Looking ahead to 2026

As a productive and hectic summer comes to a close - spanning visits to nine schools across India and a personal move from Yorkshire to Lancashire - the focus now shifts to the year ahead. I’m pleased to be opening the 2026 academic year in Istanbul, Turkey, where I will facilitate an IB workshop on the Personal Project.

The Personal Project is a cornerstone of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), providing students with the opportunity to apply ATL skills, demonstrate independent inquiry, and showcase their learning in authentic and meaningful ways. Supporting educators in guiding this process is vital to ensuring students experience both challenge and success as they take ownership of their learning.

I’m looking forward to meeting friends and engaging with colleagues in Istanbul - sharing strategies, strengthening practice, and building confidence in supporting students as they embark on this transformative learning experience. And, of course, I’m also excited to sample some authentic Turkish cuisine along the way!