TedX

In March 2026, Jersey College for Girls students were at the forefront of innovation and leadership as they designed, curated and delivered the island’s first TEDx Youth event. 

TEDx Youth events are independently organised TED‑licensed programmes designed specifically for young people. They provide a global platform for students to share ideas, inspire dialogue and demonstrate leadership, creativity and critical thinking. By participating in TEDx Youth, students gain experience in public speaking, event organisation and responsible storytelling within a recognised international framework.

Students in Years 8 to 12 spent several months developing thoughtful, research‑driven talks on topics that reflected their curiosity and the issues most relevant to their generation.

Subjects for the TEDx JCG Youth event, titled, 'Unfiltered: Truths that shape us' event included the impact of hormones on the adolescent female voice, social media’s influence on body image and self‑worth, the lived experience of Down’s syndrome, AI versus the Arts, and the hidden costs of being a teenager.

In addition to the speaker programme, students took on significant leadership roles in the event’s organisation. Year 12 marketing leads oversaw branding, logistics and promotional design, demonstrating strategic thinking, creativity and professional communication.

Students in Years 9 and 12 led on documentary production, as well as technical support including lighting and sound, ensuring the event meets official TEDx standards.

Mrs Hopkins, Assistant Headteacher and organiser, said: “Watching our students bring TEDx JCG Youth to life was exceptionally rewarding. Their maturity, commitment and intellectual curiosity shone throughout the process. They exemplified the qualities we strive to nurture at JCG - confidence, integrity, courage and independent thought.

“We were delighted to offer this inspiring opportunity, and we were grateful to PwC for their sponsorship. TEDx enabled our students to develop vital real‑world competencies: leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, communication and resilience. Whether they were presenting or working behind the scenes, every student involved has grown in character and capability, gaining skills that will support them far beyond their school years.” 

What our students said…

• Priyanka (Year 10): "I feel confident! I feel a sense of achievement and I’m glad I made a difference to the world."

• Elle (Year 12): "I faced my fears and felt not only proud but truly accomplished."

• Savanna (Year 12): "I now have the knowledge that I can confidently talk about something I am passionate about to an audience and educate people."

• India (Year 12): "I'm definitely more comfortable taking risks and doing things that would normally have scared me."

• Libby (Year 12): "For my future career it’s helped me gain a more positive attitude that I can do it."

• Ella (Year 12): "Fantastic, the atmosphere was electric."

Watch the talks…

Savanna: How Hormones affect the female voice during adolescence 

Hormonal changes during adolescence can alter the voice in ways young singers may misinterpret as decline. Savanna’s idea encourages awareness so young singers avoid damaging their voices and instead learn how to maintain vocal health during these natural changes. 

Penny: Why you shouldn’t give up on your dreams – or yourself 

Penny shares a personal story about pursuing dreams outside societal expectations, encouraging young people to stay motivated and believe in themselves even when others doubt them. 

Mimi: Sport as a Life Subject 

Mimi reframes sport as a powerful tool for developing resilience, teamwork, confidence, and learning from failure—skills that matter far beyond the playing field. 

MJ: The ups (and downs) of Down’s syndrome 

MJ aims to give a clearer, more accurate understanding of what life with Down’s syndrome can involve, including the challenges faced both by individuals and their caregivers. 

Layla: AI vs The Arts 

Layla warns against allowing AI to replace human creativity, highlighting the risks of overuse while urging people to protect space for genuine artistic expression. 

India: The effects of social media on body image and self worth 

India explores how social media shapes body image and self-worth, acknowledging both its benefits and harms while emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy self-image. 

Elle: Does self improvement ever hinder self acceptance? 

Carmella explores how constant self improvement pressure can undermine self-acceptance, leading to decreased motivation and self-worth, and shares how to overcome this mindset. 

Aashi: How to stop overthinking 

Aashi offers practical ways to manage and reduce overthinking, helping people navigate anxiety and everyday challenges with greater calm.

Joy: How to make a decision 

Joy provides simple tools to help people make decisions more confidently when faced with uncertainty or overwhelm. 

Priyanka: How I took my imagination back 

Priyanka challenges stereotypes about OCD and offers new perspectives on understanding it, encouraging people to rethink what they believe they know. 

Ava: The Hidden Costs of Being a Teenager 

Ava reframes teenage life through an economic lens, revealing pressures and hidden costs that are often overlooked and encouraging more empathy for young people. 

Penelope: Breaking up with perfectionism 

Penelope sheds light on the silent struggle of perfectionism and encourages breaking free from it to unlock creativity and reduce self-imposed pressure.