John West-Burnham Annual Memorial Lecture: From the Inside Out
John West-Burnham Annual Memorial Lecture: From the Inside Out
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A Free Event at the University of Suffolk
A Free Event at the University of Suffolk
Join us for the third annual John West-Burnham Memorial Lecture on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hosted by the University of Suffolk. This year, we're proud to feature Malcolm Groves, acclaimed author and Director of Schools of Tomorrow, as our distinguished speaker.
Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Building on the amazing legacy that John has left us is important to staff and trustees, and we are delighted to share a programme of fringe events that showcase our work empowering young people to make a difference in their communities.
All events are free to attend, but do require a booking to secure your spot.
Afternoon Sessions Thursday 20th November
Afternoon Sessions Thursday 20th November
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: ASSET Education Schools Showcase at St Helen's Primary School.
Discover how young people are empowered to make a difference in their communities. Highlights of the day include:
"60 Seconds to Change the World" Speeches: Hear powerful and diverse perspectives from young people as they share what truly matters to them.
"Smash the Stereotype" Project: Explore creative and impactful youth-led efforts to challenge and combat stereotypes.
Celebrating Diversity through Storytelling: Discover how young people are engaging with themes of migration and refugee experiences through poetry and personal narratives.
Observe an #iWill Community of Practice meeting at the University of Suffolk, led by young leaders exploring collaborative social action.
The #iWill Movement have established a Community of Practice in Ipswich, bringing together over 30 organisations from across sectors to collectively champion Ipswich as a Town of Social Action, learn about emerging practice, and understand the connectivity of organisations and youth voice in Ipswich.
The session is co-produced and delivered by Ipswich #iWill ambassadors, local young leaders passionate about social action. This session will focus on exploring how organisations can work collaboratively together to create opportunities to enable social action and achieve shared goals.
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM: A special philosophy session at the University, led by Marcelo Staricoff, in celebration of World Philosophy Week.
As part of this year's lecture, we would like to invite you all to a celebration of World Philosophy Day 2025, which falls on the exact day of the lecture! Marcelo Staricoff will lead you through an interactive, thought-provoking and philosophically-filled session where we will have the opportunity to explore the way that Philosophy and a Philosophical approach to the Curriculum, so informed by so many chats with John, can have such a fabulous impact on children's lives, their innate curiosity, their love of learning and on their ability to think creatively and critically. We will use real life examples to illustrate how Philosophy in Schools can inspire children who are comfortable with uncertainty and have the ability to make informed choices and develop as citizens who are able to add to the world's cultural capital and human flourishing within a more sustainable and peaceful world.
Evening Event Thursday 20th November (Main Lecture & Reception)
Evening Event Thursday 20th November (Main Lecture & Reception)
5:00 PM: Arrival & Refreshments. Settle in, grab a tea or coffee, and network with fellow attendees. Take some time to explore the exhibitor stalls from various organisations, including the Edge Foundation, ISMA, and more. A selection of food will also be available.
5:30 PM: Youth Voices. Hear from students of ASSET Education as they take the stage to share their important insights and perspectives.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: JWB Annual Memorial Lecture 🗣️. Join us for the main event featuring Malcolm Groves, with a welcome from the University of Suffolk.
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Networking Reception. Continue the conversation over the remaining refreshments. Afterwards, attendees can book a table at Isaacs for drinks and food at their own expense.
This event is not a promotional or sales event; our focus is on sharing ideas and celebrating John West-Burnham's legacy. Donations will be accepted on the day to contribute to the JWB Legacy Fund, which will be used to support next year’s annual lecture and activities in his memory.
John’s extensive library of books has been generously donated to be shared amongst the educational community, and the remainder will be available for a small donation at the event.
Morning Session Friday 21st November
Morning Session Friday 21st November
The Oaks Primary - Ipswich
About the Speakers: Malcolm Groves
About the Speakers: Malcolm Groves
Dr. Malcolm Groves has dedicated his career to pioneering innovative approaches in education and community development. As a co-author and close collaborator with Professor John West-Burnham for over two decades, Malcolm has helped shape the thinking behind schools as catalysts for social change. He co-founded and directs the Schools of Tomorrow network, a ground-breaking movement focused on empowering leaders to build a more compassionate and equitable society.
Practical Information
Practical Information
Venue: University of Suffolk, Ipswich Waterfront Campus. The lecture will be held in Lecture Hall WLT1.
Parking: The closest public parking is at Duke Street car park. From there, it's a short walk to the campus.
Accommodation: The University of Suffolk has a special rate with the Salthouse Hotel. Alternatively, other nearby hotels include the Premier Inn and Novotel Ipswich Centre.
Recordings & Photography: The lecture will be recorded for later circulation. A professional photographer will be present, and photos may be used for promotional purposes. Please let a member of staff know if you would prefer not to be included.
Book Your Free Ticket Now
Book Your Free Ticket Now
All events are free, but tickets are required to manage capacity. Please book your place for the main lecture via Eventbrite.
ASSET Education Schools Showcase at St Helen's Primary School. Book here
#iWill Community of Practice meeting at the University of Suffolk
Philosophy session at the University, led by Marcelo Staricoff
Main Lecture - From the Inside Out. Book here
[Click here to book your ticket]
Limited tickets are being held back for our partner organisations. If you are part of a partner group and can't find a ticket, please contact your organisation's representative.
For any questions, please contact the University of Suffolk Events Team at: j.eghan@uos.ac.uk or kelly-marie.taylor@uos.ac.uk.
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