a consistent approach, but to also leverage and learn from each other’s unique talents. 
• Student-teacher ratios are low - with an average 6-8 children per educator. 
• Boundless Education benefits from multi-age classes with mixed abilities to increase inclusivity. 

Our curriculum 

• Our interdisciplinary project-based Quests are based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals to bring real-life relevance to our learning endeavours. 
• There is an emphasis on key competencies and the ‘soft skills’ of daily life - all of which create a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration and communication skills.
• Creativity and innovation.
• Lifelong learning and adaptability.

At Boundless Education, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a nurturing environment that ignites their passions and empowers them to reach their full potential. By embracing the spirit and key attributes of the Finnish approach, we aim to cultivate not just academic excellence, but also a love of learning, a sense of self-discovery, and a lifelong journey of growth and exploration. 

Want to join us on this ongoing journey as we unlock the boundless potential within each child? Click here to Get Started today.