Hjallastefnan Árbær
Background
Hjallastefnan Árbær is part of the wider Hjallastefnan educational movement in Iceland, known for its pioneering work in gender equality, outdoor education, and child-centered pedagogy. The Árbær site is rooted in a strong collaboration between educators, families, and the local community, offering children daily access to rich outdoor learning environments embedded in nature.
The school serves children primarily in early childhood and primary years and is closely connected to the surrounding neighborhood, green areas, and outdoor spaces of Árbær. Learning takes place both indoors and outdoors, with nature functioning as a constant co-teacher. The school operates within the Icelandic public education framework while maintaining a strong pedagogical identity grounded in care, play, equality, and experiential learning.
One course. Four dimensions. Unlimited impact.
Vision
Hjallastefnan Árbær supports the holistic development of children—emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively—through equality-based education and deep connection with nature. Children are seen as capable, creative, and responsible individuals whose voices matter.
Mission
Our mission is to nurture confident, compassionate, and resilient children who experience joy in learning, respect for themselves and others, and a strong sense of belonging to the natural world. We envision a future society shaped by individuals who value equality, sustainability, cooperation, and care for life.
Vision
Gaia School is a learning environment grounded in the principles of Gaia Education — promoting a sustainable lifestyle and care for both the Earth and people. It supports students’ ability to develop excellent collaboration skills, live according to sustainable values, and take responsibility for themselves and the world around them.
The vision of Gaia School can be summed up with the motto: Healthy People, Healthy Community, Healthy World!
Mission
Gaia School values the individual needs of each student. The school focuses on nature studies and cultural heritage, which help integrate different subjects and provide a holistic learning experience.
Values
Gaia School’s value system is based on the principles of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The school is named after the planet Earth — Gaia is the Greek name for Earth. The core values of Gaia School include love, awareness, joy, trust, freedom, openness, connection, co-creation, experience, and abundance.
These values are organized according to the four main areas of the Gaia Education program: worldview, economic, ecological, and social. Accordingly, the school is founded on four basic values, which are outlined as follows:
Worldview — the value is collaboration.
Economy — the value is the courage to lead change.
Ecology — the value is sustainability.
Social — the value is supporting individuality.
Pedagogy, Methodology, Approach
The pedagogy at Hjallastefnan Árbær is grounded in gender-equal education, nature-based learning, and experiential pedagogy. Learning is active, relational, and play-based, supporting children’s intrinsic motivation and curiosity.
Daily life emphasizes emotional literacy, independence, responsibility, and mutual respect. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, reflect, and express themselves through diverse forms of learning—movement, dialogue, creativity, and hands-on experiences. Outdoor education is not an addition but an integral foundation of the learning process.
Core Educational Tools
Gender-equal pedagogy
Nature immersion and outdoor classrooms
Experiential and play-based learning
Emotional and social skill development
Movement, rhythm, and embodied learning
Creative, artistic, and practical expression
Strong relationships and community involvement
Connection with Gaia Education
As a Gaia School, Hjallastefnan Árbær resonates strongly with the Gaia Education Mandala, integrating the Worldview, Ecological, Social, and Economic dimensions into both its curriculum and daily school culture. Sustainability is lived and practiced through relationships, routines, and the learning environment itself.
How is the EDE Curriculum / 4D Applied in Daily Activities?
At Gaia School, the EDE (Ecovillage Design Education) Curriculum and its Four Dimensions — Social, Ecological, Economic, and Worldview — are embedded in our daily learning and school culture. These dimensions are not taught as separate subjects but are interwoven into all activities, creating a holistic and meaningful learning experience.
Worldview
Children are supported in developing a deep sense of connection to nature, self, and community. Nature is approached with respect, curiosity, and care, fostering an attitude of wonder and responsibility.
Examples:
Daily outdoor learning in nearby green areas
Seasonal rhythms, storytelling, and rituals connected to nature
Reflection through dialogue, play, and creative expression
Highlight: Children experience nature as a living system they belong to, not something separate from themselves.
Challenge: Balancing structured curriculum expectations with child-led, emergent learning.
Ecological
Nature is a constant learning partner. Outdoor spaces are used year-round, supporting ecological awareness, resilience, and sensory learning.
Examples:
Regular outdoor classrooms in all seasons
Learning about local ecosystems through observation and play
Respectful use of natural materials and environments
Highlight: Strong integration of outdoor education within daily school life.
Challenge: Weather conditions requiring flexibility and adaptability.
Social
Relationships are at the heart of the school culture. Equality, empathy, cooperation, and communication are actively practiced and modeled by adults and children alike.
Examples:
Circle times for dialogue and emotional literacy
Clear structures that support equality and inclusion
Shared responsibility for daily routines and care of spaces
Close collaboration with families and community
Highlight: A strong sense of belonging and safety for children.
Challenge: Continuously engaging all families within a busy modern lifestyle.
Economic
Hjallastefnan Árbær functions within the public education system, ensuring accessibility for families while striving for responsible use of resources.
Examples:
Shared resources within the Hjallastefnan network
Conscious use of materials and long-term sustainability thinking
Community support and cooperation
Highlight: A stable framework that allows pedagogical innovation within public education.
Challenge: Limited flexibility in funding for experimental or infrastructure-heavy initiatives.
Short Story about Local Impact
Hjallastefnan Árbær plays an important role in the local community by offering a nurturing, equality-driven, and nature-connected learning environment. The school strengthens ties between families, educators, and the surrounding neighborhood, serving as a living example of how public education can embrace sustainability, outdoor learning, and social responsibility. Its presence contributes to a growing cultural shift toward more inclusive, respectful, and environmentally conscious education in Iceland.
Testimonials, Stories, Quote
“The children grow with such confidence and calm. You can feel that they are respected and trusted every day.”
(Parent)
“Being outdoors is not a break from learning—it is the learning.”
(Educat)
“I see how my child has learned to express emotions, set boundaries, and care for others.”
(Pare)
Economic Framework
Hjallastefnan Árbær operates within the Icelandic public education system and is funded through:
Public educational funding
Municipal support
Shared resources within the Hjallastefnan network
School Website and other links
Know more about Hjallastef visiting it’s online material
Energy Systems Course Format and Details
Course format:
Online, flexible modules
Price:
200 GBP
Limited number of partial scholarship available, apply here by 15 Feb 2026
Duration:
5 weeks
Workload:
Approximately 5 hours per week
Structure:
Live sessions, Forums and complimentary material
Live Sessions
Four 2,5 hours interactive sessions with Curtis Ogden
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
No previous experience is required. All you need is a passion for community building and collaboration.
The course is designed to fit busy schedules with around 10 hours per week of flexible study. Though highly encouraged, Live Sessions are not mandatory and are recorded to be watched later.
Yes! The course provides hands-on tools you can apply immediately in your community.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Education is a key driver in co-creating a regenerative future.
Grow your understanding of energy flows and systems design. Be part of building a more just, regenerative, and sustainable future.
Secure your place today and start your transformative journey!
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