The European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE) conference in Malta, held from January 23-25, was an inspiring gathering of educators dedicated to middle school learning. It was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, build connections and explore innovative ways to engage students.
My session, “From Awareness to Action: Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals in Middle School”, was met with enthusiastic engagement, sparking meaningful discussions on how we can empower students to take impactful action with the SDGs in their schools. A special focus on SDG 1 (No Poverty) led to deep reflections on student-driven projects, and attendees gained insights into the new ICA Changemaker Award, including how it could be implemented in their schools as a meaningful framework for recognising and supporting student-led action. During the session, we explored practical ideas and sample rubrics to assess students’ actions, impact, and progress in their Changemaker journey.
Beyond the session, the exhibition table became a buzzing hub of great conversations, reinforcing our shared commitment to equipping middle schoolers as proactive global citizens. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious—in the best way possible. Unfortunately, so was the brutal Malta bug that took me down.
I had every intention of wrapping up the conference strong, but instead, I found myself bedridden, battling a nasty cough, a relentless fever, and, later, conjunctivitis—turning me into a walking (or rather, lying-down) cautionary tale. And just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, I endured one of the most chaotic return flights to London I’ve had in years—complete with relentless turbulence, screaming passengers, and my own personal soundtrack of feverish cold sweats and nonstop coughing. I’m still recovering from the conference, but hey—at least I made it back in one piece.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for my luggage, which was ripped apart!
But despite the turbulent ending (pun intended), the conference was a great success, and the energy from Malta will no doubt carry forward as ELMLE gears up for its 40th anniversary next year in Prague, Czechia!
