What started as a lecture series focusing on wellbeing has evolved into a dynamic platform for connecting students and parents with experts shaping our understanding of contemporary issues.
In Term 1 this year, as Professor Amanda Third, an expert in young people’s digital engagement, delivered her guest lecture at International Grammar School (IGS)’s The Ultimo Series, no one anticipated the connection that would ignite between a passionate student and a leading researcher.
“Professor Third soberly presented a lot of the evidence around children’s and young people’s use of technology,” says Mr Thom Marchbank, Deputy Principal Academic at IGS.
“She’s worked in this space for 15-20 years, so she’s got a wealth of qualitative and quantitative evidence about what kids actually do with devices.”
Professor Third’s approach of co-creating design projects with young people resonated deeply with IGS student and STEM leader, Mia.
“Mia is really STEM-focused and wants to work in AI,” Mr Marchbank says. “She was just fascinated by Amanda’s lecture”.
It began as a standard evening lecture, but unexpectedly transformed into a potential mentorship opportunity for Mia.
“I hadn’t anticipated that,” Mr Marchbank admits, highlighting how The Ultimo Series does more than just transfer knowledge – it creates genuine pathways for student inspiration and potential future collaboration.
Mr Marchbank is the driving force behind the lecture series. Named after the suburb where the school is located, The Ultimo Series has become a platform for exploring critical contemporary issues and facilitating dynamic conversations among parents, carers, teachers, students, prospective families and the broader school community. Topics have ranged from mental health and climate change to artificial intelligence and technology’s impact on young people.
“We’re positioned in this interesting spot in the inner-city, in a former industrial district, close to the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Notre Dame Australia,” Mr Marchbank says.
This geographical context, combined with a professionally diverse and highly engaged parent community, created the ideal environment for an innovative lecture series which also involves students.
“Student leaders introduce speakers and typically take notes on what the person speaks about, and then give a précis of what they understood,” Mr Marchbank says.
In May this year, leading researcher and strategist Dr Sandra Peter spoke on the topic ‘Leading the future: Skills our children need in a post-AI 21st century’.
Her lecture drew the series’ largest crowd, with attendance reaching near-capacity in the Renaissance Centre.
The popularity of her lecture underscores the series’ ability to attract high-calibre speakers who can captivate both students and parents.
“People really connected with her, and with her affirming emphasis on the human at the heart of technology use,” Mr Marchbank says.
With three lectures completed so far this year, and one more to come, The Ultimo Series continues to push boundaries. In August, Professor Adam Guastella explored supporting neurodiverse children.
“We are seeing a greater instance of recognition and accommodation of children with neurodiverse profiles and needs in the community and in our schools,” Mr Marchbank says. The session aims to address a growing educational imperative, recognising the increasing awareness and support required for neurodiverse students.
“A lot of our staff too are thinking about further professional development to support them working with students with neurodiverse profiles and needs.”
Looking further ahead, The Ultimo Series shows no signs of slowing down.
“We’re thinking proactively about what issues might be on the horizon, what’s of interest to our community,” Mr Marchbank says. From exploring Australia’s potential in film production to understanding technological disruptions, the series continues to push educational boundaries.
“We’re thinking about some things we could discuss in 2026 – continuing these conversations that matter.”
Visit https://events.humanitix.com/igs-the-ultimo-series-2025 to register.
