Young Speakers Inspire at Brighton College’s TEDxYouth Event
The TEDx stage is iconic and the design and intent of TEDxYouth events is for young people to express great ideas that are worth spreading to inspire their local community. On Monday 19th January, 17 pupils from Years 5 and 6 in Brighton College commanded the stage for the College’s inaugural TEDxYouth event.
Led by the Head of the Preparatory School, Mrs. Siobhan Wyper and Assistant Head of Pupil Development, Mrs. Sara Bennett, the pupils aged from 9 to 11 years old spent the past few months undertaking research, and refining their thoughts before overcoming their nerves, and preparing to share their insights and perspectives.
TEDxBrightonCollegeBangkokYouth event was named ‘Voices of the Future’ and at Brighton College Bangkok, pupils are encouraged to think deeply about the future and their role in it. The theme for the event was centred on striving towards a global future that celebrates diversity, is equitable and is inclusive so that everyone feels a deep sense of belonging and justice. Despite their youth, the pupil speakers wanted to showcase their mission and passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion because they want to ensure every individual in their community feels truly valued and empowered to be happy and successful.
Pupils drew upon their own experiences and also referenced great visionaries in history such as Martin Luther King Jr, Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela, and discussed the impact of complex social issues like gender inequality, racism, discrimination, as well as advocating the importance of equity, kindness and building empathy.
At Brighton College Bangkok, we often speak about three core values - curiosity, confidence and kindness. These values were the foundation of every presentation.
- Curiosity: Every great idea begins with a question. Our speakers have looked at the world with wonder, asking 'Why?' and 'What if?' Their curiosity has led them to discover insights that will challenge our perspectives and spark new ways of thinking.
- Confidence: Standing on that red dot is an act of immense courage. It takes confidence to believe that your voice deserves to be heard and that your idea can make a difference. We are here to celebrate that growing self-belief in every pupil who steps onto this stage.
Kindness: An idea can only flourish in a community that listens with an open heart. By sharing these ideas, our pupils are performing an act of kindness for all of us, offering their wisdom to help us grow together.
Throughout the evening, the audience was captivated and impressed by the mature approach to which pupils addressed and articulated themselves. This mature approach and confidence was not only inspiring, but highlighted the importance of opportunities like TEDxYouth events. Throughout the process, pupils commented on wanting to be leaders of change, showing their commitment to making our school, community and future a more inclusive, just place. We are proud of the pupils and hope to continue this and make this an annual event.
