News | 03 March 2026
A Glimpse into our Fritidshem at Österåker
Whether it’s the smell of fresh baking, the focus of a coding challenge, or the laughter from the playground, our Fritidshem is the beating heart of our school. We are so proud of the curiosity and kindness our students show every morning and afternoon. Here’s a glimpse into their latest discoveries.
At IES Österåker, our Fritidshem is far more than just an after-school programme, it is a vibrant hub where curiosity meets play. Every day, our students transform into engineers, artists, chefs, and explorers, proving that learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends.
From the warm aroma of fresh gingerbread to the focused tapping of a coding challenge, there is always something magical happening in our halls. Here is a look at what our students have been up to recently.
Our Kindergarten and year 1 students recently took a trip back in time. By recreating the world’s oldest known instrument, a 60,000-year-old flute discovered in Slovenia. Using clay and colorful paints, they brought ancient history to life with their own hands.
We also take great pride in celebrating our diverse world. Recent highlights include:
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Honoring International Sámi Day through intricate paper-layering art.
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Weaving yarn through heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, mastering the rhythmic "over and under" of the loom.
In our Building & Engineering Club, the only limit is the imagination. During "Engineering Week," our mini-engineers dove into hands-on challenges that tested both their creativity and their resilience.
From constructing skyscrapers out of swimming noodles to designing "wiggly" spaghetti towers, our students are learning a vital life lesson: it’s okay when things break. Whether they are building complex mazes or testing structural integrity, they are developing the critical thinking skills needed for the future.
Our kitchen is a place of joy, sharing, and sensory learning. While our Kindergarteners use playdough to practice the rolling and cutting skills they’ll eventually use in a real kitchen, our older students in Years 2–6 have been busy baking the real deal.
However, it’s about more than just sweets. Recently, our Years 4 - 6 students paired their baking sessions with meditation and mindfulness, serving their treats afterward to practice the art of kindness and community.
To ensure every child finds their spark, we offer a wide range of afternoon clubs & such as:
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Sports Club: High-energy games led by Mr. Norlin and Mr. von Haffe.
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Digital Discovery: Developing future-ready skills in our Computer & Coding Club.
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Quiet Corners: Exploring new worlds in our Book Club.
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Outdoor Play: Daily fresh air and games on our playground.
As we welcome the month of March, we are excited to embark on an exciting journey with the students! Throughout this month, our students will "travel" around the world, visiting a new country each week. They'll have the opportunity to explore the language, culture, and unique traditions of each destination, all while engaging in hands-on activities and discovering fun, interesting facts. We can’t wait to begin this global adventure!
"Even the best engineers know that sometimes spaghetti breaks, and that’s okay!" This spirit of perseverance, of trying again and supporting one another, is exactly what makes Fritids at IES Österåker so special. We look forward to many more days of discovery, laughter, and growth together! - Ms Rabbani (fritids curriculum lead)
-IES Österåker Fritids Team fritids.osteraker@engelska.se