Written by Uzma Zaffar, Vice Principal, Doha College, Qatar.

Doha College has a strong and sustained commitment to continuous professional learning. Our first staff conference in January 2025 brought together all teaching and non-teaching colleagues for a full day of shared learning, reflection, and collaboration. What made the day especially powerful was the opportunity for colleagues to learn from one another and to recognise the depth of expertise that exists within our school. The conference reaffirmed that some of the most valuable professional learning occurs when we draw on the talent, insight, and lived experience of our own team. 

Colleagues found the day incredibly valuable. Many spoke about how energising it was to explore new ideas, strengthen their professional capital, and connect with peers from across the school. The spirit of collaboration was evident throughout the day, with the team noting how beneficial it was to learn directly from those who understand our context, our pupils, and our shared aspirations. 

The principal opened the day, setting a positive and purposeful tone for the sessions that followed. A defining strength of the conference was the structure. Staff selected their own pathway, choosing workshops from an extensive programme of internally led sessions. This approach reflected our belief that professional learning should be personalised, empowering, and built on trust. The freedom to choose enabled colleagues to engage in sessions that aligned with their professional goals and interests, contributing to a strong sense of ownership and enjoyment. 

The workshops showcased the exceptional expertise within the College. Colleagues delivered inspiring sessions such as Reciprocal Reading, The Flipped Classroom, Supporting SEND in a Mainstream Environment, and Exploring Most Lessons Most of the Time. Specialist practice was also shared through Best Practice in the Early Years, Enquiry Based Learning, and Arabic for All, which highlighted adaptive teaching in language learning. Forward-looking workshops such as AI x Code = Efficiency demonstrated our commitment to innovation, while sessions with a focus on relationships, culture, and leadership, including Restorative Practices and the Middle Leader Toolkit added further depth. These sessions, to name just a few, highlighted the talent within our team and the impact of learning from one another. 

Staff consistently expressed how inspiring it was to experience high quality professional development delivered entirely by colleagues. The day reinforced the importance of using the expertise already within the College and demonstrated how powerful it is when we create opportunities to learn collaboratively. 

The optional wellbeing sessions at the end of the day were also highly valued. Colleagues appreciated being able to choose an activity that suited their comfort and needs, whether creative, reflective, active, cultural, or team based. This emphasis on choice supported both wellbeing and professional growth, creating a positive and uplifting end to the day. 

The conference concluded with reflections on how the learning would continue to shape practice across the College. The team left feeling connected, inspired, and valued. The success of the event has led us to run a second whole college conference in January 2026, this time under the theme Future Ready: Learning Beyond Tomorrow, as we continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence for all and from all.