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EdYOUfest
Conference

Derry, Northern Ireland

13th - 14th - 15st

February 2026

Join us as a speaker - submit a proposal

With the support of

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Thanks to the collaboration with D.i.S.A.L. (Association of School Leaders), accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit, participation in EdYOUFest Etna entitles teachers to official ministerial leave as a recognised training course.
Italian Teachers can register through the SOFIA platform.

Platinum Sponsor

Derry

Welcome to the North of Ireland for what’s set to be an unforgettable EdYoufest Derry 2026!
Here, on the edge of Europe, our island is shaped by the wild Atlantic winds and warmed by the spirit of its people. The historic city of Derry (or Londonderry) — one of Ireland’s oldest and most storied places — lies proudly on the border with the Republic of Ireland, where history, culture, and creativity meet.

We are looking forward to coming together to share ideas, spark conversations, and inspire one another. You’ll discover that the only thing warmer than our welcome is our passion for learning, connection, and collaboration.

We can’t wait to see you soon and share the true heart and spirit of our wonderful city with you.

John McGowan
Managing Director, The North West Academy of English

Team

Local EdYOUFest Derry Team

Francesca

Giacomini

John

McGowan

Clare

Heaney

Facilities

Konrad

Radlak

Magda

Boyle

Chris

McGowan

Plenaries, Workshops
Certificate
Ceremony

The North West
Academy of English

Culturlann
37 Great James sreeet
BT487TH Derry

https://northwestacademy.net/our-academy/

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Gala
Dinner

24, Bishop Street
Derry - BT48 6PP

Programme

Day One:

- 08.30 – 09.15: Meeting at the host school

- 09.15 – 09.55: Local authorities and organizers welcome

- 10.00 – 11.30: First Plenary Session

- 11.45 – 12.30: Workshops: Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4

- 12.30 – 13.45: Lunchtime

- 14.00 – 15.30: Second Plenary Session: Catherine Mantadaki

Mediation in EFL Teaching: Enhancing the

Human Advantage in Learning

- 15.45 – 16.30: Workshops: Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4

- 16.45 – 18.00: Third Plenary Session: Robert Howard

You Can't Program Passion - Why AI Can't

Replace the Heart of Teaching

- 18.00 – 20.15: Free time

- 19.30 – 22.30: Gala Dinner with Music and Dance

Day Two:

- 09.30 – 09.50: Meeting at the host school

- 10.00 – 11.30: Fourth Plenary Session: Thomas Jones

Teaching for tomorrow

- 11.45 – 12.30: Workshops: Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4

- 12.30 – 13.45: Lunchtime

- 14.00 – 14.50: Poster sessions

- 15.00 – 15.50: Workshops: Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4

- 16.00 – 17.00: Panel with two speakers

- 17.00 – 18.00: Certificate Ceremony

- 18.00 – 20.00: Irish music and dance

Day Three:

- 8.30 – 11.30: Cultural Day Tour

Master of Ceremony

Konrad

Radlak

Magda

Boyle

Cultural Trip

Cultural Day Tour

Start time: 10:00am
Meeting point: Guildhall Square (central, easy to find)

Route & Stops:

Guildhall Square — introduction: the history of Londonderry, importance in regional and national history.
Walk part of the City Walls — view landmarks, gates, fortifications; talk about Plantation, Siege of Derry.
St Columb’s Cathedral / Long Tower (if nearby) — religious history, architectural context.
Cross via Peace Bridge (if time allows) — talk about reconciliation, modern civic space.
Bogside & Murals — include Free Derry Corner, Bloody Sunday memorial, murals, civil rights stories.
End at Museum of Free Derry (or another museum) — so those who want to stay on can explore further or have a break / reflection session.

The guided tour will be provided by DerryBlueBadgeGuide.com is one of the fastest growing tour guiding companies in Ireland. The company is run by Michael Cooper, the first Blue Badge Tourist Guide in Derry City (the Blue Badge is the highest accreditation in tour guiding). Michael is a former employee of Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau, the key tourism agency in Ireland’s northwest. He is also a triple graduate from the University of Ulster with qualifications including Bachelor and Masters degrees in Irish History & Politics which ensure tours can be designed covering any aspect of Irish history.

Speakers