2025 EiM Student Leadership Conference

Feb 28, 2025

There's something magical about watching young leaders make connections and discover more about themselves. This spirit was on full display at Dulwich College Seoul, which welcomed nearly 150 passionate student leaders and educators from 15 schools around the world for the 2025 Education in Motion (EiM) Student Leadership Conference, part of the Worldwise Events Programme. Over three inspiring days, Dulwich College Seoul's campus buzzed with energy, ideas, and a drive for positive change.

Running alongside this gathering, the Worldwise Alumni Advisory Board Annual Conference brought together nine key alumni leaders—some travelling from overseas, others based locally—to mentor student participants, run workshops, and join panel discussions. Their involvement created powerful intergenerational connections, further enriching the experience for everyone present.

Dulwich College Seoul's Year 6 students opened the conference for their international guests with mesmerising traditional Korean mask and fan dance performances, followed by uplifting musical pieces from Senior School students. Head of College Alison Derbyshire then set an inspiring tone for the event with her message about the art of listening as a prerequisite for effective leadership. Drawing on wisdom passed down from her mother, she reminded attendees that we have one mouth and two ears because we should listen twice as much as we speak. This challenge to fully listen resonated throughout, embodying the compassionate leadership values central to EiM.

"DCSL was the perfect place to hold the Student Leadership Conference so we could all benefit from being the kindest school in the universe!" shared D'Arcy Lunn, EiM Group Head of Sustainability and Global Citizenship, who led the event. "The student leaders learn the important lessons of listening as leadership, leadership through compassion, and encouraging the hearts of others."

Several generations of the Dulwich family came together for these activities. Ninety-seven current student leaders from participating schools were joined by alumni from the Worldwise Alumni Network (WAN), creating an environment where past and present Dulwich leaders could share knowledge and experience.

One of the conference's most meaningful initiatives saw students partnering with Banpo Elderly Community Centre and HOPE IUM Charity to prepare 150 banchan lunch boxes for elderly Seoul residents living alone. Each box was carefully filled with bulgogi, soy sauce quail eggs, kimchi, mung bean jelly, and dried anchovies – a testament to putting leadership into action through service.

The joy of connection and growth echoed in student reflections: "We made many friends at the leadership conference, and it was so fun!" shared Emi and Jia from Dulwich College Seoul.

Participants did not merely study leadership – they lived it. They created impact plans for their own schools, engaged in team-building activities, and immersed themselves in Korean culture with visits to the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, exploring what it means to be agents of positive change.

"We learnt that it's really about connecting with the community and getting everyone's ideas onto the table so that we can get a master solution," explained Jaewook, Head Student for Excellence at Dulwich College Seoul.

Edgar Zillmann, EiM Head of Events and Educational Partnerships, captured the spirit of the conference: "This event epitomised our commitment to fostering empowered, globally minded leaders who make meaningful contributions to their communities. A heartfelt thank you to Dulwich College Seoul for being such a wonderful host."

As the conference drew to a close, it was evident that something transformative had taken place. Students left with new leadership skills, firm friendships, and an unshakeable belief in their ability to create positive change. From collaborative problem-solving sessions to hands-on community service, they discovered that leadership grows out of compassion, understanding, and a commitment to making a difference.

Crowning these events was the Worldwise Alumni Network Dinner in Seoul. Over 60 alumni attended, representing Dulwich College International schools from Beijing, Suzhou, and Shanghai Pudong, making it the largest alumni gathering in Seoul to date. The evening offered former students a chance to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate their enduring ties to the Dulwich community.

Looking ahead, Education in Motion celebrates the remarkable success of these events, which demonstrate that Dulwich College Seoul—and schools across the EiM network—are dedicated not only to educating students, but to nurturing the next generation of thoughtful, empowered Global Citizens who will make a positive impact on the world.

EiM extends sincere thanks to:

Mr D'Arcy Lunn,
Mr Edgar Zillmann,
Ms Maggie Goddard (Deputy Head of Primary School, Pastoral),
Mr George Welsby (English Teacher and Senior School Head of Houses),
Ms Mia Kim(Senior School Administrative Assistant for IB, UCC, and WAN),
and Mr Bryan Chiew DCB'16 (President of the Wordwise Alumni Advisory Board)

for their tremendous efforts in organising these events. Their dedication helped create memorable experiences that will continue to inspire students, alumni, and the wider EiM community.

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