The after-school programme — an integral part of the RWS vision.
At Raoul Wallenberg Schools, the after-school programme is more than play, games, and care—it’s an active part of the school’s mission to shape the citizens of tomorrow, where every student is given the chance to develop their full potential. Throughout the compulsory school years, we run the after-school activities alongside the school day in three stages. We’ve given each stage a distinct name—Upptäckarna (“the Discoverers”) in lower primary, Utforskarna (“the Explorers”) in middle school, and Framtidsbyggarna (“the Future Builders”) in upper school.
The Discoverers (preschool–Grade 3):
The Explorers (Grades 4–6):
In middle school, curiosity deepens. Through our club programme, students are given responsibility, choices, and the chance to grow as active co-creators of their free time. Here they practise independence, collaboration, and leadership.
The Future Builders (Grades 7–9):
The programme culminates in lower secondary. There are no curriculum guidelines for this stage, so we are developing our own leisure-time concept aimed at preparing students for life after compulsory school—with continued studies and working life. We challenge students in entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and leadership. The future is made tangible through dreams, choices, and action. It is during this period that the future-building truly begins.
A meaningful leisure time
Within RWS, we view the after-school programme as a natural extension of the school day, where children’s learning and personal development can continue in a safe and inspiring environment. By working from the school’s core values—honesty, compassion, courage, and initiative—we create an after-school setting that strengthens students’ self-confidence, social abilities, and well-being, both mental and social. For all of us who work within RWS, we understand the importance of a meaningful leisure time!
Our guiding principles in the after-school programme
Honesty — being true to oneself and others
We encourage students to be honest and fair in their actions, both in play and in relationships. Through cooperative exercises, group discussions, and games where everyone gets a voice, we build a culture of trust and respect. We also work with mediation in conflicts and teach students the importance of standing up for the truth and taking responsibility for their actions.
Compassion — showing consideration for others
Within the after-school programme, we actively work to strengthen children’s capacity for empathy. We create opportunities for students to help one another, for example through a buddy system where older children support younger ones in our activities and projects. We emphasise the importance of listening, offering support, and showing consideration in all contexts.
Courage — standing up for what you believe in
We want our students to feel secure enough to try new things, express their opinions, and stand up for themselves and others. We know every child comes from different backgrounds, with different experiences and conditions, and it is therefore important to create an environment where everyone feels respected and included. Through theatre, dance, role play, sports, and group activities, children have the opportunity to explore and understand different perspectives while practising how to handle social situations in a safe and constructive way.
Initiative — taking action to make a difference
We strengthen children’s initiative by giving them the opportunity to actively shape their free time and take responsibility in different roles. By, for example, serving as Trivselledare (TL, “well-being leaders”), being in charge of equipment rooms, or acting as project leaders for their own initiatives, they practise leading groups, making decisions, and collaborating. When students plan and carry out activities themselves under the guidance of our educators, they develop important skills such as responsibility, problem-solving, and communication.
After-school at RWS — a safe and stimulating environment
Learning happens everywhere, and after-school is an important arena where we develop both knowledge and social abilities through play and various activities. We know that children and young people develop best in an environment where they feel safe, seen, and respected. That’s why we create a balance between activity and recovery, with both calm and high-energy options where the children themselves can choose what they need in the moment. Examples include:
Calm & quiet — reading and story time, mindfulness, dance, and yoga for relaxation.
Play & movement — organised sports activities, outdoor play, and obstacle courses that develop motor skills.
Community & cooperation — group activities and buddy groups that strengthen cohesion and ensure everyone feels included.
Learning for life — after-school as a place for growth
Within RWS after-school we offer:
Creative making — art, crafts, and building projects where children develop imagination and fine motor skills.
Discovery & problem-solving — experiments, technology activities, and nature exploration that stimulate curiosity and logical thinking.
Social skills — cooperation exercises, group games, and values-based activities that strengthen children’s ability to work together and resolve conflicts.
Health & movement — daily physical activity through games and sports to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Together with the students, we create meaningful free time!
Our after-school programme is a place where students can grow, develop important skills, create memories for life, and get the chance to reach their full potential as individuals. By working from our guiding principles, we give every child the best conditions to develop in knowledge, social abilities, and character.