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EdYOUfest 
Conference

Derry, Northern Ireland

13th - 14th - 15st

February 2026

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

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

                                    

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Team

Local EdYOUFest Derry Team

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Francesca

Giacomini

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John

McGowan

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Clare

Heaney

Facilities

Facilities

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Konrad

Radlak

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Magda

Boyle

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Chris

McGowan

Plenaries, Workshops
Certificate
Ceremony

The North West
Academy of English

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Gala
Dinner

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24, Bishop Street
Derry - BT48 6PP

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Programme

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 

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Master of Ceremony

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Konrad

Radlak​

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Magda

Boyle

Cultural Trip

Cultural Day Tour

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

Route & Stops:

  1. Guildhall Square — introduction: the history of Londonderry, importance in regional and national history.

  2. Walk part of the City Walls — view landmarks, gates, fortifications; talk about Plantation, Siege of Derry.

  3. St Columb’s Cathedral / Long Tower (if nearby) — religious history, architectural context.

  4. Cross via Peace Bridge (if time allows) — talk about reconciliation, modern civic space.

  5. Bogside & Murals — include Free Derry Corner, Bloody Sunday memorial, murals, civil rights stories.

  6. 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.

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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.

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Speakers

Speakers

2026 EdYOUfest topic for Plenary and Workshop sessions related to:
"Human Intelligence in the Age of Technology: The Key to Future Teaching?"

Plenary

Plenary  Presenters

Thomas

Jones

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Rob

Howard

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Catherine

Mantadaki

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Workshop

Workshop  Presenters

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Clare

Heaney

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Qasserras

Lhoussine

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Pinar

Sekmen

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Alex

Mackenzie

Alona

Korniienko

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Tatsiana

Karachun

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Lawrence

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Panel

Panel Session

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John

McGowan

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Poster

Poster Session  Presenters

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Tickets

EdYOUFest Tickets

Gold Ticket 
- 4 Plenary Sessions
- 20 Workshop Sessions
- 1 Panel Session
- 1 Poster Session
- Light Lunch
- Coffee Break
- Certificate Ceremony
- Access to the Exhibition Area
- Gala Dinner
- Cultural Tour

 
Price:€ 59.00
For EDYOUCARD member    Price:€ 49.00

Silver Ticket 
- 4 Plenary Sessions
- 20 Workshop Sessions
- 1 Panel Session
- 1 Poster Session
- Light Lunch
- Coffee Break
- Certificate Ceremony
- Access to the Exhibition Area

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Price:€ 20
For EDYOUCARD member    Price:€ 10.00

North West Academy Accommodation

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Bishop's Gate Hotel

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Coming Soon Hotel

Accommodation

Accommodation
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