This year, JCG students designed, curated and delivered the island’s first TEDx Youth event, with the help of sponsorship from PwC.
Titled ‘Unfiltered: Truths that shape us’, the event showcased original talks written and presented by students in Years 8 to 12.
Students spent several months developing thoughtful, research‑driven talks on topics that reflected their curiosity and the issues most relevant to their generation. Subjects 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 has been exceptionally rewarding. Their maturity, commitment and intellectual curiosity shine throughout the process. They exemplify the qualities we strive to nurture at JCG - confidence, integrity, courage and independent thought.
Here is what the students said about the experience:
Layla, Year 12, Speaker“I think I am more confident and have also improved my critical writing and research abilities. I am very proud of everyone’s achievements and excited to see what comes next for everyone.”
Joy (Year 9), Speaker: “I have more confidence in myself when I am talking.”
Penny, Year 12, Speaker :“I am proud of myself, relieved that it’s over, and also happy I was on ITV news. I think I believe what I was saying, really writing a speech about my passion helped me to consider it carefully.”
Priyanka, Year 10, Speaker: “I feel confident! I feel a sense of achievement and I’m glad I made a difference to the world. I am more open minded, and feel more confident. I feel like now I could take on public speaking roles more comfortably.”
Savanna, Year 12, Speaker: “I gained the knowledge that I can confidently talk about something I am passionate about to an audience and educate people. I’m so happy I could educate people who watched on a topic I feel strongly is important.”
Carmella, Year 12: “I faced my fears and felt not only proud but truly accomplished.”
Indy, Year 12, Marketing team: “I’m definitely more comfortable taking risks and doing things that I wouldn’t normally.”
Libby, Year 12, Marketing team: “For my future career, it’s helped me gain a more positive attitude that I can do it.”
Ava, Year 12, Marketing team: “I developed my confidence in public speaking, my knowledge of how to organise an event and keep calm under stressful situations.”
Ella, Year 12, Media Team: “The atmosphere was electric