The Ultimo Series connects students and parents with leading experts, fostering curiosity, engagement and real-world insights across topics from AI to mental health and climate change.
International Grammar School (IGS) in Ultimo, Sydney, is internationally recognised for its language programs and academic excellence, but it also offers something less conventional: The Ultimo Series, a lecture program designed to bring the broader world into the school.
Launched in 2024, the series grew from the school’s previous lecture initiatives, which primarily focused on wellbeing and parent guidance, into a platform that invites thought leaders, researchers, and innovators to share their expertise with parents, carers, teachers, students, prospective families, alumni and the broader school community.
The name, The Ultimo Series, reflects the school’s inner-city location, historically a former industrial district, now a hub of cultural and educational activity. Surrounded by institutions such as the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and Notre Dame, IGS leverages its urban environment to access a rich network of academics and professionals. This unique setting allows the school to provide students and families with exposure to current ideas and debates in a broad range of fields.
Deputy Principal Mr Thom Marchbank, who oversees the series, explains that the initiative was shaped by both location and community.
“We realised there was an opportunity to engage researchers, thought leaders and experts not just for parents and carers, but for our students too, to showcase possible career pathways and broaden their horizons,” he says.
By inviting speakers from diverse industries, from mental health to climate science, and from AI research to social work, the series encourages the school community to think critically about issues that are shaping the modern world.
Sessions are held in the Renaissance Centre, an intimate lecture venue within the school designed to foster discussion and engagement. Evening scheduling allows parents to attend after work, while students benefit from exposure to ideas and experts beyond the classroom.
Topics are carefully chosen to reflect contemporary concerns, with the aim of appealing to a broad audience while maintaining academic rigor. Past sessions have explored adolescent mental health, climate change, artificial intelligence, and digital technology, ensuring students encounter both challenges and opportunities in the world around them.
Student leadership and community connection
One of the most distinctive aspects of The Ultimo Series is the active involvement of students. Rather than simply attending, student leaders play an integral role in the events. They are invited to sessions, introduce speakers, take notes and provide summaries of the key insights, encouraging both comprehension and reflection. This approach not only develops public speaking and leadership skills but also allows students to engage directly with experts and consider potential career pathways in real-world contexts.
Mr Marchbank recounts an example that demonstrates the program’s unexpected impact. One STEAM-focused student attended a lecture on AI delivered by Professor Amanda Third, a long-time researcher in technology and child development. Inspired by the session, the student has since connected with Professor Third for further engagement beyond school.
“We hadn’t anticipated that kind of outcome,” Mr Marchbank says, “but it shows the value of providing students with access to real experts and real-world insights.”
Feedback from parents, carers, students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendance varies depending on the topic and speaker, ranging from intimate gatherings of around 40 to larger groups approaching 120 participants.
Particularly impactful sessions include Dr Sandra Peter’s presentation on the topic ‘Leading the future: Skills our children need in a post-AI 21st century’. Drawing on decades of professional experience, her lecture drew the series largest crowd reaching near-capacity in the Renaissance Centre. The popularity of her lecture underscores the series’ ability to attract high-calibre speakers who can captivate parents, carers and students.
“Her session really struck a chord,” says Mr Marchbank. “People really connected with her, and with her affirming emphasis on the human at the heart of technology use.”
The series also supports staff professional development. Lectures on topics like mental health, neurodiversity and technology use help teachers stay informed about contemporary issues affecting students. By integrating these sessions into broader school life, The Ultimo Series strengthens the connection between classroom learning and real-world application, benefiting the entire IGS community.
Looking ahead: inclusive, future-focused learning
The Ultimo Series continues to evolve in response to community needs and societal trends. Lectures in 2025 included a session led by Professor Adam Guastella on strategies for helping neurodiverse children thrive in schools. This topic reflects IGS’s commitment to inclusive education and its recognition of the growing importance of accommodating diverse learning needs. The session also offered professional development opportunities for staff and provided parents and carers with insights into supporting children with neurodiverse profiles.
Mr Marchbank emphasises that the series is not solely about delivering information; it is about creating meaningful interactions. Student leaders, parents, carers and staff are encouraged to engage with speakers during question-and-answer sessions, and discussions often continue informally after the event. This collaborative approach nurtures critical thinking, curiosity and active learning, reinforcing the school’s holistic educational philosophy.
Previous lectures have sparked innovative ideas and discussions that extend beyond the events themselves. Professor Third’s session on children and technology, for example, provided evidence-based insights that helped staff, parents and carers reconsider common narratives about device use.
“She presented a lot of research in a really expansive way,” Mr Marchbank says. “It was a myth-busting session that has had real practical impact for both parents and teachers.”
The Ultimo Series also provides a window into career opportunities for students. By inviting guest speakers from media, film, academia and research, the school exposes students to professional pathways they might not otherwise encounter. For students interested in STEAM, social sciences, or the arts, the lectures provide inspiration and a sense of connection to future possibilities.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, IGS plans to continue The Ultimo Series while refining its format to maximise participation and engagement. The school carefully selects topics that are relevant to the community, including emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change and social innovation. Community feedback plays a key role in shaping future lectures.
Mr Marchbank underscores the broader educational philosophy underpinning the series.
“The Ultimo Series is about giving students, parents and carers a space to explore ideas together, to connect with experts, and to see how learning can extend far beyond the classroom.”
In doing so, the series complements IGS’s rigorous academic programs, fostering well-rounded, informed students prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
