Dulwich Talks: What is Your Element?
Last Wednesday evening, our theater came to life as the inaugural Dulwich Talks opened to a packed audience full of anticipation! Hosted jointly be a teacher, Mr Alex Whitwam and student, Savannah C, they launched the event with boundless energy, explaining that Dulwich Talks—modeled on the TED format—provides a stage for our community to speak out, deepen mutual understanding and sharpen both confidence and critical thinking. Their declaration of the theme “What is your element?” served as a key, inviting every speaker to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Philosophical Preface: From The Element to the True Self
Principal Mr Jon Fei, holding his well-worn, ten-year-old copy of Sir Ken Robinson’s The Element, shared the inspiring story of Gillian—a child once labelled "troublesome", who was later recognised for her gift in dance and went on to become the principal choreographer of the Royal Ballet and the visionary behind the musical Cats.
“Only by heeding your inner element can you live your most authentic life,” he affirmed, setting a thoughtful and resonant tone for the student talks that followed.
Ten Elements, Ten Brilliant Journeys
Ten speakers then took the spotlight for engaging three-to-five-minute talks, each illuminating a different “element”:
Applause, Laughter & Intergenerational Resonance
Each talk was a stone cast into water, sending ripples through the audience. Parents watched with proud smiles, many recording their children’s standout moments on their phones.
At one point, Mr Tony Qureshi threaded through the seats, microphone in hand, and asked, “What is your element?”—a question met with spirited replies from both parents and students, dissolving the barrier between stage and stalls and turning the theatre into a crucible of shared inspiration.
To close, Head Ms Sarah Tielman shared, “It is hard enough to stand on a stage in front of people and speak for three to five minutes in your first language, let alone to do it in your second language and doing so exceptionally well. Your stories of passion and purpose illuminate a horizon of endless possibility. I look forward to gathering here again next year!”
The successful staging of Dulwich Talks has not only provided each participant with a clearer understanding of their own "element" but has also set a new benchmark for our co-curricular activities. We look forward to welcoming even more teachers, students, and parents to this thought-provoking and celebratory stage next year, as we continue to uncover and celebrate the unique elements that make us who we are.
Behind Dulwich Talks
Q: How do you feel the TED-inspired format helped students articulate their 'element'? Could you share any moments from today’s event that particularly stood out to you?
Tony Qureshi：
We recently held our very first Dulwich Talks event and what a night it was! Centered around the theme of "What is your element?" Our students took to the stage and shared their personal stories that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. It was a fantastic event, and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every participant. The dedication, energy, and courage these students brought to the stage was truly inspiring. Despite the nerves and the pressure of presenting in front of an audience, every student gave their very best.
Some standout moments from the event included Wayne D's hidden talent for boxing, which he showcased in his speech, revealing not only his impressive skills but also the natural flair he has discovered for the sport. Sycamore C delivered a confident presentation, brimming with energy and flair, marking a bold new chapter in her public speaking journey. Hannah Z and Leyna L's joint presentation was a seamless and unified celebration of their passion for languages, delivered with great poise and harmony. Mingxian W took a freestyle approach, offering a heartfelt tribute to his love for music, which resonated deeply with the audience through its authenticity and passion. Finally, Rose Z captivated listeners with her poetic expression of love for drawing, leaving a lasting impression with its gentle creativity and emotional impact.
These are just of the highlights from a tremendous night of public speaking from all participants. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the night was the support from the audience. Their encouragement helped each and every speaker rise to the occasion and made the event feel like a true community celebration. The togetherness, enthusiasm, and positive energy in the room ensured the event’s success and left us all feeling inspired. What a night to remember!
Q: How does an event themed ‘What is your element?’ cultivate a culture of individuality and creative exploration in our community?
Tony Winton：
This year's Dulwich Talks @DHSZ, centred on the theme of “your core driving force”, drew inspiration from Sir Ken Robinson’s belief that true brilliance is revealed when individuals discover the activities that place them in their “element”. By encouraging students to explore and articulate their passions, we nurture a culture that celebrates diverse thinking.
Providing each speaker with a platform not only strengthens our community bonds, but also inspires parents and stakeholders to actively support the creative growth of the next generation—helping to build a vibrant, inclusive environment where every voice is valued.
Q: How do you believe that organising such an event has further developed students’ English language skills, particularly in public speaking and expressive communication?
Tony Qureshi：
Participants have already shared just how much they enjoyed the experience. It’s been incredible to see how this event has sparked excitement, not only among those who took part, but also from other students who are already asking how they can get involved next year. It’s clear that our next Dulwich Talks evening is set to be even bigger and better!
I was especially delighted by the performances of our EAL (English as an Additional Language) students. They took to the stage with confidence and presence, truly owning the spotlight. Seeing them shine and revel in the experience was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students are given the opportunity to express themselves. Their success gives hope and encouragement to every student on campus, showing that the stage is for everyone.
Public speaking requires skill, structure, and confidence, and our students proved they have all three in abundance. In preparation for the event, students learned how to craft effective speeches, exploring the language, literary devices, and techniques that bring powerful messages to life. Their dedication to rehearsing, refining, and delivering their speeches was nothing short of inspiring.
Participating in this event is more than just a performance, it’s an incredible way to build language skills, self-belief, and confidence. It’s something we’re proud to continue fostering here at DHSZ, and we’re already very much looking forward to seeing even more students step up and share their passions in future events.
Q: What benefits do events like Dulwich Talks offer for students' personal development?
Tony Winton：
Platforms such as Dulwich Talks @DHSZ empower students to fully engage, develop self-awareness, and unlock their potential. The process of preparing and delivering a talk builds confidence in public speaking and presentation, while introspection allows speakers to deepen their understanding of identity and values. Exposure to a range of perspectives fosters empathy and open-mindedness.
Guided by Mr Whitwam and Mr Qureshi, the collaborative environment further nurtures critical thinking and creativity, enabling students to express their ideas with clarity and respond with thoughtfulness. In today’s ever-evolving world, recognising one's intrinsic worth and pursuing one's passion are essential—whether on stage or in the audience.
We hope every member of our community embraces their unique element and carries that conviction forward into a purposeful and fulfilling future.
