Dr Audrey Doyle Delivers Keynote at International School Wellbeing Seminar in Cyprus
Dr Audrey Doyle represented the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and the UNESCO Chair on Bullying and Cyberbullying at the international seminar, Wellbeing at School: A Focus on How Demographic, Technological and Economic Changes Worldwide Influence Students’ and Teachers’ Wellbeing, organised by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus on 9–10 July 2026.
The seminar brought together educators, school leaders and inspectors to address the critical challenge of sustaining school wellbeing amidst rapid demographic, technological and socio-economic change.
During the seminar, Dr Doyle delivered the keynote, Agents of Change: Why Curriculum Making is the Bedrock of Wellbeing in a Shifting World. The keynote argued that true wellbeing cannot be packaged and delivered; rather, it must be embedded through the courageous capacity of teachers to achieve agency through curriculum making. This requires a reimagining of the teacher's role, moving beyond that of a bureaucratic delivery agent to that of a highly empowered designer of learning.
The keynote highlighted that when teachers are empowered as curriculum makers, they move beyond standardised instruction to co-create learning environments that are relevant, adaptable and deeply human. From this perspective, wellbeing is shaped by relationships, belonging, dignity, safety and the social norms that operate within classrooms, corridors, digital spaces and wider school communities. Bullying and cyberbullying are therefore not separate from wellbeing, but among the clearest indicators that a school's relational culture requires attention. It is through teacher agency and curriculum making that educators can create transformative educational experiences in which all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Dr Doyle also facilitated three workshops exploring what teacher agency and curriculum making can look like in practice to promote wellbeing in schools. Discussions highlighted that sustaining teacher agency requires schools to foster an ecosystem of professionalism, collaboration and trust.
While participants acknowledged that global changes are occurring at an unprecedented pace, the workshops reinforced that relationships remain the strongest foundation for supporting wellbeing. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion emphasising the importance of teacher identity and recognising that, by leading with care and adaptability, empowered educators can bridge the gap between diverse student realities and cohesive school communities. Ultimately, a culture of belonging begins with the agency of its teachers.
The seminar provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with educators, school leaders and inspectors, while exploring collaborative approaches to creating more inclusive and supportive school communities.
The DCU Anti-Bullying Centre extends its thanks to the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus for its invitation and warm hospitality.