Week Eight - Vecka åtta (Professional Development) 03-03-12 - 09-03-12

The front of 'Norra Skolan'.

This week I had the brilliant opportunity to visit a primary school as part of my field studies for the module, ‘Power, Gender, Ethnicity and other Inequalities’. The school that I visited is known as ‘Norra Skolan’ and is situated in Vänersborg, a nearby town to Trollhättan. Before going to the school I thought that it was a special needs school and only catered for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) but it is actually a mainstream school with specific classes for children with SEN. I have never heard of this type of school in Northern Ireland where children with SEN are taught in the same school but also separately from the rest of the children, this surprised me as I had never thought of this method of teaching. 

It was really good to visit a school and see the way in which things are taught as well as the different methods of teaching that the staff use compared to the way in which teachers in Northern Ireland teach. Throughout my time at the school I did notice some major differences between Sweden and Northern Ireland.

 

Firstly, how easy it was for Megan, Maria and I to be able to visit a school. The visit was organised through University West but the school did not ask us for any background checks, indicating how laid back and relaxed the Swedish way of life is. Secondly, I noticed the difference in behaviour of the children in this school and the way in which children behave in school in Northern Ireland. The children at ‘Norra Skolan’ definitely behave a lot better than the children at home, they appeared to be more independent in the sense that they could get themselves organised for lessons, going home and even out in the playground. Unlike Northern Ireland where the teacher has to constantly remind children what they need for lessons throughout the day and going home as well as the huge emphasis many schools put on lining up outside after the bell rings. It was a big shock for me to see every child at ‘Norra Skolan’ lift different apparatus they were playing with and run inside straight away when break or lunch time was over in order to start lessons again. I guess this is another way in which Sweden is much more efficient in time keeping than Northern Ireland. 

This opportunity at ‘Norra Skolan’ also allowed me to talk to the teachers about their school and the methods of inclusion they apply in the classroom as this is what I will focus on when writing my field studies report. The teachers were also able to provide me with some insights into the Swedish education system by explaining that dinner in the school is free for children and all members of staff (another difference from Northern Ireland). I am a little unsure as to how this works economically but I am definitely looking forward to getting free lunch every day while I am on teaching practice! 

The making of the apple crumble.

 

The visit to ‘Norra Skolan’ was something I have been looking forward to for a few weeks and I was not let down as I had an amazing day, talking with the teachers and the children as well as enjoying a lovely home-made apple crumble made by the children whilst looking out at an extraordinary view!

The view from the playground and most of the classrooms.