Unconference
Welcome to the 2025 Dulwich Unconference!
This year, we gather under the theme “Looking Back to Look Forward,” inviting educators to reflect on past innovations, measure their impact, and reimagine what's possible through renewed collaboration. By revisiting previous Unconference themes and shared practices, we aim to deepen community ties, celebrate what has worked, and spark the next wave of transformative ideas. Together, we’ll explore how reflection can fuel progress—and how the stories of our past can shape the futures we build.
Date: October 25th from 8:30-4:30
Fostering Collaborative Excellence in Education: Our primary aim is to cultivate an environment that promotes collaboration among diverse educational specialties, igniting the spark for transformative and impactful teaching practices. We envision an Unconference where educators from all walks of life come together to share their experiences, expertise, and a shared commitment to expanding their pedagogical horizons.
A Beacon of Inclusive Professional Growth: The Dulwich Unconference is not your ordinary professional development event; it's a dynamic opportunity for all educators seeking to infuse innovation into their teaching. At our gathering, educators refine their existing skills while nurturing the growth of new ones. Instead of the traditional conference model, where experts talk and participants passively listen, our Unconference thrives on active engagement. Topics of discussion emerge organically from the participants themselves, making each attendee a driver of the event. Everyone has the potential to lead, ask questions, initiate new conversations, or simply listen and learn from their peers.
Unconference Essentials: What Sets Us Apart
You might be wondering, what exactly is an Unconference, and how does it differ from our traditional gatherings? Well, here's the scoop: an Unconference is a participant-driven conference where the session topics are shaped by the attendees themselves. Picture it as a vibrant mosaic of discussions, where each session is a dynamic conversation among individuals passionate about the same subject. Whether you're new to the concept, moderately experienced, or an expert, your voice matters. Our ultimate goal? To ensure that as many voices as possible are heard and actively engaged.
Ideally, sessions tend to be intimate gatherings to foster in-depth conversations. However, the beauty of an Unconference lies in its flexibility. Sessions may organically split into smaller groups or merge into larger ones—empowering you to shape the dynamics. What truly matters is the spirit of engagement that permeates every interaction.
Date and Venue: Mark Your Calendar!
Mark your calendars! This year's Unconference unfolds on October 25th, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, nestled within the inspiring surroundings of Dulwich College Pudong.
Diverse Minds, One Community
The Dulwich Unconference is an inclusive gathering that welcomes all, irrespective of background or experience, who are eager to share their insights, work, or stories related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It's a community of open minds and collaborative spirits.
Looking Back to Look Forward: Building on What Works
In 2025, Unconference invites educators to reflect on the journeys we've taken—revisiting past themes, projects, and practices to better understand what has made a lasting impact. Under the theme “Looking Back to Look Forward,” this year’s Unconference is about using reflection not just as a tool for innovation, but as a way to build and strengthen community.
We believe that true community is built through shared practice, honest reflection, and mutual learning. By surfacing the work that has resonated—whether in AI, SDGs, student agency, or wellbeing—we create opportunities to connect across contexts, share what’s working, and amplify practices that others can adapt.
The Unconference will offer spaces to reconnect with past themes, engage in cross-school dialogue, and share real examples of impact—through our conversation, sessions, and collaborative exploration. The goal is not just to look back, but to move forward together, inspired by the collective wisdom of our network and grounded in shared purpose.
Together, we’ll explore how reflection fuels progress, how community drives change, and how we can co-create futures that are more sustainable, inclusive, and connected.
Join Us
Be part of a vibrant community of educators, leaders, and changemakers as we reflect on what’s worked—and imagine what comes next. At the Dulwich Unconference, every participant is a contributor, shaping conversations that draw from experience and spark new ideas.
Whether you're sharing a project, joining a dialogue, or exploring impactful practices from other schools, your voice helps build our collective vision. This year, we gather not just to talk about innovation, but to celebrate what’s already making a difference—and to learn how we can scale that impact together.
Come ready to connect, reflect, and move forward with purpose.
To register your intention to attend the Unconference, please fill in this form.
We hope to see you there!
Is Previous Experience Required?
Absolutely not! The Unconference is a welcoming space for all, whether you're a seasoned participant or brand new to this format. To help you get acquainted, here are some valuable resources:
- Edcamps: ‘The Unconference’ Where Teachers Teach Themselves
- TeachThought: What is an EdCamp?
- Educators’ perspectives on the impact of Unconferences
- Power Learning with Unconferences
Can I Share My Ideas?
Yes - we encourage you to do just that! When we create the schedule, you have the opportunity to propose a discussion topic. Feel free to bring anything you'd like to share, but remember, the session format should revolve around engaging discussions.
What if I'm Not Familiar with the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
No worries! You're more than welcome to join us, regardless of your familiarity with the UN SDGs. You can learn more about them here, and the discussions will be inclusive, catering to varying levels of knowledge.
What If My Expertise Differs From the Theme?
That’s the goal, that we bring people together from different areas of expertise! Plus, the Unconference is designed to be inclusive. The discussions will consider everyone's background and expertise, ensuring a rich and diverse exchange of ideas.
What Does the Registration Fee Cover?
The registration fee is essential to cover the event's costs, including lunch, refreshments, and operational costs for day.
If cost is a concern, please know that it should never be a barrier for attendance to our Unconference. Reach out to [email protected] for assistance – we want you here!
Registration Costs:
Standard Price: 400 RMB
If cost is a concern, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance, as that should not be a barrier for your attendance – we want you here!
"Discussions during the sessions really flowed. It always felt like there was more to discuss and everyone was excited to share."
"There was an abundance of active participation and fluid discourse throughout the day. All aspects of the day was thoughtfully organized and facilitated with wonderful constructive energy."
"Listening to other educators and asking questions, also enjoyed the freedom to move between different rooms."
"So well organized though relaxed and nice to hear students as well today."
"The people were so friendly I feel like I’ve met some of the nicest people in Shanghai!"
"Thanks very much! I really needed this positivity on these topics and exchange with other educators and schools."
"The efforts and work put into organizing and facilitating the day are genuinely appreciated. There was an abundance of constructive inquiry and good energy. Hope the day was equally rewarding for the organizers. Thank you."
"I was able have ah ha moments."
"The concept of an Unconference is incredible and I would love to go to more like this"
"There are so many passionate educators around and we are trying our best to make the world better."
"Just an overall feeling of positivity. Also, discussions causing me to revisit my viewpoints to remember again why it is I hold the beliefs/feelings I do."
Get in Touch
Email us at: [email protected]
